Not Tiring of Defeat Leads to Victory

40% off on "Ryushin"!! Only 5 more days to go!!

2012-01-21T11:40:00.000+01:00

Kofuu-Senju Publications classic book of Irezumi master Horiyoshi III's fantastic dragon painitngs is still obtainable for merely 119 Euro plus shipping. The offer ends on January 26th, so be on your toes for this one!
Find more info in the upper right of this blog.

Horiyoshi III of Yokohama.
photo by Alex reinke

Ryu to botan Irezumi backpiece in the works.Today I colored the

2012-01-17T15:10:00.000+01:00

Today I colored the big pink botan (peony) and the details of the dragons head. The yellow is still a bit bloddy in the photo, but usually rotary machine works stops bleeding within the minute.

This traditional japanese tattoo has been in the works for a few years now. Odd how time slips away. Another appointment is scheduled for thursday next week and I plan to get a lot done during those three hours.

Selling of tebori tools for irezumi (the traditional Japanese tattoo)

2012-01-16T12:33:00.001+01:00

I am selling some of my Tebori (hand tattooing tools). Custom made for me by a local knifemaker and blacksmith. This one turns into a hand made knife with a supersharp beautiful damscus blade in tanto shape. Sheath made from laquered birch. Handle from birch and iron. It fits with the needle cartouches designed by Horiyoshi III and they are available from the Yokohama Tattoo Museum. Price is 400 Euro.

This one is antique ivory with iron and brass. Price is 3000 Euro.

If interested mail me at matti@horimatsu.com. Since I am going to the Milan Tattoo Convention in the beginning of February it is possible to bring the items there for delivery. However the item/items have to be paid in advance.

Don't miss out on the great offer of 40% off on the classic horiyoshi III book "Ryushin".

2012-01-15T12:43:00.001+01:00

Horiyoshi III tattooing in Yokohama september 2009.

As mentioned earlier, Kofuu-Senju Publications are celebrating the upcoming release of their new book, "Dentowaza" by lowering the price of "Ryushin" until the 26th of january!
This is a strictly limited edition of 1000 copies of which two thirds are already sold, so this is Your opportunity to walk away with a book that is a must for anyone into irezumi, the traditional Japanese tattoo.

Here's the Kofuu-Senju Publications blog.

Chushingura Irezumi backpiece getting colored in.

2012-01-14T12:37:00.000+01:00

Anton is getting somewhere with his Chushingura full body Irezumi piece.

Over christmas Anton returned in order to start coloring his Chushingura (Loyal 47 Ronin) backpiece. In the en we will end up with a fully closed (Donburi) body suit in one way or the other incorporating all the famous fortyseve ronin.

For anyone interested in this story, it's true and fabled backgrounds, please visit the in depth website of Samurai Archives.

Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen Irezumi piece completed.

2012-01-13T11:11:00.000+01:00

Uesugi Kenshin and Takeda Shingen in their famous stand off .

Uesugi Kenshin (top) and Takeda Shingen (bottom). Characters based on a Kabuki woodblock print by Toyohara Kunichika (1835-1900)

Fugen Bosatsu bonji.

This piece was started about 4 years ago. During that time Emanuel moved away to Stockholm in order to study, and the opportunities to complete it has been scarce since then. However, a few days after the new year we made a joint effort and finally reached the end of the journey.

Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin are two very famous samurai Daimyo (lords) and if you click their names you read about them at the eminent Samurai Archives website.

Horiyoshi III book of dragon paintings, Ryushin, 40% off for a limited time!

2012-01-12T09:01:00.000+01:00

Coinciding with the release of our new Irezumi book, Dentowaza, we are offering our classic first book Ryushin at a reduced price. Perhaps the best book to date featuring the ink paintings of master Horiyoshi III of Yokohama. Orginally priced at 199 Euro plus shipping it is now available for 119 Euro plus shipping. Shipping worldwide is 35 Euro.
Easiest way to order is to pay directly to our PayPal account senju@kofuusenjupublications.com. Write "Ryushin 40% off", so we know what you are ordering.
The offer is valid until the 26th of January 2012.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:40:00.002+01:00

I wish all my readers a truly Happy New Year.

