Inked Collection

view of a Samoan Pe a tattoo, 19th Century (photo)
1079611 view of a Samoan Pe a tattoo, 19th Century (photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Pe a is the popular name of the traditional male tattoo of Samoa)

Portrait of a tattooed woman, c. 1905 (Sepia Photo)
1073947 Portrait of a tattooed woman, c.1905 (Sepia Photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: The model is thought to be the wife of Charles Wagner who registered the patent for the tattoo machine in)

Japanese Man with Tattoos, c. 1910 (colour litho) (see also 398198)
473199 Japanese Man with Tattoos, c. 1910 (colour litho) (see also 398198); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures .

Printing office. On left compositors are at work setting up text using letters from 'case' in front of them
531519 Printing office. On left compositors are at work setting up text using letters from 'case' in front of them

Granny Square 2
Emma Make

Abstract Tulip
Emma Make

Dayak couple in traditional dress and tattoos, c. 1920 (b / w photo)
DGC437476 Dayak couple in traditional dress and tattoos, c.1920 (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: the Dayak or Dyak are a people indigenous to Borneo; tattooing is a very important)

Portrait of a man tattooed by Sutherland MacDonald, 1897 (photo)
3557558 Portrait of a man tattooed by Sutherland MacDonald, 1897 (photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Maori warrior with moko face (photo)
DGC288158 Maori warrior with moko face (photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ta moko)

The Mad Merry Pranks of Robin Goodfellow (woodcut)
DGC405779 The Mad Merry Pranks of Robin Goodfellow (woodcut) by English School, (17th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Robin Goodfellow is a mischievous sprite or hobgoblin)

The Dancer
Jonathan L

Two men with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo)
696838 Two men with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) by Japanese Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Irezumi (a...aaIa, a...aa)

Tattoed Forearm of WW1 French Soldier (b / w photo)
473228 Tattoed Forearm of WW1 French Soldier (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: Martyrs des Boches; tattoo shows a French soldier bound to a pole by a German soldier wearing the spiked)

WW2 era - Comic Postcard - Don t mind the black-outs
The Caption is Don t mind the black-outs, you can always stay the night! This card has a coded message. The initials of the feet

Maori girl with moko chin (photo)
DGC288160 Maori girl with moko chin (photo) by New Zealander Photographer (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Ta moko)

Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo
DGC398093 Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) (detail of 398092) by Japanese Photographer

A tattooed man (b / w photo)
DGC288165 A tattooed man (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: View of a mans heavily tattooed back); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Solomon islander adorned with tattoos, a shell torque and frangipani (photo)
DGC288157 Solomon islander adorned with tattoos, a shell torque and frangipani (photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: traditional face)

Jed Speck, London (b / w photo)
DGC288126 Jed Speck, London (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (20th century); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; English, out of copyright

Tattooed Boy, 1921 (b / w photo)
DGC288125 Tattooed Boy, 1921 (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: view of an American boy heavily tattooed back); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Portrait of a Latvian wrestler. 1918 (b / w photo)
1268135 Portrait of a Latvian wrestler. 1918 (b/w photo); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Tattooed Japanese Betto-Groom, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen print)
2647809 Tattooed Japanese Betto-Groom, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen print) by Kimbei, Kusakabe (1841-1934); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; Japanese, out of copyright

Portrait of Anni Frank, The Tattooed Lady, c. 1910 (b / w photo)
1163203 Portrait of Anni Frank, The Tattooed Lady, c.1910 (b/w photo); Private Collection; Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c. 1880 (hand coloured albumen photo)
930102 Man with traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo, c.1880 (hand coloured albumen photo) by Japanese Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Irezumi (a...aaIa, a...aa)

Woman getting tattooed by Charles Wagner, c. 1905 (b / w photo)
1275401 Woman getting tattooed by Charles Wagner, c.1905 (b/w photo); Private Collection; (add.info.: Charles Wagner (1875 - 1953) was a tattoo artist and the apprentice of Samuel O Reilly

Tattoed warriors from Borneo, c. 1890 (litho)
DGC288156 Tattoed warriors from Borneo, c.1890 (litho); Private Collection; (add.info.: traditional form of body decoration in Borneo; ); Prismatic Pictures; out of copyright

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"Inked: A Glimpse into the Art of Tattooing Through Time" Step back in time and explore the captivating world of tattoos through a collection of intriguing portraits. From sepia-toned photographs to hand-colored albumen prints, these images offer a window into the rich history and cultural significance of body art. In this c. 1905 sepia photo, we encounter a striking portrait of a tattooed woman. Her intricate designs tell stories that only she knows, revealing her personal journey etched onto her skin like an open book. Travel further back to the 19th century with a view of a Samoan Pe'a tattoo captured in another mesmerizing photograph. The bold patterns symbolize strength and courage within their culture, showcasing how tattoos can serve as powerful markers of identity. Nora Hildebrandt's black-and-white photo from c. 1895 introduces us to an enigmatic figure adorned with elaborate inkings. Each stroke on her body carries its own tale, leaving us curious about the stories behind them. The Dayak couple in traditional dress and tattoos from c. 1920 transports us to Borneo's lush landscapes where body art intertwines with their way of life. Their vibrant attire harmonizes beautifully with their intricate markings, reflecting deep-rooted traditions passed down through generations. Sutherland MacDonald's 1897 photo presents us with an extraordinary man whose entire body is transformed into living artwork by masterful hands wielding ink-filled needles. His commitment to self-expression pushes boundaries and challenges societal norms. Olive Oatman's hauntingly beautiful portrait from c. 1857 reveals both tragedy and resilience etched upon her face – symbols forever marking her survival story after being taken captive by Native Americans who marked her as one of their own through facial tattoos. Frank Howard, known as "the tattooed man, " takes center stage in this cabinet card from c. 1900 – his heavily adorned physique a testament to his adventurous spirit and desire to stand out from the crowd.