Hong Kong Traditional Tattoo is a collaborative photobook project by Taiwanese tattoo artist Jimmy Shy and street photographer Yu Chang.

Driven by Jimmy’s admiration for Hong Kong tattoo pioneer Pinky Yun, the two traveled through the streets of Hong Kong searching for traces of Pinky’s legacy. Using his influence as a guide, they sought out individuals 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.

Jimmy Shy has been tattooing for over fifteen years. In recent years, he has 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.

For decades, Hardy Marks Publications has been dedicated to documenting the history, culture, and art of tattooing. In 1985, our groundbreaking magazine Tattoo Time featured Pinky Yun and highlighted his profound influence on the development of Asian sailor tattoo culture. Now, we proudly present Hong Kong Traditional Tattoo to a new generation of readers today.