MARVEL OF TATTOOING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14453, 20 August 1910, Page 2 (Supplement)

MARVEL OF TATTOOING.

KING EDWARD'S PORTRAIT.

ON TOP OF A MAN'S HEAD.

PiiorociiAPirs showing specimens of tattooing work were produced at the inquest on the body of William Mendo, a cellarman, who was killed in a lift accident at tht Carlton Hotel. On the top of Mendos head was tattooed an excellent likeness of King Edward on a Union Jack, and the Coroner remarked that ho had never seen such a thing in his life. The photographs were produced by George Burchett, a tattooist, of Waterloo Road, S.E., with whom Mendo had been lodging. He had, he id, tattooed the man all over. Mendo had never paid him for the tattooing; they contemplated going on tour together, Mendo showing himself at exhibitions. Oil -Mendo\s back was tattooed the " Home of the Gods," in various colours, the tattooing having occupied 140 hours. On his chest were a large eagle and a snako lighting, surmounted by scrolls and flowers; and there was a necklace of birds in various colours, and a- waist-belt with Hondo's name worked in Old English, and a, buckle composed of the Star of India. In the centre of bis forehead there was a crown between the letters "E.R." His arms were ornamented with snakes and dragons, and on his legs were pictures of Japanese ladies in five colours. On his shins were the portraits of two ladies surrounded by fancy framework, the scrolls of flowers extending up to the knees, on which were horses' heads surrounded by horseshoes, while on his thighs were depicted snakes and dragons.

Having heard further evidence the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.