Written by one of Japan's most popular mystery novelists in 1948 and winner of the Mystery Writers Club Award, this elegant, engaging book is set against the backdrop of the illicit and sensuous art of full-body tattoos. These tattoos were often collected in one piece after the death of the bearer and displayed in museums, but an unusual murder takes place, and the canvas has been mutilated, the victim's tattoo stolen. 'Intricate, fantastic and utterly absorbing' - Kirkus Reviews 'Clever, kinky...entertaining' - Washington Post