Men Chirashi - scattering of masks (by Horimatsu)

2011-12-28T22:06:00.000+01:00

Fred completed his Nagasode sleeve showing a Hannya mask and Yama Tengu mask together with Sakura in wind and water. Very pleased with this one.

Karajishi Botan Completed. (by Horimatsu)

2011-12-16T13:44:00.001+01:00

Anders visited from the south of Sweden and stayed for two days to complete his shishibun piece portraying the classic Shishi with peony flowers. This piece took about 22 hours from start to final yellows.

Fudo Myoo (by Horimatsu)

2011-12-15T09:05:00.001+01:00

Marius visited from Leipzig, Germany in order to start his Fudo Myoo Irezumi piece. The image above shows where we left it after about twelve hours of work.

When I mention how many hours each part takes it's mainly because I want the prospective new client to understand at which speed I work and how long something may take to create. The twelve hours mentioned includes making the stencil of Fudo Myoo, drawing on the skin in order to create the rest, setting up and breaking down the work area and equipment and the actual tattooing.

The image was captured using a Fujifilm X100 camera and is straight out of the camera with no post enhancement whatsoever.

New Movie on the Horimatsu Youtube Channel!

2011-12-08T09:23:00.000+01:00

Ryukannon Continued (by Horimatsu)

2011-12-05T14:59:00.001+01:00

Sebastian visited from Germany once again. 4 days and 13 1/2 hours really made a huge difference. We now have a total of 41 1/5 hours into this backpiece, including drawing, setting up machines etc. Next time we work is at the Milan Tattoo Convention in February next year.

Hatsuhana (by Horimatsu)

2011-11-25T09:22:00.000+01:00

After a two year absence Viktor from Stockholm returned for in order to make progress on what has to be one of my favourite pieces, depicting Hatsuhana doing pennance under the Tonowaza waterfall. During three days and the equal amount of four-hour sessions we touched up some of the shading on the back and started work on both gobu (5/10) sleeves.

This is the painting I did back in 2005 which forms the basic for this piece. Seven years is a long time when you constantly work to refine your work, and its interesting to see ones own development. This especially applies to the design of the background.

Above are two of the original woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e) that inspired me for this painting and they are still among my absolute favourites. Especially the lower one, designed by Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

The path of Irezumi - Introduction (by Horimatsu)

2011-11-20T14:26:00.000+01:00

Bamboo Sumi-e painting by unknown Japanese painter.

As the winters first snow silently begins it attempts of blanketing the world in its white cold embrace, I finally sit down to begin writing the beginning of what is hopefully an ongoing essay on my path of Irezumi, the traditional Japanese tattoo.
In these writings I will try to share my personal experience of the phenomena, as well as my insights and personal views on the subject matter. Forgive me if my language at times may seem overly academic and unessecary embroidered. Over the years I have come to realize that this is the way I speak about these things, and trying to change that fact would be an act of futility.

I will not try to write about things in any specific order. They will be jotted down as they come to me. neither will there be a certain space and time inbetween the posting of these writings. If I do not have anything to say, I will remain silent. If you as a reader choose to comment, please bear in mind that I am a more than full time working artist with a wife and three children. Answers will come when I have time.

It is also very important to keep in mind that my views and thoughts on Irezumi do not offer any universal way of viewing the matter. Just like any art form or tradition, Irezumi is a living breathing entity which changes parts of its appearance as it chooses new hosts to dwell in.
The principal reason I have for sharing and discussing my path of Irezumi, which involves many other aspects of culture and spirituality ( both Japanese and western), is that I feel that so far the great boom in traditional Japanese tattooing here in the west usually focuses overwhelmingly on the graphic language, and that a door into a deeper understanding needs to be inched open.

