TATTOO. 1730s-1970s. Henk Schiffmacher’s Private Collection. 40th Ed.

A Life in Tattoos offers a captivating exploration of the art of tattooing, drawing from Henk Schiffmacher’s extensive private collection, which spans from the 1730s to the 1970s. This book serves as a hybrid of historical account, art compilation, and memoir, providing insight into over two centuries of tattoo history while sharing intimate stories of the artists themselves. It delves into the challenges and victories they faced, the risks inherent in their craft, and the artistic daring required to succeed in this field.For four decades, Henk Schiffmacher has devoted himself to curating a comprehensive collection that includes tattoo drawings, designs, photographs, and artifacts from various cultures. Each chapter in the book highlights unique items from this collection, showcasing an array of lithographs, etchings, tattooing tools, and original sketches. Among these treasures are vintage flash sheets from significant figures in the early days of Western tattooing. The book features a rich tapestry of the global tattoo scene through hundreds of images, depicting the indigenous practices of the Māori and South Pacific peoples, Asia’s ancient techniques, and the genesis of Western tattooing traditions in Europe and the U.S. Additionally, the book presents twelve original pieces by Schiffmacher, reflecting his singular artistic vision.Schiffmacher provides a unique viewpoint on tattoo history through his anecdotes and reflections, inviting readers to not only learn about the evolution of tattooing but also to appreciate the journey behind assembling one of the world’s largest tattoo collections by a passionate, self-taught artist.