“Tokyo Tattoo 1970 by Martha Cooper: A Volume Found in the MCL Collection”
### Tokyo Tattoo 1970 by Martha Cooper: A Book in the MCL Collection
The realms of art and culture converge in intriguing manners, with tattoos serving as an enduring medium of self-expression that captures personal stories, history, and tradition. For those who have a passion for tattoo art, Japanese culture, or historical photography, *Tokyo Tattoo 1970* by Martha Cooper stands as an exceptional resource that thoroughly investigates these subjects. This enthralling book is now part of the MCL (Metropolitan City Library) Collection, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a vibrant portrayal of a past era.
#### About Martha Cooper: An Iconic Photographer
Martha Cooper is a renowned documentary photographer recognized for her exceptional ability to capture urban art, subcultures, and tattoo culture on a global scale. Most famously acknowledged for her documentation of New York City’s emerging graffiti movement in the 1980s, Cooper’s work has crossed into various genres to conserve ephemeral moments of cultural relevance for future generations. In *Tokyo Tattoo 1970*, Cooper shifts her attention to Japan, providing a rare insight into the aesthetic and ritualistic allure of traditional Japanese tattooing during a pivotal time in the nation’s timeline.
#### The Book: Tokyo Tattoo 1970
*Tokyo Tattoo 1970* serves as a visual and cultural investigation into traditional Japanese tattoo artistry, or *irezumi*, as seen through the lens of Martha Cooper’s photography during her sojourn in Tokyo in the early 1970s. The book functions as a time capsule, presenting not only the elaborate designs and techniques of tattoo artists in Japan but also the societal context surrounding body art at that time.
Japanese tattoos are distinguished by their rich symbolism, complex patterns, and vibrant colors, frequently drawing inspiration from mythological beings, historical tales, and natural elements like waves, cherry blossoms, and koi fish. Although these designs are now synonymous with beauty and artistry, they historically bore intricate meanings in Japanese society, often linked to the working class, *yakuza* (organized crime factions), and acts of resistance against societal norms.
Cooper’s images convey her profound admiration for the craft and the people who practiced it, whether they are tattoo artists, tattooed individuals, or the cultural locales that facilitated their interactions. Her unguarded photography connects viewers to an era when tattoos existed on the fringe of societal acceptance, transforming the body into a canvas for intimate narratives.
#### The Historical Context of Japanese Tattoos
In 1970, Japan teetered on the edge of significant transformation, emerging as a global economic powerhouse while navigating the modernization of its traditional practices. Tattooing, rooted in age-old customs, occupied a precarious position in this evolving landscape. The technique, which melds expert needlework with vivid pigments, was highly specialized and handed down through generations. Despite the artistry involved, cultural stigmas surrounding tattoos continued, partly due to legal prohibitions during the Meiji period (1868–1912), when tattooing was banned because of its connections to criminality and defiance.
By the 1970s, tattooing had garnered a renewed recognition as a form of art and personal expression within certain subcultures, although it still bore a stigmatized image. Martha Cooper’s photographic record encapsulates this duality, depicting individuals who proudly showcase their tattoos as symbols of identity while navigating a society that frequently viewed them with suspicion.
#### Artistry and Technique
One of the standout features of *Tokyo Tattoo 1970* is its intricate depiction of the techniques employed by traditional Japanese tattoo artists, known as *horishi*. These artisans often used hand-poking methods, or *tebori*, a meticulous process that involves manually inserting ink beneath the skin using needles affixed to wooden handles. The book highlights this elaborate method and the commitment of the artists, whose work is grounded in precise craft and an unwavering enthusiasm for their art.
Cooper also emphasizes the strong relationships between tattoo artists and their clients, often built on a foundation of mutual trust and respect. A single tattoo may take months or even years to finish, cultivating a profound personal bond between the tattooist and the recipient.
#### A Celebration of Cultural Heritage
*Tokyo Tattoo 1970* is not merely a record of body art—it is a tribute to cultural preservation, resilience, and individuality. Through her photography, Martha Cooper elevates tattooing to its rightful status as a form of high art intricately intertwined with personal and cultural identity.
The book’s striking visuals are enhanced by thought-provoking captions and contextual insights. Readers can anticipate a deeper appreciation of Japanese tattoos that goes beyond their visual appeal, recognizing the cultural stories and historical challenges that have influenced the art form.
#### Why You Should Explore it in the MCL Collection
The presence of *Tokyo Tattoo 1970* in the MCL Collection offers a distinctive chance for readers to delve into this niche yet profoundly impactful genre. Whether you are an art lover, a historian, or simply intrigued by the intersection of Japanese culture and tattoo art