How to Draw Japanese Dragons

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Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 166 - Published: 2008 - Price: $58 - Binding: Softcover

This book is AWESOME!! It is a great new collection of dragon imagery perfect for tattoo design. It includes tons of full page full color imagery as well as instructional pages which focus on tricky areas - 12 pages of heads and pages devoted to noses, horns, ears, eyes, claws, tails - this is the most comprehensive book on drawing Japanese dragons one I've seen yet. The book is softcover, appx. 8.5" x 11.5" and 166 pages. Text in Japanese. A must have for tattoo artists interested in traditional Japanese imagery, and Japanesque art collectors.

Strange Japanese Creatures

Size: 6” x 8.5” - Pages: 155 - Published: 2004 - Price: $58 - Binding: Hardcover

I LOVE THIS BOOK. It is called KAIKI CHOJYU ZUKAN (strange bird/animal picture collection) and features 100 full color images, 1 per page, of mythological creatures including birds with dragon heads, tigers that are part goat, a beast with part snake - part human features, really creepy stuff. The last 50 pages are monochrome thumbnails of more creatures. The book is appx. 6"x8.5" and 155 pages reading right to left. Text is in Japanese.This book is a good one for anyone interested in antique Japanese imagery and anyone intersted in images to use as a springboard for original artwork and designs.

Cats in Japanese Art

Size: 6.5” x 8.5” - Pages: 126 - Published: 2008 - Price: $32 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great little reference book on Japanese cat imagery. Itincludes 126 pages (both full color and monochrome) of Japanese cat illustrations - both paintings and ukiyo-e. Cats are depicted in a wide range of styles...sweet, aloof and in some of the ukiyo-e, menacing - since there are Japanese Ghost stories involving cats. Includes some cool anthropomorphized cats donning kimono and dancing. Lots of food for thought in this little collection. Text is minimal and in Japanese. This is a great Japanese art and tattoo reference book - great to have around the shop.

Japanese Dragon Illustrations

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Size: 8.5" x 11.5" - Pages: 128 - Published: 2008 - Price: $75 - Softcover

This book is cool and a little different from most of the "how to" draw Japanese dragon books I have come across. The dragons included in this collection are all vividly colored, with a whole section devoted to coloring tecniques. It includes heaps of full page, full colored dragon images....lots of different body positions and poses, and also includes some excellent dragon sketches in the back.

Japanese Zodiac Animal Imagery

Size: 7” x 10” - Pages: 150 - Published: 2007 - Price: $40 - Binding: Softcover

This book is a great find for anyone looking for Japanese style imagery of the zodiac animals - rat, chicken, monkey, snake, boar, rabbit, dragon, tiger, horse, ox and goat. Images puled from old advertisements, woodblock prints, stamps, illustrations and photos. Great variety and very original. This is a good reference book for tattoo shops or collectors of Japanese art and designs. Book is 150 pages, appx. 10 pages per animal, 2-3 images per page. Reads right to left, Japanese style, text in Japanese.

Japanese Tiger Design Book

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Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 87 - Published: 1997 - Price: $55 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great reference book for drawing traditional Japanese tigers. It includes well over 50 full color & monchrome examples of tigers done in the traditional Japanese style. Many of these designs are full page paintings. Includes a few pages on specific body and face details to get you started and help you through some of the more difficult areas of design. A must have resource book for tattoo artists interested in traditional Japanese imagery.

Drawing Japanese Dragons Reference Book

Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 90 - Published: 2003 - Price: $60 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great reference book for anyone looking for instruction in drawing traditional Japanese dragons. One of the more comprehensive publications this book is 90 pages of black and white dragon imagery. It includes12 pages devoted to heads, 5 pages of claws and the remaining pages of full body illustrations range from single line drawing to fully shaded dragons with wind spirals. Excellent resource book.

Dragon & Phoenix Design Book - OOP

Size: 7” x 7” - Pages: 140 - Published: 1998 - Price: $50 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great little Japanese book on Dragon and Phoenix designs. 140 pages of monochrome images, an average of 4 to a page, and 22 full color pages in the back all of Dragons and Phoenix. Very good for people looking for an original image, solid black line drawings perfect for tattoo work - easy to replicate or use as a base for your own original artwork. Great little reference book to have around the shop.

