. >> reporter: that artist was the famous horacio iii. ettinger then called his office and asked for a copy. >> they called me back and said, which one do you want? there are ten of them! so it makes it very, very clear there is enormous followings. >> reporter: over 1,000 pieces of original tattoo art from some of the world's most prominent the eye catching visuals are painted on canvas, board, and paper. the collection includes work from american traditional artist bob roberts, legendary swiss artist phillip lu, and the notorious horacio iii. >> this is the top of the game. >> reporter: this one? >> this artist, yes. >> reporter: it's become to popular, that according to a 2012 survey, 1 in 5 u.s. adults has a tattoo. even with the increased popularity, it's still uncertain who will be bidding in this auction. >> reporter: another surprise? the price. >> there are a number in the tens of thousands, you know, 30,000, 50,000, we think. i bet you that 50% of the work will get sold to people who don't have tattoos, but see the excitement, t

. >> reporter: that artist was the famous horacio iii. ett'inger called his office and he called him back. >> he said which do you want? there are ten of them. so it makes it very, very clear there is enormous followings. >> reporter: over 1,000 pieces from the prominent tattoo artists are going on the auction block. the eye catching visuals are painted on canvass and board and paper. the collection includes work from american traditional artist bob roberts, legendary swiss artist phillip two and the notorious horacio iii. it's become to popular that 1 in 5 u.s. adults has a tattoo. even with the increase in popularity, it's still uncertainty who will be bidding in this auction. >> it's always a surprise. >> reporter: another surprise? the price. >> there are a number in the tens of thousands, you know, 30,000, 50,000, we think. i bet you that 50% of the work will get sold to people who don't have tattoos, but see the excitement, the beauty in some of these works. >> reporter: so you're saying you're starting something? >> we're starting