Behind the Scenes: The Magnum Opus Tattoo Book by Horiyoshi III

In 2019, Kintaro Publishing embarked on a journey unlike any other in tattoo history — to create the largest tattoo art book ever made.
The result was The Magnum Opus by Horiyoshi III, a monumental work celebrating the life’s work of one of Japan’s most revered masters of Irezumi.

What began as an ambitious idea evolved into one of our most ambitious projects with Horiyoshi III, bringing together tradition, scale, and artistry on a level few projects ever reach.

The Vision

From the start, the goal was clear: to honor Horiyoshi III’s legacy in a form as grand as the art itself.
The Magnum Opus was designed to be more than a reference book — it was a statement.
Every detail, from the oversized format to the finest printing techniques, was chosen to preserve the depth, texture, and beauty of each work.

The numbers alone tell part of the story: meticulously reproduced artworks showcased at unprecedented size and clarity, all in a carefully limited print run that pushed the boundaries of traditional bookmaking.

Tokyo 2019 — The Photoshoot

All images were captured in one dedicated day at the photographer’s studio in Tokyo, with Horiyoshi III personally overseeing every detail to ensure perfection.

Each original artwork, displayed on traditional kakemono (掛物) hanging scrolls, was meticulously arranged and carefully positioned for photography. Every angle, every fold of the scroll, and the interplay of light on the ink and fabric was thoughtfully considered to capture the full depth and texture of the master’s work.

It was a rare opportunity to witness the blending of ancient tradition with modern photographic precision — a moment of reverence and artistry that brought this monumental book to life.

Crafting the Magnum Opus

Printing a book of this size and quality was no simple task.
Specialized presses were required to handle the oversized pages, and color calibration had to be perfect to reflect the richness of the original works.
The binding was engineered to ensure the book could be opened fully without losing any detail in the fold.

What emerged was more than a book — it was a physical archive of Horiyoshi III’s life’s work, built to last for generations.

The Legacy of Horiyoshi III

Horiyoshi III is more than an artist — he is a cultural icon, recognized worldwide for his mastery of Japanese tattooing.
His work is rooted in centuries-old traditions of Irezumi, yet carries a distinct personal style that has influenced artists across the globe.

The Magnum Opus serves as both a tribute to that legacy and a bridge for future generations to study, learn, and draw inspiration from.

Closing Thoughts

The Magnum Opus was more than a publishing project — it was an act of preservation.
It stands as a record of Horiyoshi III’s artistry and a testament to the enduring power of Japanese tattooing.

For those who hold it in their hands, it is not just a book, but a piece of tattoo history.

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