I am not saying that there's anything wrong with simply enjoying creating tattoos more or less influenced by Irezumi. Anyone is perfectly free to create his or hers personal art. I nevertheless want to try and share the deeper knowledge and insights that I share with some of the Japanese masters as well as some of the few european ones.
Because if you as a person and an artist find yourself attracted to the aesthatics and visual shape of Irezumi, there is so much more enjoyment and growth to be had if you try and penetrate just a little deeper into it.
Of course I can only speak for myself. I have intensly studied this artform and its traditions for over ten years by now. I have read more books on Japanese art, history, culture and religion than I can remember. I have the tendencies of somebody manic when I delve into things and Irezumi (japan) has proved to be the thing that I have stuck with the longest so far. All these words that has passed before my eyes would on the other hand have little or no meaning in reality if they were not paired up with the unchallenged power of personal experience of the phenomen

So please feel free to return to this blog in the near future in order to take what you want, need or care for in what I choose to share with the reader. Be sure that there are a few things I prefer to keep a secret until you have matured enough. When that happens, the things are no longer a secret to you, and I will not have to tell you.

Kingyo to Sakura (by Madako)

2011-11-16T13:38:00.001+01:00

Ida is getting her first Gobun sleeve by Madako.

Fudo Myoo cover-up continued.(by Horimatsu)

2011-11-15T13:30:00.002+01:00

Antti visted me this past weekend in order to continue work on his Fudo Myoo cover-up sleeve. We did approximately 4 hours a day for three days in a row. I am very pleased the way we ended up this time. Now just one more visit remains until the piece is completed. hopefully it will be relatively soon.

Here's a link to the older blogpost showing our humble beginnings on this cover-up.

Noh Masks and Momiji (by Horimatsu)

2011-11-06T23:12:00.001+01:00

Malin's gobu (5/10) sleeve of Noh masks and Momiji was completed a while back. I just recently found the photos. My wife and partner Madako is now working to turn this in to a nagasode (full sleeve). After that they will probably start her back. After more than 14 years together it's amazing how hers and my own work can blend into each other so smoothly. Madako is a natural and I wish I could possess her technical ease and grace.

Becoming Ryu (by Horimatsu)

2011-11-04T23:07:00.000+01:00

Mick just visited me from Denmark. His first gobu (5/10) sleeve was finnished after three days of continous work. He was a true fighter and hero and I am very pleased with this piece. Maybe next year will see the other gobu in place?

Heron Girl (by Madako)

2011-11-02T23:04:00.000+01:00

Madako (Ingela Sedholm) working on Björn's nagasode portraying the Heron girl. Almost finnished now!

New Movie at the Horimatsu Irezumi Family Youtube channel.

2011-10-28T09:26:00.000+02:00

In order to view more of Micael Norbergs work please visit www.micaelnorberg.com.

Monju, Shishi and Kirin

2011-10-24T23:36:00.000+02:00

This is the second Monju Bosatsu I did in jsut seven days. Such a coincidence that two clients, not related or aquainted, and both of asian decent, would pick this design within such a short space of time.
Kevin came up from Gothenburg to have this done in consecutive days. With this piece, and as my client wished so, I opted for a style more resembling buddhist esoteric paintings. Of course the concept went once or twice through my Irezumi heart. This is what we ended up with. Very happy with this.

I must point out the irregularity in myself deviating from my usual Irezumi style. This is something I will only try for Buddhist or perhaps Shinto content.

Ryu in the Works (by Horimatsu)

2011-10-23T23:38:00.000+02:00

A full Irezumi backpiece depicting a Ryu (dragon) that I am creating. It features some cover up elements and that's usually tricky but never difficult really. I have found hiding (actually I am not to found of the term "cover up") has more to do with being creative rather than actually blasting old work over.

As usual, I am working from a partial stencil (the xalligraphy on the skull in the Ryu's claws required this) and then I draw the rest on the skin with markers. Hopefully we'll get some more sessions in on this one soon.

Episode 2: Madako

2011-10-21T12:20:00.000+02:00

A new episode from the Horimatsu Irezumi Family's YouTube channel. This time featuring Madako at work. Enjoy!

