InkSmith Journal delves into the deep-rooted tattoo traditions of Southeast Asia and the world, from ancient practices to modern revival, connecting past and present through ink. From the sacred Sak Yant of Thailand to the lost tattooing traditions of Vietnam and the bold artistry of irezumi, tattooing has always been a language of its own.
Loyalty, Punishment, and Ink: Tattooed Bodies in the Song Dynasty
How a medieval Chinese empire wrote its fears, values, and discipline directly onto human skin.
When we think of ancient Chinese tattoos, we might imagine mythical beasts, flowing calligraphy, or outlaws with dragon sleeves. But during the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), tattoos served a very different function. They weren’t art. They were bureaucracy. Discipline. Shame. Loyalty. Control.
In this period of high culture and tight surveillance, the body itself became an archive — of loyalty to the state, punishment for crimes, or stories of rebellion. Tattoos weren’t decorative: they were state-sanctioned inscriptions meant to bind, brand, and broadcast identity.
Hajichi: The Forbidden Ink of Ryukyuan Women
How tattoos became a battleground of memory, gender, and resistance under Japanese colonization
Before it was renamed and absorbed into Japan, the Ryukyu Kingdom thrived as a maritime culture with deep spiritual roots and distinct traditions. Among its most profound was Hajichi (針突) — a tattooing practice carried by Ryukyuan women for centuries, literally written on the skin in lines of beauty, power, and ancestral protection.
Today, these marks have all but vanished from living bodies. But the story they tell — of erasure, resilience, and reclamation — is far from over.
The Evolution of Irezumi: From Penal Markings to Masterpieces of Art
Few artistic traditions are as deeply intertwined with history, rebellion, and devotion as irezumi, Japan’s tattooing practice. Though today’s large-scale bodysuits and intricate motifs are admired for their craftsmanship, irezumi has a long and complex history. One that spans criminal punishment, the floating world of courtesans, and the rise of outlaw heroes. In this piece, we explore the transformation of Japanese tattooing, from a symbol of infamy to a revered art form.
The Art of Chinese Calligraphy Tattoos: History, Philosophy & Aesthetics
A Chinese calligraphy tattoo is far more than just words inked onto skin—it is art in motion, a reflection of philosophy, and a connection to centuries of tradition.
Rooted in over 3,000 years of Chinese history, calligraphy is considered one of the highest art forms, practiced by scholars, poets, and emperors. Every stroke carries deliberate energy, balance, and movement, making it one of the most challenging yet rewarding tattoo styles to master.
Yet, not all calligraphy tattoos are created equal. The difference between a stiff, digital font design and a handcrafted, brushstroke-inspired tattoo is as vast as the gap between machine printing and the expressive ink work of a master calligrapher.