Tattoo Style

While we maintain deep reverence for Japanese tattoo traditions, our specialty lies in the authentic style described here. However, we have reimagined our approach to incorporate modern technical and stylistic elements, elevating our overall aesthetic.

Irezumi

Irezumi, also known as Horimono or Wabori, is a unique and intricate form of traditional Japanese tattooing. This style incorporates large-scale motifs inspired by Japanese mythology, religious symbols, historical figures, nature scenes, and popular fables. One of the defining features of Irezumi is the use of dark and vast backgrounds, often depicting elements like water, wind, and clouds, which surround and complement the central design. In a traditional full-body bodysuit, these elaborate tattoos cover every part of the body except for the hands, feet, head, face, and neck, creating a stunning and cohesive piece of art.

History

Irezumi is not just a simple word for tattoos in Japan. Throughout the country's history, various words have been used to describe tattoos, and the word irezumi itself has been written with different characters, each with its own unique meaning or nuance. This includes the 'irezumi' (入れ墨) used as a branding mark for criminals and the 'irezumi' (刺青) done voluntarily. Other historical terms like 'irebokuro' (入れ黒子) from the 1700s, 'mon-mon' (紋々), and 'monshin' (紋身) have also been used in the past. However, these are no longer in common use today. The term 'horimono' (彫り物) is still used, referring to tattoos or any other engraved artwork. In more recent times, the term 'wabori' (和彫り), meaning "Japanese engraving," was coined in the 20th century specifically to refer to Japanese tattoos.

Irezumi Types

There are two different type of Irezumi:


NUKI-BORI – A unique and singular design that stands out on its own, free from any distracting background elements.



GAKU-BORI - A type of tattoo design that incorporates a dynamic background featuring surrounding patterns like rocks, waves, water, wind-bars, clouds, flowers, and other secondary elements. This style of tattoo artistry adds depth and complexity to the overall design, creating a visually captivating piece that is rich in symbolism and meaning.

Gaku-Bori

The term "Gaku-bori" translates to 'framed tattoo', with "Gaku" meaning 'framed' and "Bori" meaning 'tattoo'. Gaku-bori tattoos have specific shapes and names depending on the body part, always defined by the Mikiri - the boundary between tattooed skin and bare skin. There are different types of Mikiri, such as Akebono Mikiri and Botan Mikiri, each determining the boundary style. The decision on which type of Mikiri to use in a tattoo project is typically based on how it can be integrated with future tattoo pieces.


The design is utilized to enhance the background with elements such as clouds, waves, wind, and fire. Think of Gaku-bori as a tool tattoo artists can use to enhance the overall piece, helping to create a cohesive look for the tattoo. In Gaku-bori, elements like clouds and water are not restricted by "don’t-mix-the-seasons conventions", as they are present throughout the year.

Nuki-Bori

This term refers to the areas on the skin that are intentionally left without tattooing. Skilled tattoo artists understand that the blank spaces on the skin are just as crucial as the inked areas. These untattooed areas can be used for contrast or shading in a tattoo design. The use of Nuki-bori is only limited by the artist's imagination and can be incorporated anywhere in a tattoo. In Japanese tattoos, Nuki-bori also refers to the parts of the design that do not have a tattooed background.


Essentially, the Nuki-bori are the untouched areas of the skin within the tattoo design.

Mikiri

In irezumi, the borders are known as mikiri. Since Japanese tattoos aren’t isolated one-off designs, but large pieces with background that can cover much of the body their edges are a key design element: Irezumi must have mikiri, and they are part of the Work’s initial design conception. There are several styles to choose from, many of which are named after nature motifs. The most comnmon are botan-giri and bukkiri.

  • Mikiri Types

    1. MATSUBA MIKIRI

    Inspired by pine needles, matsuba mikiri uses series of straight lines to create a border. It’s rarely seen in modern irezumi.


    2. BOTAN-GIRI

    This wavy mikiri makes its border with a series of shapes that evoke the round petals of a botan (peony). Despite being inspired by the flower, the botan-giri is typically made up of waves and clouds.


    3. BUKKIRI (OR BUTSU- GIRI)

    This sharply defined mikiri has a straight edge that looks like it was sliced with a katana.


    4. AKEBONO MIKIRI

    Akebono means “daybreak”, this somewhat ambiguous border gradually becomes less intense in color, just like the rays of the sun.


    5. JARI MIKIRI

    Literally “gravel border” In this design, the irezumi’s edge gradually fades out with a series of small dots.

Irezumi patterns

Traditionally, Irezumi is based on a full body concept that is built in sections.

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  F.A.Q.

  • What is IREZUMI?

    Irezumi is a traditional Japanese style of tattooing that is created using large scale motifs based on Japanese mythology and scenes from nature. Irezumi is known for its dark and vast backgrounds based on water, wind and clouds that encompasses the entire area around the main motif and fills the body part being tattooed, including the whole body except hands, feet, head, face and neck in the case of a proper traditional bodysuit.

    Japanese tattoo(Irezumi)- one of the most popular style in modern tattooing. Being looking quite illustrative, it’s traditionally deeply symbolical. Every element of Japanese tattoo design has it’s particular meaning and purpose. In order to understand the design meaning, it is essential to understand the history and background of Japanese culture itself. Here is some interesting article regarding Irezumi Symbology

  • What is 'Irezumi Pattern'?

    In traditional Irezumi, the tattoo design is based on a full-body concept. It is created in sections that correspond to different body parts. Each section has its own unique pattern that can be appreciated individually, but also fits together with the surrounding sections. 


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  • Can I get a small tattoo done in Irezumi style?

    Technically yes, and this is called ‘one point tattoo’. In our studio we specialize in Gakubori – framed tattoo and do ONLY large scaled tattoos which take entire body part and naturally framed by that part of the body.


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  • I'd like to get tattooed in Irezumi style, how can I get a consultation appointment?

    It’s really easy to get your consultation, please learn the process and follow few simple steps.


    GO AHEAD >

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