Monju Bosatsu and Shishi (by Horimatsu)

2011-10-18T21:30:00.000+02:00

Thomas chose an image of Monju Bosatsu seated on a Shishi. The tattoo was completed within a week in three sessions. Thomas arm is quite wide and I am shure I could have filled my own thigh with this design. Monju Bosatsu is quite uncommon as a tattoo here in the west, and I thought I never would get this request. Funny enough, I ended up doing another Monju Bosatsu the following week. Images of that coming soon. This Irezumi piece was created entirely with the use of rotary machines, which have been my favored tool for some time now.
I nevertheless feel the urge for getting back to working with the tebori (traditional hand tattooing tool) and will do so in the near future,

New! the Horimatsu Irezumi Family Youtube channel. Enjoy!

2011-10-13T07:57:00.000+02:00

Peony and Butterflies (Madako)

2011-10-12T23:08:00.002+02:00

Madako (Ingela Sedholm) working on Jenny at outdoor cultural expo in Umeå May 2011

2011-10-11T23:08:00.000+02:00

Kirin, Shishi, Masks and Botan (Horimatsu)

2011-10-09T21:14:00.001+02:00

These sleeves were completed just at the start of summer. Hopefully Alexander will return in order to start on his back soon so that he may become a completed whole.

Hannya, Koi and Botan (Horimatsu)

2011-10-08T09:12:00.000+02:00

Taira Tomomori completed (Horimatsu)

2011-10-07T08:42:00.000+02:00

This is a piece that I finnished in the beginning of summer but for various reasons I haven't gotten around to posting it here yet. This piece required a lot of work because of all the detail, but was nevertheless completed within a single month. Ludwig was determined to have it done as fast as possible, so we aimed for long sessions, sometimes two days in a row.

The story of Taira Tomomori is an itriguing one, and a favourite theme for myself as well as the Ukiyo-e designers of Edo period (1600-1868) Japan. The image of general Tomomori himself is adapted from an early Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861). I have posted an image of here below.

Print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Kintaro - not quite completed (Horimatsu)

2011-10-06T08:56:00.000+02:00

This piece is in fact finnished, but I have not photographed it properly yet. Here some of the colours are still missing. I was really fun and interesting to work with a Kintaro design that did not depict him in water wrestling the koi. There are so much more to choose from when it comes to Kintaro designs. All one has to do is do proper research into Ukiyo-e.

I can not stress this enough - if you want to be able to create proper Irezumi there is no way you can get around studying. This means reading book upon book on japanese culture and history, until the lines of evidence converge in such a way that you can be shure of what you are doing in your Irezumi.

Irezumi demands total dedication. Always keep that in mind. For the westerner that do not have the opportunity to learn from a Japanese master, all that remains is study, study, study. And to never give up, of course.

Koi to momiji (Madako)

2011-10-05T20:54:00.002+02:00

Massiliano's sleeve - full colour in two days (Horimatsu)

2011-10-04T20:37:00.001+02:00

Massiliano came back up from Milan in order to finnish his sleeve with Shishi, Koi and Botan. We worked for two days in a row and finnished just in time to drive him to his flight. The images are of the slightly swollen and bruised result after the last two days. In February I will meet up with him in Milan in order to get som real studio photographs.

I really like working like this - focused on primarely one or two pieces each week. It has also worked out great for all the travelling clients. They get a lot done in a relatively short space of time, and energy can be kept at an optimum level at all times. Everybody benefits.

For anyone interested in how this piece looked before colour was done, please go here

Red Koi sleeve taking shape. (Horimatsu)

2011-10-02T08:52:00.001+02:00

Christoffer has chosen Koi and Botan in water for his first sleeve. Even though I do make many, many Koi I never grow tired of creating new versions of the design. In the repetition lies the path to mastering any design. In fact, there is no single design I prefer working with above others. It's the tradition itself that intrigues me, and it always seem to be many parts to the whole.

Butterfly and Sakura. (Madako)

2011-09-30T14:58:00.001+02:00

Ho-o in progress (Madako)

2011-09-29T10:38:00.001+02:00

Based on a painting by the legendary Jakuchu, this piece should hopefully be completed before christmas. Jenny is a dedicated irezumi client and I'm sure she'll see it through. Earlier I had done two Shishi with Botan (peony) for her sleeves, accompanied by some nice butterflies.

