Plastic Tattoo Stencils, 1900-1950

01

Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Stencil (Tool)

Date Made

1900-1950

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 (Color)

Inscriptions

Envelope: AGENCY OF THE | JOHN HANCOCK MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY | ROOMS 208 TO 210 WASHINGTON BLDG., 1 BANK ST | STAMFORD, CONN.