Japanese Dragon Design Book

Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 99 - Published: 2007 - Price: $70 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great new collection of dragon imagery perfect for tattoo design. It includes both dragons by master artists like Hokusai as well as current artists who specialize in traditional Japanese imagery. There is a brilliant range of styles in the dragons - each artists brings something new to the book - allowing the reader a broad scope of possibilities. The book is cover to cover illustrations - not so much text in this one, although what is there is in Japanese. The images are, for the most part, ink on paper and therefore monochrome. Many of these designs are full page, so the details are very clear. Includes a few pages of close up face sketches to get you started and help you through some of the more difficult areas of design. A must have for tattoo artists interested in traditional Japanese imagery, and Japanesque art collectors.

Japanese Classic Images w/CD-ROM

Size: 7” x 9” - Pages: 127 - Published: 2001 - Price: $45 - Binding: Softcover

This book is designed to help people create their own stationary/new years card...hence the inclusion of a CD-ROM. The book is a great collection of traditional Japanese imagery, all in full color. The CD-ROM allows you to play with these images, change them to monochrome designs, thicken lines and play around until you've created the exact image you're after. With some luck you'll be able to give you customer an idea of the design without having to laborously draw it out (over and over). This book includes some great images of goldfish, all sorts of flowers including mums and cherry blossom, archways, fans, men and womens kimono and fabric designs, tons of great birds - crane and hawk - sea life, Mt. Fuji scenes, dragons, foo dogs, turtles, workers, warriors, bamboo and a page each for all 12 chinese zodiac animals: dog, cock, monkey, boar, goat, horse, snake, dragon, rabbit, tiger, ox, and rat. Very cool book and a great reference book to have in the shop.

More Japanese Classic Images w/CD-ROM

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Size: 7 x 9 - Pages: 143 - Published: 2002 - Price: $45 - Binding: Softcover

This book is designed to help people create their own stationary/new years card...hence the inclusion of a CD-ROM. The book is a great collection of traditional Japanese imagery, all in full color. The CD-ROM allows you to play with these images, change them to monochrome designs, thicken lines and play around until you've created the exact image you're after. With some luck you'll be able to give you customer an idea of the design without having to laborously draw it out (over and over). This book includes 120 pages of full color images of primarily animals, plants and people. Included are Japanese-esque renditions of frog, fish, crab, waves, deer, squirrel, fox, pig, raccoon, cats, cranes, peacock, hawks, owl, swallows, geese, duck, assorted smaller birds, bijin (beauties in kimono), fruit and some vegetables, cherry and plum blossoms, chrysanthemums, red maple leaves, sunflowers, 2 pages of each of the 12 chinese zodiac animals: dog, cock, monkey, boar, goat, horse, snake, dragon, rabbit, tiger, ox, and rat. Foo dogs, the gods of thunder and wind, shrimp, lunch boxes, kites, noh mask, moon, Mt. Fuji, and background patterns featuring flowers and waves....this book has it all!!! Includes a section on Hiragana symbols as well. The images are brilliant, making this volume a great addition to anyone collection traditional Japanese imagery.

Art Nouveau Design Book with CD-ROM

I Love this book. It is one of a series put out by a publishing house in the Netherlands and the whole series is amazing...The book has introductions in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, dutch, Japanese and Chinese....a little something for everyone! It includes a mac/win compatible CD-ROM of the images. Great for simple small tattoo pieces, frames and bands. This stuff will steer you as an artist and your clients as well down a new avenue of tattoo design.....these are classic pieces yet to be tapped and truly timeless. This book is a great springboard for tattoo ideas and will be a welcome addition to any individual or shop collection.
Size: 8.5” x 9” - Pages: 144 - Published: 2002 - Price: $58 - Binding: Softcover w/CD-ROM

Aizome Art Patterns

Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 144 - Published: 2003 - Price: $50 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great book on Japanese noren and kimono designs...particularly the traditional indigo motifs. This book has some really great images, stunning foo dogs, carp, crane and long tailed turtles, phoenix, dragon, tigers, cherry blossoms, ginko and bamboo...it is a wealth of traditional imagery great for tattoo work.

