Japanese
Tattoo Style
Traditionally Japanese tattooing is characterised by a boldness and readability that leaves no ambiguity as to what is depicted in the tattoo.
This is achieved through high contrast, strong line work, and a background that compliments and contrast the foreground.
Broadly speaking, tattooing in Japan is generally referred to as Irezumi.
But more specifically, the traditional Japanese tattoo style is referred to as Wabori.
Traditionally this was done by hand using needles fastened to bamboo sticks, and is referred to as Tebori which means hand carved or engraved.
Some common images in traditional Japanese tattoos include from Mythological beasts and monsters like: dragons, kirin, baku, foo dogs, Hō-ō
to animals like: birds, koi, tigers, snakes. Flowers: peonies, cherry blossoms, lotuses, chrysanthemums.
