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Legendary Hong Kong tattoo parlour Ricky Tattoo (formerly known as Ricky & Pinky’s) in Lockhart Road, Wan Chai has closed its doors. Since 1975, it’s been the place where everyone from triads to tipsy tourists go to get classic designs – mostly tigers, dragons and Chinese deities – inked on their bodies. 
READ MORE: Tattoo parlour the one thing Ricky Lo wouldn’t want to part with
We searched our photo archives and found these gems. We also invited our readers to share their fondest (or most painful) memories on our Facebook page.

 


IN PICTURES - Ricky & Pinky’s tattoo parlour: 40 years of inking Hong Kong 

Ricky works on a tattoo for a customer in 1993.

Ricky & Pinky Tattoo had been operating in Wan Chai since 1975.

Tattooist Henry Cheung Poon-chung at work in the studio in 2004. 

Ricky in his studio in 1995.

A tattoo takes shape.

Pinky Yun in the studio in July 1997.

Ricky at work in 1993.

A woman gets a tattoo at Ricky's in 1995.

Readers share their anecdotes on the SCMP Facebook page.

Tattoo parlour the one thing Ricky Lo wouldn’t want to part with

Ricky Lo.

Inking outside the box: how Hong Kong tattoo parlours are doing things differently

Guest tattooist Will Wallas handles tools at Star Crossed Tattoo in Tsim Sha Tsui. Click here to launch gallery. Photos Jonathan Wong


A customer waits for a tattoo at Star Crossed Tattoo in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The interior of Star Crossed Tattoo.

Ross Turpin (left, in glasses) and Rich Phipson at their studio.

Guest tattooist at Star Crossed Tattoo Will Wallas shows off his neck art. 

Rob Kelly searches for inspiration at his tattoo parlour.

Kin Liu.

Working on a design at Zink Tattoo.

Zink Tattoo owner Zac Wong and his wife, Vivi.

The interior of Zink Tattoo in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Tattooist Zac Wong's impressive neck, arm and finger art.

Reporter Sarah Karacs' tattoo takes shape.

Kin Liu etches a flower on reporter Sarah Karacs' arm.

Rob Kelly with a tattoo gun.

The interior of Rob Kelly's tattoo parlour.

A serpent design at Rob Kelly's parlour.

Hong Kong's 'new tattoo culture': photographer charts its evolution

Jennifer and Vince run The Company Tattoo in Mong Kok. Bold lines, a graphic sensibility and strong colours define Vince’s artworks.  The Company provides a great example of the new style of tattoo studios evident now in the Hong Kong scene. DESKTOP USERS CLICK ON THIS IMAGE TO LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY. Photos: Helen Mitchell

Yuuri came to the studio with her husband who is extensively tattooed; she was shy about getting her small tattoo photographed.  The cupcake is for her daughter - it has the girl's name inscribed in the icing.  

The large monochromatic tattoo on Sonny's back illustrates his relationship with his family.  Each family member is represented by points of the compass, which combine to give Sonny the sense of them coming together.

Jayers has her own tattoo studio, Lovinkit, in Sham Shui Po. With her degree in psychology, Jayers, some clients say, can almost "read their minds". She has a particular sensitivity to creating work which sits well on the bodies of her subjects.

Nic provides another good example of the new tattoo culture in Hong Kong.  In addition to running a successful tattoo studio, Mei Wah Tattoo, that also offers guest artist spots, Nic regularly attends tattoo conventions around the world.

Cherry has six tattoos, three of them by Jayers.  Cherry works as a teacher and dancer, and delights in talking about her tattoos.  

Helen Mitchell has a theory that people in post-colonial societies are getting inked as a way to strengthen their cultural roots and identity.

The surprising science of tattoos, from medicinal benefits to how they hijack the immune system

Some of the ink on offer at Moscow International Tattoo Week late last month. Photo: AFP

When you look at a tattoo, you are actually seeing ink trapped inside cells that had hoped to destroy that ink. Photo: AFP 

Models showcase full back tattoos by award-winning Taiwanese tattoo artist Chen Cheng-hsiung, better known as Diau An. Photo: K.Y Cheng

Former England captain David Beckham shows his tattoo to students at Peking University during his visit to Beijing in 2013. Photo: Reuters



Techies beware: wrist tattoos have been found to interfere with the sensors in Apple's smart watch. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle

Legendary Hong Kong tattoo parlour Ricky Tattoo (formerly known as Ricky and Pinky’s) in Lockhart Road, Wan Chai has closed its doors. Since 1975, it’s been the place where everyone from triads to tipsy tourists go to get classic designs – mostly tigers, dragons and Chinese deities – inked on their bodies. We searched our photo archives and found these gems.


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