Matt Lodder explains that the modern tattooing industry in Britain arose not from the lower classes, but from the elite seeking exotic art, particularly inspired by Japanese tattoo traditions.
Lodder highlights that the perception of tattooing evolved, debunking the myth that it only gained prominence post-Captain Cook's voyages, noting an existing tattoo culture before and after.
The opening of Japan in 1858 marked a crucial moment in tattoo history, where the aristocracy embraced Japanese tattoo art, influencing societal acceptance across class lines.
Tattooing has transitioned from a practice linked to sailors and criminals to widespread acceptance among all social classes, with its roots tied to the desires of the privileged.
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