Pinky Yun, also known as Bing Kuan, is about as close to being a living legend in the tattoo world as we get. Born October 29th 1927 in Shanghai, China, Pinky first learned hand tattooing. After the Communists took over in 1949, Pinky moved to Hong Kong. Throughout the years Pinky operated shops in Kowloon, Macao, Taiwan, and he tattooed iin Japan during the Korean War. Pinky moved to the United States in 1972 and opened a shop in Alameda, California. Today, you'll find Pinky tattooing at Dragon Tattoo in San Jose, California. To read some great interviews with Pinky, see Tattootime #3 and Skin & Ink Magazine, July 2000. ********************************************************** Dragon Tattoo 1520 West San Carlos St San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 286-8781 As many of you probably know, the legendary Pinky Yun sadly passed away last year in December. This was a great loss to tattooing, especially at a time where many people think "fame" equals talent, as he was such a great example of what a real master of the art is. Throughout his life Pinky maintained a series of correspondences with many legendary figures in tattoo history, such as Sailor Jerry in Hawaii, and had pen pals as far away as Europe and even Australia. It was at the first tattoo conventions that he made an impact, stunning crowds by drawing with both hands at once on paper and tattooing dragons without stencils. After tattooing in Japan and being exposed to Japanese tattoo styles, his repertoire broadened beyond military tattoos into Japanese designs. Ironically a Hong Kong kid doing sailor tattoos on Americans and Europeans traveled to Japan, not unlike Ed Hardy and other Western artists, and was so inspired by the dragons and koi fish he encountered there that he incorporated what he saw into his own work, ultimately procuring him as the archetype of Oriental tattooing. Generous, intelligent, well-traveled and a courteous gentleman Pinky is humble and doesn't have airs about him. He is the Godfather of the Oriental style of sailor tattooing. ******************************************************** Pinky Yun may be one of last great strong holds of a bygone era. His career began in Hong Kong tattooing sailors for the mob and his life's journey led him to opening a shop in Japan and later multiple shops in California. His flash continues to inspire generations of tattooing and he is best known for his definitive interpretation of tigers, panthers, dragons and of course pin-ups. The most well known pin-up he designed was his farief *********************************************************** Biography Born Yun Bing Kwan, also known as Pinky, on October 29th, 1927 in Canton, China. Pinky first learned hand tattooing at the age of 16. After the Communists took over in 1949, Pinky moved to Hong Kong. Throughout the years Pinky operated shops in Kowloon, Macao, Taiwan, and he tattooed in Japan during the Korean War. Pinky moved to the United States in 1972 and opened a shop in Alameda, California. In 1981, Pinky settled in San Jose until he retired during fall of 2009. Died December 2, 2010, survived by his wife, Shun, 5 children and 4 grandchildren. Pinky has been best known for his ambidextrous free hand drawing skills and unique Oriental dragon designs. He created a culture fusion of Oriental mythologies and philosophies with Western art. An icon and a legend in the tattoo world, Pinky inspired generations of Tattoo artists across the globe.mously iconic Suzy Wong , which was popularized by Sailor Jerry ***********************************************************