Hannya Cover Up - further progress. (Horimatsu)

2011-09-28T11:05:00.001+02:00

As summer reached it's peak in the beginning of July we had gotten this far on Lars Hannya cover up. After this photograph was captured we have actually brought it a little further still. I didn't get a good photograph of that, and since Lars spends the autumn, winter and spring at a fish factory on a remote Norwegian island, we have to wait until next year in order to continue.

Karasu-tengu sleeve in four days. (Horimatsu)

2011-09-27T11:30:00.000+02:00

Monochrome Karasu-tengu sleeve completed in four days. Sebastian travelled up from Ötsersund and held up fantasically through the ordeal. I love to work like this. All focus is on the task at hand, and the completed image revealing itself in front of my eyes. I don't do a lot of monochrome pieces but this one really made me want to explore that path further.

Kumonryu Shishin completed. (Horimatsu)

2011-09-26T11:23:00.001+02:00

I Finnished this at the beginning of summer. There are plans to take more serious photographs during this autumn, as soon as we have completed setting up our photo studio. In fact there is a whole little photo project in my mind, involving many of the recent years clientele. You'll see when I get there.

Progress on Heron Girl sleeve (Madako)

2011-09-26T09:37:00.000+02:00

Ryukannon continued. (Horimatsu)

2011-09-25T13:36:00.004+02:00

Day 1

day 2

day 3

day 4

Sebastian came back from Germany and had some more work done on his Ryukannon backpiece. He held out for four days and a total of 15 1/2 hours. Great stamina and great tenacy in this client! He will be back in December this year for a futher quartet of sessions. Maybe we'll get really close to finnishing then. we'll see.

Horimatsu Art for Sale.

2011-07-17T19:34:00.005+02:00

I have decided to part from some of my drawings and paintings. If interested, contact me at matti@horimatsu.com in order to reserve Your piece and get a total including shipping.
All pieces are original, of course. The photographs are not the best. Contrast came out a little poor and the white balance got a little thrown. If needed, I can arrange for further photographs of the items.

Kurikaraken. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 430 US Dollars.

Karashishi Botan. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 430 US Dollars.

Kitsune. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 385 US Dollars.

Tengu. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 360 US Dollars.

Ryu no Kiku. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 330 US Dollars.

Koi no Momiji. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 315 US Dollars.

Tsuru no Matsu. 30x40 cm. Copic on paper. 360 US Dollars.

Madako of the Horimatsu Irezumi Family.

2011-07-17T11:54:00.000+02:00

I have been tattooing together with my wife for over 13 years now. Six months ago she decided to take up the path of Irezumi. She tattoos using the title Madako. Please visit her blog and see for yourselves. Go here.

Hannya Cover Up in progress. (Horimatsu)

2011-07-13T08:33:00.003+02:00

A more recent photo of this project is posted on my new Fuji X100 blog. Go here!

New Photoblog by Horimatsu/Senju/Matti Sedholm!

2011-07-05T17:39:00.003+02:00

I got the amazing Fujifilm X100 camera a while back, and it has totally changed my outlook on photography, or rather the case is that I have finally found the right tool for my photographic expression. If you're interested, please go Here.

Taira Tomori in progress. (Horimatsu)

2011-05-27T19:34:00.002+02:00

This piece was started in the beginning of this month. Ludwig is of a determinate mind and comes in for appointments as often as possible. It's really rewarding, both in focus and speed, if I am able to create a piece almost non-stop. More colors will be added on monday.

Kara-Jishi Botan in progress. (Horimatsu)

2011-05-25T19:30:00.004+02:00

This was started on thursday last week. Anders came up from way down south to have this particular piece done. After 11 hours in 2 days, this is what he left for home with. The colors and the rest of the background will be done this autumn.

Koi to Botan in three consecutive sessions. (Horimatsu)

2011-04-18T09:07:00.003+02:00

Patrik from Linköping/Kalix was recently here to get a halfsleeve started. And finnished. He stayed three days and that made it possible for me to complete the piece.

Ryukannon in the works. (Horimatsu)

2011-04-15T08:59:00.004+02:00

Sebastian came up from germany to start his full Irezumi body suit. We had been discussing it for quite some time, and it was finally the right time for everyone involved. He stayed for three days, made a tremendous effort in the face of pain and we achieved more than I initially thought possible.

the Buddhist imagery holds a special place in the Horimatsu heart and I am thrilled and exited that Sebastian has chosen Ryukannon for his back.

