Sailor Jerry: Treasure Chest

Old school tattooers (late 19th-mid 20th century) kept hoards of material that they had created, collected, and inherited. In addition to machines, tools, and pigments, this included design sheets, tracings, stencil ruboffs, paper ephemera (news articles and images that might make good designs), photos, receipt books, addresses for supply sources, and correspondence. These stockpiles were closely guarded treasure, the tangible evidence of the art that walks away and dies. This seldom-shared legacy was passed on to a few confidants who might be worthy of continuing the hermetic practice.

This book gathers together a variety of Sailor Jerry's trove: flash, rough drawings for unique pieces, unfinished works, and more of the careful line drawings featured in Sailor Jerry Tattoo Drawings. Also included are a couple of rare business cards, several photos of Jerry and his "cave" taken on Ed Hardy's first trip to meet him in 1969, and more.