I’m Vinicius Cesar de Carvalho, also known as HORI YUSUI, a Brazilian tattoo artist from Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo. My passion for Japanese culture started early, inspired by my Japanese godfather, who often visited Japan. However, it wasn't until adulthood that I became captivated by tattoos, particularly irezumi (traditional Japanese tattooing), and began my journey of self-tattooing.
In 2014, I began my tattoo career, learning the craft on my own through dedication and an unrelenting passion for the art. Over the years, I explored various styles, but it wasn’t until 2021, under the mentorship of Horiki 1st China, a renowned Japanese tattoo master, that I truly found my calling. During this time, I was given the name HORI YUSUI, which means "calm waters," symbolising both my approach to life and my tattoo practice.
As a craftsman of wabori and tebori (traditional Japanese hand-poked bamboo tattoos), I’ve embraced these ancient techniques, blending them with my own artistic vision. I believe Japanese tattoos are more than just body art—they represent a spiritual journey, each piece marking a rite of passage that deeply connects body, mind, and soul.
Now based in Dublin, Ireland, I continue to develop my craft, drawing inspiration from both traditional Japanese irezumi and the distinctive style of ukiyo-e woodblock prints. While my approach remains deeply rooted in tradition, my work reflects a fusion of irezumi with my own personal style, blending classic elements with bold, graphic influences from Japanese woodblock art.
With a focus on precision, study, and deep respect for cultural traditions, I create tattoos that are both meaningful and transformative, reflecting the timeless beauty of irezumi and the profound personal connection each piece holds.