Hardback 1st edition
Hamiltons Gallery (2008)
132 pages
88 photos
Hardback 25,1 cm x 20,5 cm

Published to accompany the exhibition Bokujo Kitan (Marvellous Tales of Black Ink) at Hamiltons Gallery in London 2008, Nobuyoshi Araki’s artist book contains 88 images which capture models bound in the traditional Kinbaku (bondage) with his calligraphy applied onto each of the photographs creating a striking play of words, motifs and images.

From publisher: “Kinbaku, meaning bondage, is the signature motif of this specific body of work, Bokuju Kitan / Marvellous Tales of Black Ink. Traditionally used in pornographic works, bondage is rarely associated with artistic motivation. However, since 1979, Araki has depicted the theme through a creative lens. Although considered provocative, he has interpreted this subject matter with imaginative artistry and his works, undoubtedly thought provoking, evolve in a poetic dimension. In composing this series, Bokuju Kitan / Marvellous Tales of Black Ink, Araki selected 88 images from his 30 years worth of Kinbaku work and hand-painted calligraphy on each photograph. In these unique, oversized gelatin silver prints, never before exhibited, we witness Araki’s imagination running undeterred playing with the varied, lyrical meanings Japanese characters allow whilst seamlessly involving his dark sense of humour.”
Rare Araki book from 2008 to accompany the exhibition Bokujo Kitan (Marvelous Tales of Black Ink) at Hamiltons Gallery in London – perhaps one of his most graphic collections. Beautifully printed with striking black and white tones.