Hokusai Sketchbook - Animals & Plants

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Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 282 - Published: 1998 - Price: $45 - Binding: Softcover

Hokusai is probably the most well known of ukiyo-e "pictures of the floating world" artists. You know his stuff...he did the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (circa 1826-33) - amazing waves..... This is a volume of his Aminals and Plants sketches - a brilliant traditional Japanese imagery reference book. Text in English and Japanese, B&W images including people, seals, weasels, dogs, cats, wild boar, rabbits, ox, cows, horses, (riders) Kappa (Japanese mythological creature), Japanese fox, bear, BRILLIANT FOO DOGS!!, rhinos, bats, monkeys, deer, fiery horse, elephants, dragons, tigers, raccoon dogs, mice, tapir, baboon, goat, squirrel, donkey, nightinggale, mandarin ducks, geese, cranes, pheasants, roosters, over 30 different birds, carp, eel, octopus, kingyo goldfish, shrimp, tons of different fish and waterlife, dragonflies, spiders, snakes, grasshoppers, butterflies, 48 pages of assorted plants and flowers including iris, chrysanthemum, lotus, water lily, gourd, wasabi, orchid, and cherry blossoms and ending in several pages of different waves and water formations. These images are all pulled from his artwork, they are strikingly Japanese and vary in size from 1/2" to 3". Images vary from simple line drawing to very detailed full page sketches. This is a must have for and Hokusai fan as well as anyone needing a great compilation of tradition Japanese rendering of flora and fauna for their own artistic endeavors. Book is softcover with superior binding.

Hokusai Encyclopedia - ALL THE MANGA & SKETCHES

Size: 6” x 9” - Pages: 932!! - Published: 2005 - Price: $160 - Binding: Hardcover

This is an AMAZING collection of artwork by Japanese master artist Katsushika Hokusai, one of my personal favorites. This is all 15 of the sketchbooks and Manga COMPLETE and bound in one encyclopedic volume! 932 pages of art - an invaluable reference book! This is all the animals, plants, men, women, gods, architecture, demons, objects - basically everything Hokusai saw in his life that he chronicled for future reference (little did he know how far into the future his material would be referenced!) These prints have been previously published individually both in paperback and hardback (the hardback volumes are now out of print), but this is the first time you can get them all in one go. This book is a monster! Text is in Japanese and book reads right to left, Japanese style.

Ito Jakuchu Survey Book

Size: 8” x 11.5” - Pages: 42 - Published: 2004 - Price: $28 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great little introductory book to 18th century Japanese Artist Ito Jakuchu whose traditional renditions of animals are among my favorite. His roosters and phoenix are stunning and his insects delicate. He also did some amazing sea creatures...there is an octopus I have earmarked for a tattoo of my own. This book is not thick, it is 42 pages, but it is 8" x 11.5" and full of brilliant full color renditions of his best stuff. It is a great book for someone just beginning to delve into traditional Japanese artwork and would be a good springboard for original ideas or to serve as examples and inspiration in a tattoo shop.

Hiroshige Collection

Size: 7” x 10” - Pages: 80 - Published: 2007 - Price: $45 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great survey book on the works of master ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige - a contemporary of Hokusai. Includes people, animals - great fish, koi, monkey, ducks, birds...a cool lobster - some of his geisha, plants, and some stunning landscapes. This is a great introduction to his work. He was inspired to become an Ukiyo-e artist by Hokusai's 36 veiws of Mt. Fuji (Hiroshige was a fireman by trade, like his father) and he made his mark in history with his own 56 Stations of the Tokaido - painting famous views along this long road that connects Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto. Hiroshige is a personal favorite. I purchased a copy of the monkey when I first started collection Japanese art and it is amazing. Hiroshige uses bold blues to bring his pieces to life. His colors are striking and really draw the eye. His plants and animals are very detailed and quintessentially Japanese - making this a great reference book for artist interested in Japanese Imagery. Brilliant tattoo reference. Reads right to left, Japanese style and text is in Japanese.

The Black Book: Chasing Dragons

Size: 8.5” x 12” - Pages: 100 - Published: 2007 - Price: $120 - Binding: Hardcover

This is one of the best dragon sketchbooks I've come across. It is called The Black Book - Chasing Dragons (vol. II) and includes illustrations by Sieto Van Der Velde and Jeroen Derks from Yugen Tattoo in Holland. This book includes 100 pages of amazing b&w sketches. These guys pay close attention to detail - good variety of dragon body positions and brilliant facial expressions. This book is masterfully done and a brilliant resource book. The hardback cover makes it a great one for the coffee table as well. These are limited edition. A must have for tattoo artists interested in traditional Japanese imagery, and Japanesque art collectors.

