The tattoos of Edo firemen (Edo's "hikeshi" ) T-shirt

June 26 2025, by Admin私のストア, 2 min reading time

The tattoos of Edo firemen were not just decoration, but symbolized their way of life and spirit. Firemen in those days had a dangerous job that put their lives at risk, and they were respected by the townspeople as a symbol of "iki."

The designs of the tattoos were meant to ward off evil spirits and protect people from fire. Dragons, carp, and water gates, which are associated with water, were particularly popular, and were used to pray for protection from fire. They also represented their physical strength and masculinity, as well as their solidarity with their peers.

During the Edo period, tattoos were used as a form of punishment, but the tattoos of firemen were called "horimono" and developed into a decorative culture that was popular among artisans and townspeople. Tattooed firemen were also highly regarded for their artistic merit, and are depicted in the works of ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Tattoos were a source of pride for firemen and could be said to have been one of the "flowers" of Edo.

The tattoos of Edo firemen were more than just decoration; they symbolized their way of life and spirit. Being a fireman in those days was a perilous job, and they earned the respect of the townspeople as an embodiment of " iki " (a sophisticated sense of style).

The designs of their tattoos often carried a meaning of protection, serving as talismans against fire. Dragons, carp, and sluice gates, all associated with water, were particularly popular choices, reflecting their wishes to suppress fires. These tattoos also conveyed their physical strength, masculinity, and the strong bonds within their teams.

While tattooing was sometimes used as a form of punishment during the Edo period, the firemen's tattoos were called " horimono " and evolved into a decorative art form popular among artisans and townspeople. Their artistic merit was respected, with ukiyo-e artists like Utagawa Kuniyoshi highly depicting tattooed firemen in their works. These tattoos were a source of pride for the firemen and can be considered one of the "flourishes" of Edo.

>>Edo Tattoo Tee