HONG KONG TRADITIONAL TATTOO

HONG KONG TRADITIONAL TATTOO is a collaborative photobook I created with street photographer Yu Chang.

Driven by my admiration for Hong Kong tattoo pioneer Pinky Yun, we traveled through the streets of Hong Kong searching for traces of his legacy. Guided by his influence, we sought out people still bearing tattoos connected to this tradition, documenting the imagery, stories, and lived experiences carried on their bodies. The result is a living archive of Pinky Yun’s enduring spirit and influence.

Through photography, conversations, and historical research, HONG KONG TRADITIONAL TATTOO traces the remnants of the postwar sailor tattoo culture that once flourished in Hong Kong. More than a study of tattooing, it is a record of a journey through the city that nurtured this unique visual language and the people who continue to carry it forward.

I have been tattooing for over fifteen years. In recent years, I have focused extensively on researching and preserving the history of Hong Kong traditional tattooing and Asian sailor tattoo culture, with particular attention to documenting the artistic lineage and historical significance of Pinky Yun.

Since 2009, Yu Chang has worked primarily with film photography. He is the author of the photobooks Somnambulate Taipei (2020) and Side Effects of City (2021), and held a solo exhibition at 1839 Contemporary Gallery in 2022. His work is recognized for its empathetic and unvarnished portrayal of people living on the margins of urban society, challenging stereotypes while revealing the resilience and humanity within their lives.

This book is published by Hardy Marks Publications, a publishing house founded in 1982 by legendary American tattoo artist Ed Hardy. For decades, the press has been dedicated to publishing works on tattoo culture, history, and art. In 1985, its landmark magazine Tattoo Time featured Pinky Yun and highlighted his profound influence on Asian sailor tattoo culture.
I am honored to work with Hardy Marks to bring HONG KONG TRADITIONAL TATTOO for a new generation of tattoo enthusiasts and readers worldwide.

Please allow up to 1 week for delivery.

Dimensions: 7.5 × 10.5 in
Weight: 2.9 lbs
Pages: 302
Binding: Softcover with PVC jacket

Author: Jimmy Shy
Photographer: Yu Chang
Art Director & Designer: Allek Bien
Editor: Alex Jieh

Hardy Marks Publications
Printed in Taiwan
First Edition 2026
ISBN: 979-8-234-03196-9