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Tattooed post runner with letter, Japan, circa 1880s
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Tattooed post runner with letter, Japan, circa 1880s
Tattooed post runner with letter, Japan, circa 1880s. Date: circa 1880s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14356921
© Mary Evans Picture Library/Pump Park Photography
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image depicts a tattooed post runner in Japan during the late 1800s. The post runner, dressed in traditional attire, holds a letter in one hand while using a long stick to push a wooden post into the ground with the other. The intricate tattoos covering his body are a testament to the rich history of Irezumi, the ancient art of Japanese tattooing. Irezumi was a significant aspect of Japanese culture, particularly among the working classes and the criminal underworld. Tattoos served various purposes, including identification, status symbols, and protection from evil spirits. The designs were often elaborate and intricate, featuring mythological creatures, folklore heroes, and symbols of good fortune. The setting of this photograph is uncertain, but it is believed to have been taken in the late 1800s, a time when Japan was undergoing significant social and political changes. The Meiji Restoration, which began in 1868, brought about the modernization of Japan and the westernization of its society. This period also saw a decline in the popularity of tattoos, as they became associated with the old ways and the lower classes. Despite this, the image of the tattooed post runner remains a powerful symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage. The letter he carries adds an intriguing element to the scene, suggesting a personal connection or a message that may never be known. Overall, this photograph is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived in Japan during a time of great change.
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