Hokusai is the first to represent figurative tattooing in a Japanese publication.

The first Japanese translation of the Suikoden where visual content is as relevant as written content. 

First of all, it is a collaboration between the writer Kyokutei Takizawa Bakin (1767-1849), who proposed to make a faithful translation of the Shuihu zhuan and the artist of Ukiyo-e Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849). This translation is entitled Shinpen suiko gaden (A new illustrated edition of the Suikoden). The title itself highlights the importance of the illustrations in this publication. 

This new version of the Suikoden is different from all previous publications, now with illustrations and an easier and more accessible language to the people. This makes this already successful novel an unprecedented triumph. 

The publication between Bakin y Hokusai begins in 1805 and is interrupted in 1807after the publication of 10 volumes that make up the first part. 

The work was resumed in 1828, now between Hokusai and the writer Takai Ranzan (1762- 1838). Eight parts of 10 volumes will be published between the two of 1829 a 1838. 

Hokusai becomes the first Japanese artist to portray the tattoos of some of the 108 heroes of the Suikoden. It portrays four tattooed characters, this being the first representation of figurative tattooing in a Japanese publication. 

The tattoo models presented by this artist are simple and linear figures. and are reminiscent of the style of tattooing before the horimonothe nukiboriThe black fundo, which was not yet used in traditional Japanese tattooing, was not yet used. Various researchers comment that it would also be influenced by versions of the Shuihu zhuan made by Chinese artists. 

Caption:

• Illustration by Hokusai for Shinpen Suiko Gaden ( 1805-1838)

Bibliography

• Moriarty, Yori. (2015) : Irezumi Itai. Traditional Japanese Tattoo. Gijón, Satori Ediciones.
• Pinheiro Maués, Juliana (2019): Bravos citadinos: estudio das representações da tatuagem em estampas de ator do kabuki de Utagawa Kunisada. Repository of Unicamp's scientific and intellectual production.