Short Fiction · Chapter
Tattooing explained
The chapter introduces the art of tattooing in Edo-period Japan, focusing on the skilled tattooer Seikichi.
What happens
The chapter introduces the art of tattooing in Edo-period Japan, focusing on the skilled tattooer Seikichi. It describes his artistic philosophy, his sadistic pleasure in causing pain, and his long-cherished desire to find a beautiful girl to tattoo with his soul. After years of searching, he encounters a young girl whose feet captivate him, and she eventually visits his home, leading to the fulfillment of his obsession.
Themes in this chapter
Beauty and Pain
The chapter explores the intimate relationship between beauty and pain, as Seikichi's tattooing process causes immense suffering yet results in beautiful art, and the girl endures pain to become beautiful.
Obsession and Desire
Seikichi's long-cherished desire to find a perfect girl and puncture his soul into her flesh drives the narrative, highlighting his obsessive nature.
Art and Artistry
Seikichi is portrayed as an artist who retains the conscience of an ukiyo-e painter, and tattooing is presented as a form of artistic expression with its own styles and exhibitions.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Master, let me see the tattooing on my back soon. I must have become really beautiful, because I have gained your soul.”
The girl asks to see the tattoo on her back, believing she has become beautiful by absorbing Seikichi's soul.
This quote reflects the theme of transformation and the merging of artist and subject.
“His long-cherished desire was to get hold of a pretty girl and puncture his soul into her flesh.”
Seikichi's deepest wish was to find a beautiful girl and imprint his artistic essence onto her skin.
This highlights Seikichi's obsessive desire and the symbolic act of tattooing as soul-transfer.