Ink with meaning: What we can learn from the tattoos of our ancestors
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Chinese tattoo artist Da Hua at his studio. He first started out practicing his designs on pig skin bought at the local market.
Hide Caption
1 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Da Hua shows some of his influences.
Hide Caption
2 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
An example of Da Hua's work depicting a quote from the Bible. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1.
Hide Caption
3 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
A Chinese character design by Da Hua.
Hide Caption
4 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Da Hua took inspiration from a famous Chinese legend for this design.
Hide Caption
5 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Another design by Da Hua.
Hide Caption
6 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
He Wei, a 37 year old freelance designer from Beijing getting inked up at Creation Tattoo. He says that without tattoos his body would feel so empty.
Hide Caption
7 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
A tattoo parlor in a traditional hutong in Beijing.
Hide Caption
8 of 10
Photos: Tattoos no longer taboo
Qiao Zhengfei, a tattoo artist who opened up her own studio in her native Xiamen before moving her business to Beijing. She specializes in "blackwork," an intricate form based on a style of embroidery.