The Chinese Renaissance of Tattoo Art

Tattoos are back in China—and they’re evolving fast. In this episode, we explore how a once-stigmatized art form is finding new life as young Chinese tattooists blend traditional calligraphy and ink-wash aesthetics with modern skin art, even as official attitudes remain wary. From historical associations with punishment and criminality to today’s growing acceptance—including within the People’s Liberation Army—tattooing now sits at the crossroads of culture, identity, and business. We look at how artists are building lucrative careers, tattoo schools are booming, and better tools are transforming the craft, revealing why body art has become a quiet but telling signal of cultural change in contemporary China.https://www.economist.com/books-and-arts/2020/08/29/china-makes-its-mark-on-the-world-of-tattoos