Irezumi
The Japanese tradition of large-scale body tattooing, with deep historical roots, layered symbolism and techniques of its own, like tebori.
Irezumi traces back centuries in Japanese history and went through phases of prohibition, association with marginalized groups and, more recently, international recognition as an art form. Its compositions typically cover large areas of the body — full backs, full sleeves or complete body suits — following motifs like koi, dragons, waves and flowers, each carrying meaning within Japanese culture. Unlike the "Japanese style" practiced globally with electric machines, traditional irezumi is tied to the tebori technique and a specific cultural context, though today both approaches coexist.
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