He will return this fall.

Suikoden hero Kumonryu underway. (Horimatsu)

2011-04-10T14:09:00.002+02:00

Some shading and the color is all that remains now. Soon.

Koi & momiji sleeve finnished. (Horimatsu)

2011-04-08T14:05:00.001+02:00

Another sleeve have been completed. Now coloring and shading needs to be done on the oppsing arm. We will complete this set of arms within a couple of weeks.

Chushingura project continued. (Horimatsu)

2011-04-06T13:59:00.002+02:00

Pro snowboarder and local, Anton Gunnarsson, completed a few more sessions on our Chushingura project last week. The tribal in the neck is getting covered after we capture photographs of his finnished irezumi back.

Seki No To cover-up project completed. (Horimatsu)

2011-04-04T13:54:00.003+02:00

Yesterday we finally completed this piece. 7 1/2 hours of coloring in what is probably the longest session I've ever done. Now we have to wait a month or so for photographs of the healed result.

Information on Horiyoshi III and the recent earthquake in Japan.

2011-03-20T23:19:00.002+01:00

Please go here for more information.

Peter's Kintaro back getting extended into Donburi. (Horimatsu)

2011-03-01T12:57:00.002+01:00

beginning of Fudo Myoo no Ryu cover-up on Antti from Finland. (Horimatsu)

2011-02-28T12:54:00.001+01:00

Karasu Tengu

2011-02-27T12:53:00.000+01:00

Beshimi-Akujo

2011-02-26T12:51:00.000+01:00

Akaryu gets some colour in the Kiku.

2011-02-25T12:33:00.000+01:00

Roshishin almost completed.

2011-02-24T12:31:00.001+01:00

"KOKORO", our new photobook on Horiyoshi III is out now!

2011-02-23T13:49:00.002+01:00

To get all the information on how to order etc, please follow this link!

YAMATO DRUMMERs of JAPAN

2011-02-04T22:13:00.000+01:00

I went to see "Yamato - the Drummers of Japan" playing one of their first shows on their new world tour right here in Umeå. I was absolutely blown away by the energy and the pure raw power of this amazing group of true artist. If they play near you - be sure to go there. You will understand.

Tamasaburo "Sagi Musume" 坂東玉三郎「鷺娘」 - beginning section

2011-02-01T12:05:00.000+01:00

I started a new piece this morning based on this Kabuki play. Enjoy

Almost Done.

2011-02-01T08:48:00.000+01:00

In progress

2011-01-26T12:14:00.002+01:00

News on our next book on Horiyoshi III

2011-01-24T23:19:00.001+01:00

In a couple of weeks our new photo book on irezumi master Horiyoshi III of Yokohama will be released. Go here for info!

Kintaro

2011-01-22T18:15:00.002+01:00

Finally, a real photograph of Peter's Kintaro piece. It was finnished about a year ago but things have been very busy lately with our book publishing effort, Kofuu-Senju Publications, and just keeps slipping. We have started his front as well and are way ahead on that one.

Return

2010-11-26T10:44:00.001+01:00

In progress.

"Ryushin", our new book on the dragons of Horiyoshi III is to be released on Sept. 24th!!

2010-09-07T15:59:00.002+02:00

This book is a strictly limited (2000 copies) luxurious coffetable art book. Information on how to reserve your copy (no advance payment necessary) can be found here
Don't miss out on this!

KofuuSenju Publications makes a book about Horiyoshi III.

2010-05-06T14:32:00.003+02:00

In order to let you keep up with things as they evolve around our book publishing effort KofuuSenju Publications we have created a blog devoted to just that. Please go here

2010-01-14T21:13:00.000+01:00

Amaterasu.

2010-01-13T09:37:00.002+01:00

Long time client Christoffer is back after a longer break for travels and such. I am delighted!
The posting in the near future will be mostly visual since I am way deep into the publishing and book world.
Please see the links for Kofuu-Senju Publishers, a book creating effort by Horimatsu (Matti Sedholm) and Horikitsune (Alex Reinke).

