Pinky Yun is a legend in the tattoo world. Pinky put on his first tattoo when he was just 10 years old and didn't look back for the next 60 years, opening shops in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and even in Japan during the Korean War.
In 1972 Pinky came to the US and opened up a shop in Alameda. In 1980 Pinky opened up his legendary shop "Dragon Tattoo" in San Jose. He tattooed there for the last thirty years until earlier this year when he decided to close up shop and retire back to Hong Kong.
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. In 1981, Pinky settled in San Jose until he retired during fall of 2009. Died December 2, 2010.
Pinky has been best known for his ambidextrous freehand drawing skills and unique Oriental dragon designs. He created a cultural 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.