Ito Jakuchu Museum Collection

Size: 9.5” x2” - Pages: 398 - Published: 2002 - Price: $470 - Binding: Hardcover w/box

This book is so badass - it was my Christmas present to myself! It is Ito Jakuchu's entire collection put out by the Kyoto National Museum. It is 200 pages of his paintings, with close up studies of some of the more popular prints - particularly the bird/water scenes. Jakuchu was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1715. He is a solitary figure in the history of Japanese painting, way ahead of his time his style decorative, elaborate and daring. He remained unknown until well after his death, when he was rediscovered in the late 19th century. This book is so thorough it comes with it's own catalog of information about each of the paintings. Insane.

Jakuchu's animals are a personal favorite....his phoenix and roosters in particular. His choice of color and attention to detail are both unique yet quintessentially Japanese. He brings subtle earth tones to life with brilliant red accents - a sun or rooster crown. His underwater scenes are equally stunning, darker yet with vivid details. His octopus is one of my favorite creatures of all times, look carefully, there is a little baby clutching on of his tentacles...awesome. This is a book for collectors. This book is appx. 9.5" x 12" and almost 400 pages. Text is in Japanese and book reads right to left, Japanese style. The print book is all imagery, very little text. The additional catalog is softcover, 150 pages and includes an introduction and list of the plates in English, as well as the Japanese explanations.

Japanese Traditional Animals in Outline

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Size: 7” x 10” - Pages: 228 - Published: 2003 - Price: $52 - Binding: Softcover

This is an awesome book for anyone interested in classic Japanese art. It is 228 pages of outlines intended for use in woodbock prints and kimono embroidery. The outlines are large and images clear. There are some great foo dogs and dragons. The book features both monochrome and trichrome images of animals, including - tigers, dragons, foo dogs, rabbits, elephants, fish, koi/carp, dragonflies and insects, cranes, dogs, goats, monkeys, fox, ox, horses shellfish, shrimp, turtles, turtles of fortune, cranes, ducks, owls, pheasants, cocks, finches, peacocks, warriors, gods, children, flowers, plants, deer, images of gods on clouds/with dragons/riding carp....all sorts of great stuff! This is a great reference book - images are perfect for immediate tattoo work or as a springboard for original artwork.

Mythical Beasts of Japan - From Evil Creatures to Sacred Beasts

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Size: 6 " x 9 " - Pages: 392 - Published: 2009 - Price: $72 - Softcover

This is an amazing book by the people that did the Kingyo and Niwatori books I ha ve in other auctions - if you are going to make one new acquisition this month, this should be it. It is called Mythical Beasts of Japan - From Evil Creatures to Sacred Beasts (sounds similar to the art shows I have been organizing this past year!) and it includes an impressive collection of ukiyo-e woodblock and screen paintings from traditional Japanese masters that feature a huge assortment of creatures. Moreover it has an index in the back that explains the significance and characterstics of eash one. All text, irtroduction as well, is in Japanese and English. The book includes Foo Dogs, Kirin, Dragons, Phoenix, White Elephants, Tigers, Deer, Hakutaku, Baku, Tortoise, Karyobinga, Fujin, Raijin, Goho-Doji, Kenzoku, Oni, Tengu, Catfish, Fox, The entrance to the spirit world, Tsuchigumo, Kappa, Bakeneko, Daijya, the monster Serpent, and Tsukumogami....as well as assorted obake and goblins. The publishers have done an amazing job, I cannot give high enough praise for this compilation - as I flipped through it I was struck by how thorough it is. The book includes few pages of text and the rests is full page, full color images. There is a section in the back that includes photos of Kimono, pottery, sword hilts etc. that feature mythical beasts as well.

Painting Butterflies & Insects

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Size: 21cm x 30cm - Pages: 118 - Published: 2002 - Price: $55 - Softcover

I love love love insects and this book has some incredible dragonflies, praying mantis, grasshoppers, bees and butterflies!! If you do insects and are ready to put an asian twist on them, pick this up. It includes a variety of nice flowers as well - lotus, peopies, lillies, iris. This is a great tattoo reference book. Stock on this book is limited, I only get them in occasionally so please understand if there is a delay on your order. If this book is out of stock I will refund your payment and let you know as soon as more come in. xx

Japanese Traditional Sumi-e Illustrations

Size: 8.5” x 11” - Pages: 152 - Published: 2003 - Price: $48 - Binding: Softcover

This is a collection of Sumi-e Ink Paintings called HAKEN SUIBOKUGA (discovery ink drawing). The prints in this collection are monochrome - black or sepia tones. Some have faint color or color accents. Prints are very stunning, traditional Japanese scenes, many craggy mountains, plum blossoms and cranes, monkeys, dragons and tigers, gods and men, bamboo forests, carp and heron. Book is 152 pages and includes 135 pages of images, most full page or half page (they are nice and large). Book also includes a great pull out print of a man who holds an open bottle that has released a dragon. This is a great book. The sumi-e ink lines are great for creating base images for original artwork. This book would be great to have as an in-shop reference book, it would also make a welcome addition to a personal collection of Japanese art/print books.

