Sailor Jerry's Tattoo Stencils

By Kate Hellenbrand

A showcase of a sizeable portion of Sailor Jerry's tattoo stencils, spanning from the 1940s to the 1970s.American tattoo master Sailor Jerry Collins of Hawaii is renowned for his exceptional tattoo designs that seamlessly blend the elegance of Asian motifs with the iconic imagery of American tattoos. Despite the widespread admiration for his work, the majority of Sailor Jerry's creations have remained under the control of a select group of collectors, only accessible through museum exhibitions, art galleries, or limited-edition self-published books.Now, enthusiasts and art lovers alike can revel in a significant portion of Sailor Jerry's stencils, the latest addition to the world of tattoo collectibles. This extensive collection encompasses the entirety of his illustrious tattoo career, spanning from the 1940s to the early 1970s, including captivating pin-ups, delicate roses, enchanting bluebirds, heartfelt hearts, dynamic banners, and, of course, his notorious military and political cartoons.Each of these stencils was meticulously handcrafted by the master himself, using celluloid, vinyl, or acetate sheets, specifically for his thriving tattoo trade in downtown Honolulu. Many bear the subtle remnants of charcoal dust from their last usage, an organic testament to their rich history. Furthermore, every stencil is proudly signed by Jerry, featuring one of his distinct and recognizable signatures. A true rarity in its own right, this remarkable book stands alone as a comprehensive workbook for aspiring artists, providing valuable insights into Sailor Jerry's techniques and an array of designs to ignite their creativity. Additionally, it serves as an indispensable catalog for aficionados of folk art history, chronicling Sailor Jerry's profound impact on the evolution of tattoo culture.For those seeking to assess the worth of these invaluable stencils, the book includes an appraisal of their value, accompanied by detailed descriptions and explanations of their intended uses. Furthermore, a comprehensive glossary of tattoo terminology awaits, ensuring a thorough understanding of the art form.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764315625
• ISBN13: 9780764315626
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 9.0" x 11.9"

Customer Reviews

Every tattoo artists sweet dream

I feel that every single tattoo artist,inspiring tattoo artist, or any kind of artists and even art historian should,must own this book. I will admit that when I read the first 15 pages cause thats all there is with any writting on. I had a tear in both my eyes. Every single page back to back is covered with Jerrys tattoo stencils. Also every page is in a very heavy duty paper and they are perforated so you can take each page out and laminate them and use in your shop or portfolio of flash to use for you customer/clients. Every page is full of history. I highly recomend this book and the otherjerrys stencil books they are a very big must have specialy for you buisness/shop you will be so excited to look at the tats not to mention the money you will make from the stencils. I noticed that every single Tattoo magazine has countless tattoos specialy the women are covered in this art. I recomend this book in a big way. You are very welcome for the big tip.

Must Have!

I was looking for Pin Up Art Styles and found it all in this book. All the styles are for men & women. When You go into a tattoo shop and look at all the art work on the walls and books; this book has it all summed up. This cool book has it all.

Great reference point

This is a solid collection of one of the most influential tattoo artists of our time; Sailor Jerry has shaped and inspired so many people out there. A great addition if you plan on creating ideas for your next piece or just as a reference point.

Tattoo designs - a real surprise

I purchased Sailor Jerry's tattoo designs books for my son, who is a very picky kind of guy when it comes to tattoo designs. He was really surprised and delighted with this book. It is really part of the history of the tattoo - specifically the designs popular for the "traditional" folks who always liked having tattoos when they weren't popular with the younger crowd they decorate today. Sailor Jerry's designs are still "in", and many artists have started their craft doing designs that Sailor Jerry created. To me, this is really a part of the history of art, whether you want to put it on your skin or not. We highly recommend this collection of designs for anyone who wants to see variety - not just the tribal stuff that one sees so much of today.

a must for any tattoo fan

This wonderful book not only includes the images of Sailor Jerry's celluloid stencils but also an overview of Sailor Jerry himself and the process and growth that the tattoo industry sustained under his keen eye. The stencil images are priceless and a true must for any true tattoo enthusiast or Sailor Jerry fan. As a bonus, the pages are perferated for easy tracing or even framing. A wonderful book.