The Japanese art of tattoo; 300+ year history of beauty, myths, legends, and secrecy.

The art of tattoo in Japan is complex.  Although tattoos are normal now in most parts of the world it still has complicated social representations in Japan.  It has a romantic history as a forbidden art that’s exclusive for an outlaw society.   This reputation has truths in its history, but its much more complex than that.  It is an unwaveringly soulful art that’s traditions and rituals are second to none.  It would take a lifetime to scratch the surface of its complexity.

Japan is beautifully unique in so many ways; even the largest city in the world operates so orderly and clean. The magnitude of the Coronavirus epidemic was still masked in most of the world at this stage.  There was a higher than normal level of caution throughout the city, but Japan was still operating in its hyper orderly and clean way.

March 17th, I arrive in Tokyo for the second leg of my bi-annual trip to Japan for work, riding motorcycles and creative exploration. In addition to business, my ritual in Tokyo includes my continued journey into the historical art of Japanese tattoo with one of the worlds masters.  

Now come join me on my 4th session with master Horitoshi 1.

The spiritual essence overtakes you when you enter the studio.  Every step from that moment your immersed in the ritual.

The end, or just the beginning… 

- Photography by our friend: Jun, Obi

- Artist - Masters of Tebori, Horitoshi 1.

~ An actual 100 year old coverall from our archive collection.
~ An original Black Bear Brand mailer catalog from 1918.
~ A celebration of the Black Bear Brand coverall in the current issue of Hail Mary Magazine.

The resurrection story… of a century old American brand, the ride fueled by the romance, anarchy, and chaos of the west.

Black Bear Brand... Built for a life well lived!

Early am... Harlem, captured by: Dean Chooch Landry on his 100 year old Graflex camera.

A celebration of our history and love for Americana... the Snoqualmie Pass on a 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead!

The Snoqualmie Pass was first mentioned by the Native Americans to Capt. George B. McClellan in September 1853, while he was surveying for a route across the Cascades.  He was guided across at Yakima Pass (from the east, and after a short distance turned back), he was told that Snoqualmie Pass, was "seldom used" and "practicable on foot with the greatest difficulty".  Every route he explored over the mountains, he declared unpassable... several of which were later travelled successfully.  

The Horween rough-out Chore/Jacket.

Photography by: Angel Colmenares

The journey of resurrecting a 100 yr. old brand.
Black Bear Brand ~ Standard Of The West... Original.
The Black Bear Brand resection story is fueled by the romance of the west. We are the cowboy, we are the biker, we are the artist, we are the adventurer; and we require a deep connection with everything we invite into our lives.

A perfect combination of pragmatism, utility, and style. Horween Horsehide shoulder yoke and Wax Cotton/Nylon body... packed with 700 goose down fill! Black Bear Brand in collaboration with Crescent Down Works.

Pipeburn Interview with Josh…

Refined and rugged Harris Tweed colliding with the jacket~shirt!

For centuries to this day the beautiful Harris Tweed is handwoven by islanders in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides. Here's a look at this seasons Black Bear Brand jacket~shirt in Green and brown Herringbone with Overcheck.

the Blue Check Harris Tweed Jacket~Shirt

Details!
~ Japanese Salvaged Redline 15 oz Denim
~ Horween Rough-Out ORION Collar.
~ Custom Black Bear Brand YKK buttons.
~ Designed and Hand Made in Seattle, Wash.

Explore to Create!

The best influences of the shirt and jacket, colliding pragmatism and refined tailoring.

The Bandana; an American frontier staple collides with the rich heritage of Japanese Indigo.

~ Construction, Timeless Style, and Undeniably Quality ~

The Great Basin Hat Co., based on the edge of the Ruby Mountains out of Elko, NV teamed with Black Bear Brand to create the ultimate cowboy hat that’s custom shaped for each customer using the best materials in the good US of A.

The Details...

~ Hand Made to Order.
~ Pure Silver Belly Beaver Felt.
~ Custom BlackBearBrand x The Great Basin Hat Co. Design/Shape/Style.
~ Personalized Fitted/Sized/Shape.
~ Blood Red Silk Liner with Hand Drawn "The Great Basin Hat Co”.
~ Roan Leather Inner Headband with branded Black Bear Brand Logo.
~ Charcoal Horween Horsehide Outer Band.

A tough as hell leather in its natural state paired with one of the toughest work boot’s that Wesco’s been making for 100 yrs… Perfection! DETAILS

Boots that Stand the Test of Time

Handmade to order with the finest SILVER BELLY Beaver… dive into the DETAILS

Standard of the West Cowboy Hat collaboration with The Great Basin Hat Co.

The Original Wesco BOSS Collaboration in Horween CXL Steerhide Summer Pre-Order… click the boots and order yours on 8/13. Limited number like always. More details available on the order page.

The Brewster hunter Green Rugged Wax Canvas Cap made with through and care in Seattle WA. .

Happy 4th Of July.

Video by: Bradley Wentzel

Texas with Scott Hoepker of Chemical Candy…