Plastic Tattoo Stencils, 1900-1950
Add to SetSummary
Tattoo stencils range in material from disposable paper to plastic. Designs were drawn on transfer paper or scratched into plastic with a needle. With plastic stencils, powdered charcoal was rubbed into the lines; Vaseline was applied to the skin. When the stencil was pressed against the skin, the charcoal transferred as an outline. Stencils allowed tattooists to circulate and exchange ideas.
Tattoo stencils range in material from disposable paper to plastic. Designs were drawn on transfer paper or scratched into plastic with a needle. With plastic stencils, powdered charcoal was rubbed into the lines; Vaseline was applied to the skin. When the stencil was pressed against the skin, the charcoal transferred as an outline. Stencils allowed tattooists to circulate and exchange ideas.
Artifact
Stencil (Tool)
Date Made
1900-1950
Creators
Unknown
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Creator is unknown. Probably made in Connecticut.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
81.98.7
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Plastic
Color
Yellow
Inscriptions
Envelope: AGENCY OF THE | JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | ROOMS 208 TO 210 WASHINGTON BLDG., 1 BANK ST | STAMFORD, CONN.
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