From renowned photographer Martha Cooper, this is a book about the traditional art of tattooing and a rare portrait of a master artist. It provides a unique glimpse into the world of traditional Japanese tattooing in Tokyo in 1970, and collects photographs capturing the Japanese art of Irezumi (often associated with the Yakuza, but also widely recognised for its cultural significance and artistry). It follows the tattooist Horibun through his work, his customers and their tattoos.Martha Cooper came to Tokyo in 1969. She soon became interested in the local art of tattooing and began documenting the work of traditional Japanese tattooist Horibun I who worked with traditional Japanese methods, tattoos made by hand, with different sized bundles of needles bound to sticks which he dipped into coloured inks. His motifs were derived from traditional Japanese legends.