SOLD. Rare Set of 2 Antique Japanese Tattoo Photograph
Rare Antique Japanese Tattooed Man Set of Photographs. Authentic Silver Gelatin Print with
hand painted color retouch. Highly collectible. Acquired in Paris (France) in the 80’s at a private gallery.
Print (unframed) measures 10.5″ (27cm) width 13.75″ height (35cm). Image is double sided, which is also rare.
Added Information: June 2021
Photograph has been removed from frame to showcase the photo hidden on the verso.
You can see that these are actual photographs mounted on thick paper stock/board, in a sepia tone, with actual color retouching; you can actually see the very faint paint brush markings, especially in the tattoo colors, particularly the red on his back.
The 2 photographs are hard to describe; I am estimating the print to be from the 1920-30’s. The paper is thick (like paper cardboard) and has a different texture/color paper trim on the edges, so my feeling is that it comes from a boxed set. It can’t be from a publication, since there are no binding marks on either side ( see photos).
The reverse image is quite beautiful; yet has a few markings, but overall, an extremely serene & stern portrait of perhaps a monk or priest. This is a rare and truly beautiful set of images.
SOLD. Private Collection, Paris.