Welcome to the fifth Inkredible Feature, dedicated to Oriental tattoos and brought to you by the Traditional Gallery.

Tattooing in the United States goes back to sailor men, who encountered polynesian natives elaborately decorated. One of the earliest accounts of polynesian tattooing was written by Herman Melville (author of Moby Dick), who deserted from his ship for a stay in the Marquesas Islands. In his books, he described Marquesan tattooing and the skill that some of his shipmates had developed for tattooing or "pricking", as it was called. Prickers charged higly for their services, and early designs included palm trees, anchors, crosses, lions, women and eagles. Moby Dick's character Queequeg was the first completely tattooed man in western fiction, and many readers of the nineteenth century first learned about tattooing in the stories of Melville.

One of the first known American tattoo artists was C.H. Fellowes. The only record of his art and life is his design book, done in red and black and featuring religious, patriotic and nautical themes, including depictions of naval engagements occurred during the Civil War and the Spanish American War. Martin Hildebrandt, a german immigrant and contemporary of Fellowes, opened New York's first tattoo parlor in 1870, training a number of apprentices and tattooing some of the first circus attractions.
New York's second professional tattoo parlor was established by Samuel O'Reilly, who developed the first electric tattoo machine in 1890. He apprenticed Charles Wagner, who became one of the best-known early tattoo masters. Tattoo designs gained symbolism by superstition, one account by Wagner describes "...a crucifix on his chest to keep him from general harm; a pig on his left instep so he couldn't drown and “Holdfast“ on his hand, one letter to a finger, so as he couldn't fall from aloft".

The electric tattoo machine signified a golden age for american tattooing: by 1900 there were tattoo shops in every major american city. Commercial artists began to try their hand at this new fad, and one of the most prominent was Lew Alberts. Former commercial artist and wallpaper designer, he established his own tattoo shop and produced thousands of tattoo design that were sold by tattoo supply companies. His popular designs were artistic and easy to reproduce: hearts, roses, snakes, dragons, eagles, sailing ships and most of the best-known traditional american tattoo designs originated with Alberts. Those designs expressed the emotions of those who carried them: love, patriotism, thirst of adventure and longing for their home or loved ones.

This is a small selection from the hundreds of original fine tattoo works of the Body Art > Tattoo category. deviantART houses many excellent tattoo artists from all over the world, so look around and find someone near you... you could be the canvas and inspiration for a new work of art.

If you love tattooing and want to see your favorite pieces get a Daily Deviation, send me a note with "DD Suggestion" as the subject and a link or thumb to the deviation. You can add a short write-up on the piece if you want.







Coming Soon:

Previous Issues:
Inkredible Feature #4 - Oriental Tattoos
Inkredible Feature #3 - Tribal Tattoos
Inkredible Feature #2 - Black & Grey Tattoos

If you don't want to miss out on this and other upcoming Traditional Gallery Features, Articles and Interviews, be sure to add ^stigmatattoo to your devwatch!