Horimono
Encyclopedia
Horimono is a word used to describe irezumi
(Japanese Tattoo
ing) or to describe the carving of images into a sword blade.
Tattooing for spiritual and decorative purposes in Japan is thought to extend back to at least the Jōmon period
(approximately 10000 BC). Some scholars have suggested that the distinctive cord-marked patterns observed on the faces and bodies of figures dated to that period represent tattoos, but this claim is by no means unanimous. There are similarities, however, between such markings and the tattoo traditions observed in other contemporaneous cultures.
At the beginning of the Meiji period
(1868–1912), the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality. Nevertheless, fascinated foreigners went to Japan seeking the skills of tattoo artists, and traditional tattooing continued underground.
Tattooing was legalized by the Occupation forces in 1945, but has retained its image of criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza
, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan (such as public baths, fitness centers and hot springs) still ban customers with tattoos.
and tantō
. The carving is used mostly for ceremonial blades due to the inherent weakness in a carved blade. The engravings are created by a chōkokushi (彫刻師), also called a horimonoshi (彫物師, "engraver"). These come in a huge variety of designs including kozumi (claws), kusa kurikara (草倶利伽羅) (Arabesque
style), Munenagabori (created in Munenaga
), rendai (lotus pedastal), tokko
(a type of Indian sword), fruit, dragons, and many others.
Irezumi
Irezumi is a Japanese word that refers to the insertion of ink under the skin to leave a permanent, usually decorative mark; a form of tattooing....
(Japanese Tattoo
Tattoo
A tattoo is made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of body modification, and tattoos on other animals are most commonly used for identification purposes...
ing) or to describe the carving of images into a sword blade.
Irezumi
The Japanese word irezumi (入れ墨, 入墨, 文身, 剳青, 黥 or 刺青) refers to the insertion of ink under the skin to leave a permanent mark, in other words, tattooing. The term irezumi traditionally refers to marks made to indicate a convicted criminal. Such marks are not the skillful designs known as the Japanese style tattoo, so while both terms are often used interchangeably, horimono is generally considered the more polite term.Tattooing for spiritual and decorative purposes in Japan is thought to extend back to at least the Jōmon period
Jomon period
The is the time in Japanese prehistory from about 14,000 BC to 300 BC.The term jōmon means "cord-patterned" in Japanese. This refers to the pottery style characteristic of the Jōmon culture, and which has markings made using sticks with cords wrapped around them...
(approximately 10000 BC). Some scholars have suggested that the distinctive cord-marked patterns observed on the faces and bodies of figures dated to that period represent tattoos, but this claim is by no means unanimous. There are similarities, however, between such markings and the tattoo traditions observed in other contemporaneous cultures.
At the beginning of the Meiji period
Meiji period
The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
(1868–1912), the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality. Nevertheless, fascinated foreigners went to Japan seeking the skills of tattoo artists, and traditional tattooing continued underground.
Tattooing was legalized by the Occupation forces in 1945, but has retained its image of criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza
Yakuza
, also known as , are members of traditional organized crime syndicates in Japan. The Japanese police, and media by request of the police, call them bōryokudan , literally "violence group", while the yakuza call themselves "ninkyō dantai" , "chivalrous organizations". The yakuza are notoriously...
, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan (such as public baths, fitness centers and hot springs) still ban customers with tattoos.
Japanese swords
In this context, the terms horimono or chōkoku (彫刻, "sculpture") are used to describe the carving of images into Japanese swords including katanaKatana
A Japanese sword, or , is one of the traditional bladed weapons of Japan. There are several types of Japanese swords, according to size, field of application and method of manufacture.-Description:...
and tantō
Tanto
A is one of the traditional Japanese swords that were worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan. The tantō dates to the Heian period, when it was mainly used as a weapon but evolved in design over the years to become more ornate...
. The carving is used mostly for ceremonial blades due to the inherent weakness in a carved blade. The engravings are created by a chōkokushi (彫刻師), also called a horimonoshi (彫物師, "engraver"). These come in a huge variety of designs including kozumi (claws), kusa kurikara (草倶利伽羅) (Arabesque
Arabesque
The arabesque is a form of artistic decoration consisting of "surface decorations based on rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling and interlacing foliage, tendrils" or plain lines, often combined with other elements...
style), Munenagabori (created in Munenaga
Munenaga
, an imperial prince and a poet of the Nijō poetic school of Nanboku-chō period, mostly known for his compilation of the Shin'yō Wakashū....
), rendai (lotus pedastal), tokko
Tokko
', often shortened to ' was a police force established in 1911 in Japan, specifically to investigate and control political groups and ideologies deemed to be a threat to public order....
(a type of Indian sword), fruit, dragons, and many others.