I think my favorite fundoshi-related images to discover online are the intricate, painstakingly detailed and gloriously colorful images of full-body irezumi tattoo "suits." Frequently depicting scenes from traditional folklore, dragons, tigers, Buddhas, Shinto deities or imagery from the "floating world," irezumi tattooing (also known as horimono) is often kept secret by the wearer because of longstanding associations with criminality. Ironically, because of this association many criminals avoid tattoos, calling into question the validity of this stereotype.
A great deal of commitment and money is involved in tattooing at this magnitude, with the coloring and shading sometimes taking years to complete. And nothing displays an irezumi suit with dignity quite like a fundoshi. In fact, some wearers are tattooed while clad in only fundoshi -- except for when the tattoo artist needs to work on the areas that the fundoshi covers.
5 comments:
wow, great pics. I have seen them while visiting Japan this year, amazingly sexy. Thankx for all those great postings
This is beautiful, intricate work and the amount of pain that has to be endured for years is incomprehensible. I have secretly wondered for years just how far they go around front and if there is a clear line where the art ends or if this is extended to the genitalia. I have never seen a photo which would really answer that. I guess instead of vacations, some of these guys go under the needle for a week.
The second picture from the bottom is incredibly erotic!!!
In Love . . . thanks
John,
The genitals are not traditionally tattooed (unless an individual is particularly hardcore and wants that done :D ) The central strip which runs from the neck downwards, flares so the line blends to become the line down the middle of the thighs. The un-tattooed strip could be said to extend from the neck round to the base of the tailbone.
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