Tattoo Fantasy by Ozuma Kaname

Size: 8.5” x 11.5” - Pages: 146 - Published: 2003 - Price: $185 - Binding: Hardcover w/Cardboard Sleeve

Ozuma Kaname's book Tattoo Fantasy is BY FAR THE MOST AMAZING COLLECTION OF JAPANESE TATTOO IMAGERY I HAVE SEEN. It is called Tattoo Fantasy in English and AOI NO HANA - Indigo Flowers - in Japanese (a little confusing). Born in Niigata, Japan in 1939 Kaname's art draws from traditional Japanese themes - gods and demons. The majority of his prints are designed for tattooing, and his work is often used by master tattooist Horiyoshi III. This collection of works is truly remarkable. It says "Tattoo Fantasy" on the outer box cover, and is an impressively bound book that boasts appx. 75 full color/full page prints, 18 b&w sketches and model photos. The preface by the artist is in both English and Japanese, the remaining text is in Japanese. This is a first edition, and copies are limited.

Summer Kimono and the Colors of Japan

Size: 6” x 10” - Pages: 230 - Published: 2006 - Price: $50 - Binding: Softcover

This auction is for a great book called Summer Kimonos and the Colors of Japan....with text in both English and Japanese and 230 pages of stunning images of kimonos. Well bound, on high quality paper this book is divided in to sections: Morning Glory, Eight Planked Bridge, Lily, Scouring rush, Celosai, Confederate rose, Thistle, Clematis, Dew and Grass, Autumn flowers, Japanese pampas grass, Miscanthus for roofing, Reed, Rose, Flowers native to the west, White chinese olive, Maple leaf, Hydrangea, Summer flowers and grasses, Plantain tree, Sunflower, Japanese lantern plant, Grape, Flower cart, Fish, Carp, Seashell, Goldfish, Plover, Waterfowl, Swallow, Peacock, Mayfly, Firefly, Rabbit, Flowing Water, Wave, Wave pattern, Sea, Boat, Round fan, Folding Fan, Circle, Wave circle and swirl. I have always thought kimono patterning a great resource for artists and tattoo background work. This book is perfect for collectors of Japanese design and patterns and tattoo artists in search of background inspiration.

Animal, Bird, Insect, Fish (AWESOME ANIMAL DESIGN BOOK)

Size: 6” x 9” - Pages: 408!!! - Published: 2008 - Price: $70 - Binding: Softcover

This is an amazing book by PIE, the people that did the Kingyo and Noh book I have in other auctions - if you are going to make one new acquisition this month, this should be it. It is called Animal, Bird, Insect, Fish and includes 408 pages of amazing full color full page animal images pulled from traditional Japanese art. Great illustrations of tigers, lions, cheetah, cranes, hawks, peacocks, phoenix, swallows, chickens, koi fish, phoenix, rabbits, hawks, fox, dragons, horses, cows, dogs, rabbits, badgers, camels, cats, butterflies, dragonflies, grasshoppers, frogs, cicadas, deer, crabs, lobsters, octopus and tons more....all pulled from the Japanese Masters. The publishers have done an amazing job, I cannot give high enough praise for this compilation - as I flipped through it I was struck by how thorough it is, there are tons of prints I have never seen before. The book includes few pages of text (in Japanese), the forward has been translated into English but the rest is full color full page illustrations. The book itself is softcover, appx. 8.75" x 6" and made with nice thick durable pages.

More Japanese Dragons (good for tails and claws)

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Size: 7 ” x 10” - Pages: 144 - Published: 2008 - Price: $42 - Binding: Softcover

This book is AWESOME!! It is a "how to draw" Japanese dragons perfect for tattoo design. It has some really good pages on tails and claws, a section devoted to clouds and waves and background ideas, lots of different body sketches for position and tons of unique faces. Unlike a lots of the Japanese dragon illustration books, this one includes art from different sumi-e artists - so there are an assortment of styles/approaches. The book is softcover, appx. 7"x10" and 144 pages. Text in Japanese. A great one for artists trying to develop their dragon imagery.