We will try to maintain control of our publications through every step. This means that they will be photographed by us, written by us (sometimes with guests), designed by us and published by us.

Horimatsu Film.

2010-01-07T12:22:00.001+01:00

Deshi Micael has started filming around the studio with his new Canon 7D. You can watch the first film here

2010-01-05T09:27:00.000+01:00

Breaking the Surface, Filling the Lungs. Action!

2010-01-03T23:27:00.002+01:00

Finally a working version of the Kofuu-Senju Publisher's website is up and running! In the next few weeks more information on various topics will be added, so check back when you have time and inclination to do so.

Work on the first book project, "Kokoro", a portrait of Master Horiyoshi III is progressing nicely.
Me and Horikitsune will return to Japan this spring to continue the collecting of photography and insights that was started last fall.
Besides "Kokoro" we have a number of projects and publications lined up for the years to come, so rest assured that we will be around for some time. Hopefully our work will tell the stories that we see as we look around within our personal universes, and hopefully you'll want to share those glimpses of the floating world with us.

2010-01-01T16:36:00.003+01:00

So the New Year begins and as always, there's a tingling of expectations in the Horimatsu gut.
The delayed website for Kofuu-Senju Publications will soon be up and running, and the work on the first book to be published, "kokoro", is going well. Other book projects and ideas are lined up and awaiting progress. I will let you know as soon as the site is up.

2010 will have many hours of tireless work on various Irezumi pieces. Some old clients are approaching completion while new ones are in the stages of planning and discussing.
I expect to be busy as usual, and wish to thank all the committed men and women that present their skin as an offering to Irezumi and becoming it. You have my sincere gratitude and I hope that my work and words can be of use to You.

(the photograph shows clearing summer sky over Kyoto)

Breaking Bread.

2009-12-30T09:47:00.004+01:00

Being in the presence of a devoted man like Master Horiyoshi III is food for the soul. Accompanying him to the dinner table makes it twice as rich.

2009-12-29T10:47:00.000+01:00

Rickard and Ryu.

2009-12-28T09:35:00.003+01:00

A few weeks ago I visited Örnsköldsvik and made this photograph of one of my clients. I had set up a makeshift photostudio in my friend Magnus's hallway using one Elinchrome D-lite 2 flashhead with a large softbox, some black (too wrinkly) fabric and a large handheld reflector.
The sword is a Iato that I bought in Kyoto on my first trip to Japan and the Hakama pants are my first pair of Kendo hakama I got some eight years ago.

I'll give this set up anpther try later on at my proper photostudio at the Horimatsu studios.

2009-12-27T13:58:00.001+01:00

Like the little stream
Making its way
Through the mossy crevices
I, too, quietly
Turn clear and transparent.

Ryokan (1758-1831)

Merry Christmas.

2009-12-24T08:47:00.004+01:00

A very warm and happy holiday to all readers of Not Tiring.....
Posting will begin anew as christmas fades into a soft and distant memory.

(print by Kawase Hasui)

2009-12-23T07:06:00.000+01:00

Few people mastered the art of woodblockprint designing and making the way Kawase Hasui did.
As Christmas, with it's strange tranquillity, approaches, I wanted to show this wonderful print by Hasui depicting Ueno Kiyomizu Temple in snow.

2009-12-22T07:29:00.000+01:00

Linda and the Akaryu (Red Dragon).

2009-12-21T07:24:00.000+01:00

Linda started her Irezumi backpiece about 5 years ago. At first we were going at breakneck speed, almost completing the whole piece in under a year. Then came two succesful pregnancies (congratulations!) and all the things that comes with being a new parent. A few weeks ago she appeared again and I am pleased to be able to work on this piece again.

Ho-o's Everywhere Nowadays.

2009-12-20T07:22:00.000+01:00

New client Simon also found his way to the slopes of Mt. Sumeru!

Koryosai Ho-o.

2009-12-19T07:08:00.000+01:00

Jonas travels many miles each session in order to honor his intention to have the Four Guardians (Ho-o, Turle, Diger, Dragon) as an Irezumi piece. After just a few sessions progress is promising and I am very satisfied with the results. This image is based on a print by Koryosai (1764-1788) that Jonas himself found on the internet. Good work!

