art cohen - [AGIP / Art Cohen] Exceptionnel tirage argentique d'époque – Homme au tatouage intégral Irezumi

Extraordinary and rare analog-era photograph (vintage press print, circa 1953-1958) depicting a man from behind revealing an impressive full traditional Japanese tattoo (Irezumi), typical of Yakuza culture.

The scene captures the buzz of the big summer festival (Sanja Matsuri) in the heart of the historic Asakusa district in Tokyo.

The hand-done tattoo (traditional tebori technique) beautifully stages a Kabuki theater character or a warrior brandishing a sword, surrounded by densely arranged floral motifs. The graphic style and the location (Asakusa) strongly recall the work of the legendary tattoo masters of that decade, particularly the school of the great Horibun I.

Agency / Photographer: Original wet stamp on the back from the AGIP agency (Art Cohen / Reportages Photographiques, Rue du Sentier - Paris).

Era / Dating: Circa 1955 (1950s).

Technique: Vintage black-and-white silver print on glossy paper.

Print dimensions: 18.5 x 13 cm.

Condition: Very good overall for a press print of that era. Minor handling marks and presence of the original text strip glued to the back (see photos).

On the back of the print: Presence of the official stamp of the Parisian photographic agency AGIP. Handwritten note in pencil "Yakuza" and size indications: "18.5 x 13 cm".

Historic text dispatch in French pasted on the reverse, titled: “HE GOT TATTOOED FOR TOKYO'S SUMMER FESTIVAL.” The old spelling Tokio and the content anchor this document firmly in 1950s journalism, describing the popular and artistic atmosphere of the Asakusa district.

A true collector’s item, perfect for enthusiasts of photojournalism history, Japanese culture, and the art of traditional tattoo.