Drawing Japanese Dragons (good for body positions)

Size: 6” x 8” - Pages: 144 - Published: 2008 - Price: $42 - Binding: Softcover

This is a reprint of a book that came out in 2004. It is a "how to draw" Japanese dragons perfect for tattoo design. It includes 190 pages of dragon outlines and sketches. These are all full figures in a great variety of positions. If you've worked out your heads and claws pick this one up to get your dragons flowing. This will help you better fit your dragon to the body.

Chinese Stencil Designs

Size: 4” x 6” - Pages: 255 - Published: 2006 - Price: $25 - Binding: Softcover

This is a great book put out by the same people who do the Japanese kimono pattern design series. This one has 255 pages of clean monochrome designs that would make great, original tattoos. This would make a great shop book and allow artists the opportunity to have new flash at their disposal...these illustrations will grab the people who come in wanting - a butterfly, or a flower. Images include goats, zebra, rabbits, pigs, some great mice, tigers, wierd little foo dogs, cats, dogs, pheasants, chickens, flying birds, cranes, even a penguin, tons of fish, a great goldfish, frog, crab, insects, butterflies, all sorts of flowers, some of the best chrysanthemum outlines I have seen yet, trees, fruit, peoples faces, ox, and the 12 chinese zodiac animals. Easily 500 designs in one little book! Great for rubber stamps and silk screen work as well!

Drawing Japanese Tigers - Quick Reference Guide

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Size: 7 " x 10" - Pages: 80 - Published: 2009 - Price: $38 - Softcover

This is a good little quick reference guide to drawing Japanese Tigers. It includes a good assortment of body positions and facial expressions. It has outlines of tigers as well as shaded images and fully colored renditions. A great reference book to keep around the shop....perfect for 2010, The Year of the Tiger.

Japanese Hawks & Other Birds - A Sumi-e Reference Book

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Size: 9 " x 11.5" - Pages: 98 - Published: 2007 - Price: $55 - Softcover

This is an awesome collection of sumi-e paintings of Hawks, Eagles, Crows and Owl done in a distinctive Japanese style. It includes up close details of claws, beaks, heads, and  wings, along with a few step to step guides to bird construction. This is a must have for tattoo artists interested in traditional Japanese imagery, and Japanesque art collectors.

Guide to Painting Japanese Tigers

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Size: 9 " x 11.5" - Pages: 98 - Published: 2009 - Price: $65 - Softcover

This is an awesome book on how to draw Japanese tigers - perfect tattoo reference material. It includes several step by step pages to illustrate how to craft both the whole body and the face in various positions, the rest of the pages are devoted to finished paintings of tigers in a multitude of positions. From sketch to fully rendered illustration this book offers TONS of tiger imagery and is a brilliant reference book to keep around the shop.

Birds & Flowers in Japanese Kimono Design

..........this one is better than porn!

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Size: 7 " x 10" - Pages: 208 - Published: 2009 - Price: $58 - Flexicover

This is an amazing book full of beautiful Japanese birds and flowers. It is one of the best collections I have come across - an excellent book for tattooist - tons of cranes, peacocks, phoenix, mandrin ducks, swallows, sparrows and full of mums, sakura, bamboo, pine needles, peony....it has it all!! Full color, full page images from Kyoto kimonos, famed for their intricacy and composition. Predominately artwork - only 5 pages of text in the whole book!!!  This is a brilliant compilation and would be a great addition to anyone collecting Japanese kimono art, or interested it traditional Japanese designs.

Kirin Outline Book

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Size: 7.5 " x 10" - Pages: 208 - Published: 2004 - Price: $58 - Softcover

