“The Original Gus Wagner, Professional Globe Circler & Tattooed Man,” graphic letterhead. Kansas City, MO., c.1905

The Tattoo Ephemera Collection contains printed materials, including advertisements, promotional fliers, various instructions, and a variety of catalogs, among other items and memorabilia. Items are predominantly from North America, specifically the United States, though there is also material from England as well as from the historic Fujiya Hotel just outside of Tokyo, Japan, which features an advertisement for the famed tattoo artist Hori Chiyo, retained at the time by the resort. Also of note in this collection is a bundle of temporary tattoos, and their related ephemera, commemorating the American victory in WWII. For postcards and photographs, see the Tattoo Photograph Collection and for tattoo flash or artwork, see the Tattoo Flash & Artwork Collection.