This is a revision of an article I posted in '09. It merits repeating as January 14 marks the 100th anniversary of Sailor Jerry's birth!

Although born in Reno, Hawaii was home to the father of modern day tattooing, Sailor Jerry Collins. He worked right here in Chinatown at his shop, China Sea Tattoo, from 1960 until his death in 1973. Jerry was not only adept at modern tattooing but also responsible for being one of the first to bring Asian influence into western tattooing.

Koi done in one sitting on a submarine commander 1968.
Photo courtesy of Sailor Jerry Collins, An American Master, Hardy Marks Publication

Reading about Jerry and his tattooing back in the 60's gives one greater respect for the tattoo business' roots. There were no suppliers of any kind. The tools and the pigment these practioners used came from their own resources. Knowledge was closely guarded and newcomers quickly discouraged. Jerry and his contemporaries were true pioneers.  

Jerry's workstation in China Sea Tattoo.
Photo courtesy of Sailor Jerry Collins, An American Master, Hardy Marks Publication.

One of the greatest sources for discovering this gentleman and his journey is the above mentioned book, Ed Hardy's Sailor Jerry Collins, An American Master. (yes, THAT Ed Hardy...a tattooer and historian long before the fashion) Ed, who worked with Jerry, has brought together his own firsthand knowledge of Jerry along with a collection of letters from Jerry to various tattooers of the day.  

Jerry's writings are clever, cutting and insightful of a time like no other; "Don't use that red I sent ya, my leg's been festered up for a month." 

It is a wonderful walk through tattoo history. Our modern day roots.

Once in a while we will meet a person with a real 'Sailor Jerry' tattoo done by the master himself. Most of them are still clear, 'readable' as we like to say, 40+ years from acquisition.  

My husband and I had to good fortune to meet a USS Missouri retired sailor on a flight back from Seattle.  Leonard's tattoo was peeking out from his sleeve and when I asked the gentleman where he got it he said, "Honolulu, 1946."

I piped back, "Sailor Jerry?"

It shocked Leonard as he replied, "Yeah... how did you know?"

A proud sailor returning to Hawaii... I spied his Sailor Jerry tattoo as he boarded.
Leonard came to visit our studio and we found his design in our collection of Sailor Jerry Flash. 
Still on the 'market', still selling... 64 years later.

We who are in the tattoo business today must give thanks to his memory for the paths that he forged for us. Hardly a tattooer walks today who hasn't done a Sailor Jerry piece on someone. The equipment and products used today stem from his innovations.

Please take time to read up on Jerry... it's well worth it!

100 years... Jerry, we thank you.