Horimono

Horimono can also refer to the practice of traditional tattooing in Japanese culture; while irezumi usually refers to any tattooing (and often has negative connotations in Japan), "horimono" is usually used to describe full-body tattoos done in the traditional style. In some cases, these tattoos can cover the whole body, including the arms and legs. This type of tattoo is traditionally done using a tebori (手彫り) - an instrument constructed of a bundle of needles affixed to a bamboo rod. Public knowledge on this style of tattooing is limited, and one must enter an apprenticeship under a master in order to learn. ==Gallery==

File:脇差 南紀重国, Wakizashi forged by Nanki Shigekuni 1.jpg|Wakizashi forged by Nanki Shigekuni (ja) with a horimono engraved on the blade by Ikeda Gonsuke Yoshiteru. Edo period, 1622, Important Sword File:槍 隅谷正峯, Yari forged by Masamine Sumitani 1.jpg|A reproduction of the Nihon-go, one of the Three Great Spears of Japan. Forged in 1967 by Living National Treasure Masamine Sumitani and engraved with a horimono by Sensyū Kokeguchi. File:Wakizashi with horimono.jpg File:Japanese katana with horimono (blade carving).jpg File:Nakago no katana Met 2004.401.jpg == See also ==