When clients try to study Ukiyo-e and Irezumi before deciding on what to get tattooed by a Horishi, the result comes out great. It is nevertheless crucial to make sure that your source is credible so mistakes and dissapointments are avoided.

Deserve.

2009-12-18T07:59:00.000+01:00

If you are in possession of knowledge it is vital to pass what you have been given. To jealously guard creativity as some kind of secret will only cast a shadow of doubt as to wether or not you have deserved your position.
Irezumi is a responsibilty as well as jewel to be cared for. Always keep in mind that you are a vital link in the chain between then and later that we call Tradition. Nevertheless you are nothing more than a link, and your effort should be guided to strengthen the possibilities for future Horishi to take the artform and the tradition to even higher levels.

2009-12-17T07:51:00.000+01:00

End.

2009-12-16T07:01:00.001+01:00

We completed Emanuel's full Irezumi back depicting Suikoden heroes Kumonryu and Roshishin.
It took a little more than a year and it is with an sensation one leaves the work behind one self.

Towards the End (we sigh in relief as we let go).

2009-12-15T06:48:00.000+01:00

Not very much left now.

Sundayness.

2009-12-14T07:23:00.001+01:00

Over the years I am becoming increasingly aware of the cycles. How things metamorphoze and shapeshift, constantly slipping the grip which so longs for order and stability. In this lies the trick to it; there is no stability to be had! Becoming water and adapting to the current shape of ones own creative vessel, loosing oneself and stumble upon, thats the key. If now indeed a key is needed to this door that wasn't locked in the first place.

Irezumi is not simply the inserting of ink into skin. The heart is the artist and the gut is the brush. They see Irezumi everywhere and in many shapes. Do not get me wrong. Irezumi is tradition and keeping that close to heart as you proceed is without a doubt of the greatest importance. Without it you're severed head will soon be on display. Still, the very pursuit of this tradition and the adherence to it, opens doors, eyes, hearts, minds and suddenly one finds oneself in places oneself swore not to go. Constantly re-thinking and re-inventing. Taking to heart and throwing away. Belief. Disbelief. Relief.

The further one travels the harder the words come, beyond mere description and straight into the realm of physicality, eyebrow to eyebrow with Tesshu, Ikkyu, Hokusai, Ryokan, Horiyoshi III and the others. Almost at the edge of insanity, so immense are the possibilities. Why struggle against ghosts that are not there?

Pausing.

2009-12-07T19:56:00.002+01:00

This Blog will take a break for 7 days.
See You again next monday.

Beard

2009-12-06T21:05:00.003+01:00

I found this self portrait browsing through my laptop. It's a little pompous, but I like it anyway. Especially the beard. I always attempt to promote the growth of a beard, but in the end the itching always gets me and I go back to the sleek cheek. The painting of Bodhidharma (Daruma) in the background is very dear to me. I have no clue as to who the artist is (it was an Ebay buy), but the rendition is clever and I like the softer more humane side shown in this image.

Daruma had a beard.

Horimatsu Brush and Ink.

2009-12-04T06:49:00.000+01:00

The Swedish word for Tea.
By Horimatsu.

My daughter Visits the Horimatsu Studio.

2009-12-03T08:46:00.001+01:00

Monday 30th of November at the Horimatsu Studio.

2009-12-02T08:42:00.000+01:00

Still Life of Irezumi Client and Tube of Vaseline.

2009-12-01T07:39:00.001+01:00

Walking Back to the Temple (Shunkoin).

2009-11-30T07:06:00.000+01:00

As Myself and Horikitsune were walking back to the Zen temple we had chosen as our accomodation in Kyoto this scorching hot and early september, I captured some images that have come to be important to me. The why is a silent one.

Horikitsune Updates.

2009-11-29T07:58:00.000+01:00

Horikitsune, dear friend of mine and student of master Horiyoshi III of Yokohama has updated his briliant new website with some more photos of his work, as well as some more texts to accompany his and Horiyoshi III's vision of Irezumi.
I truly recommend a visit to www.horikitsune.com