This is a really great little tattoo reference book and the first I have seen that focuses predominately on Kirin. The Japanese Kirin traces it‘s origins to Chinese mythology, but they‘ve diverged quite a bit in physical appearance and attributes. In Japan, Kirin are believed to be more powerful than dragons or phoenix, but much less aggressive. The Kirin is a benevolent creature, a protector, that, while incredibly powerful, will not harm another living creature unnecessarily. They do not hunt or eat meat and supposedly move without disrupting even the grass underfoot. They are said to appear only in lands ruled by a just and virtuous leader, therefore the appearance of a Kirin is a very good omen, particularly for the ruling family, as they are fierce adversaries of deceit and cruelty. Some legends portray Kirin as a sacred pet of the gods. Kirin are said to have the head of a dragon, the body of a deer, often covered with the scales of a fish or dragon, the legs of a horse and the tail of a bull. They usually have antlers or a single horn in the center of their foreheads. This book contains a variety of Kirin images in various angles and stature as well as some Dragons, Phoenix, Foo Dogs and Gembu. A must have! Stock on this book is limited, I only get them in occasionally so please understand if there is a delay on your order. If this book is out of stock I will refund your payment and let you know as soon as more come in. xx

Drawing Goldfish & Golden Carp

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Size: 21cm x 30cm - Pages: 110 - Published: 2007 - Price: $48 - Softcover

This is a great little instructional book on crafting asian koi and goldfish, perfect for tattoo reference. It includes step by step drawing instructions as well as written instructions and tips in English. Stock on this book is limited, I only get them in occasionally so please understand if there is a delay on your order.

Elaborate Bird Paintings

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Size: 21cm x 30cm - Pages: 224 - Published: 2000 - Price: $55 - Softcover

This book is cool. Step by step visual instructions on drawing over 80 different birds. Very good reference book for anyone crafting bird/flower or bird/branch imagery. Stock on this book is limited, I only get them in occasionally so please understand if there is a delay on your order. If this book is out of stock I will refund your payment and let you know as soon as more come in. xx

Temporarily Out of Stock....

Size: 6” x 9” - Pages: 385 - Published: 2003 - Price: $65 - Binding:  Softcover

This is an amazing book, 386 pages of images of Kingyo, Japanese goldfish. Photographs, images in ceramics, paintings and pottery. The book includes only 63 pages of text (in Japanese) the rests is full color images. This is a brilliant reference book for any artist interested in traditional and not so traditional Japanese renditions of these great fish. There is a reference section in the back that show the Japanese name for each breed of goldfish and where it appears in the book.

Japanese Butterfly Designs

Size: 9.5” x 9.5” - Pages: 88 - Published: 2003 - Price: $52 - Binding:  Softcover

This book is called Modern Design of Japan and features brilliant, traditional Japanese butterflies imagery. It is 88 pages total  with 76 pages of full color images, 47 of which feature butterflies. The remaining pages feature abstract patterns, full color, like one might find on furoshike. The book is well bound and quite impressive. The butterflies alone brilliant enough for single image tattoo work, the patterns great for background construction. Original artwork with a very pronounced Japanese influence. Great book to have around the shop.

Tattoo Design Book - Animals

Size: 7” x 10” - Pages: 160 - Published: 2008 - Price: $35 - Binding: Softcover

This book is really cool - the Tattoo Tribal guys really outdid themselves this time.!! This book has 20 full color, full pages original art pieces by some amazing artists including Horiyoshi III, Shige, Kishi from 56 Tattoos, Inkrat, Cotton Pickin', Horigyn from 8-Ball, Tattoo Studio Baku, Three Tides, Hocus Pocus, Cat Claw, Hyper Space, Chopstick, Slapstick and many more. Tattoo photos are clear and feature both traditional and contemporary art styles. The book is slip into three section - Water, Land and Air - and tattoos are arranged by animal. Over 300 color photos of amazing Japanese animal tattoos. This book is another great compilation out by the Tattoo Tribal magazine group - one of the most popular tattoo magazines here in Japan. Text is in Japanese, except for chapter introduction and some of the artists and shops. This is a great book for around the shop or personal reference.

Asian Hawk Illustrations

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Size: 28.5cm x 28.5cm - Pages: 46 - - Price: $50 - Softcover

This is a beautiful collection of asian hawk illustrations. Hawks and Eagles in a variety of poses beautifully detailed with stunning backgrounds. A must have for anyone tattooing birds and flowers. These ship in sporadically so if it is out of stock we will add your name to our waiting list and send one out as soon as we can. Thanks for understanding, Gomineko

Rad Tiger Sketchbook

click for sample pages....

Size: 10" x 14" - Pages: 46 - - Price: $58 - Softcover

This is a great book...all tiger ooutlines perfect for tattoo reference. This book is big and thin so will be shipped rolled in a tube so it doesn't get damaged. These ship in sporadically so if it is out of stock we will add your name to our waiting list and send one out as soon as we can. Thanks for understanding, Gomineko