Quick style guide on irezumi, learn about the history of tattoos in Japan, its symbolism, and allure in the modern world. #Irezumi

Irezumi

(Japanese: 入れ墨) translates literally as ‘inserting ink’ and is synonymous with tattooing in Japan. In English, it denotes a distinctive Japanese tattoo style but also encompasses various tattoo traditions originating from the region.

History of Irezumi

Ancient forms of irezumi involved meticulous hand application using wooden handles and metal needles secured with silk thread, a process known as tebori (手彫り), or ‘to carve by hand.’ Irezumi’s development as an art form started with woodblock printing and the release of Suikoden (1757) in Japan. The Chinese novel, Suikoden, featured tales of heroic men with illustrations of their bodies decorated with beasts, flowers, and religious images. This created a demand for the types of tattoos seen in woodblock illustrations.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), tattoos became a form of punishment, serving as a criminal penalty where the tattoo’s design and placement corresponded to the nature of the offense (tattoos on the arm for thieves, on the head for murderers). The Meiji period (1868-1912) ushered in a ban on tattoos by the Japanese government, amplifying a societal stigma that still echoes in modern Japanese society today.

Symbolism

Despite its lingering stigma, people continued to get irezumi, whether it was to flaunt their wealth or to wear it as spiritual protection. The practice spread and innovated even beyond Japan’s borders, and was hailed as a style that “complemented the entire body.” For example, a full irezumi bodysuit will be in the shape of a kimono (traditional Japanese garment), thus hiding the tattoo when a kimono is worn. Many remain fascinated by the Japanese style and sought the work to be done secretly, allowing the scene to persist and flourish underground. Following the abolishment of the ban in 1872 and the legalization of tattoos in 1948, traditional Japanese tattoos became more closely linked to the Yakuza, a criminal syndicate. However, local attitudes towards tattoos have become more relaxed, with Western influence boosting tattoo popularity among Japanese youth.

There are a number of common motifs and symbols in irezumi, including but not limited to:

• Mythical Creatures: dragons/’ryu’, kirin, baku, foo dogs, and the phoenix.
• Animals: crane/other birds, koi fish, tigers, and serpents.
• Natural Elements: bamboos, peonies, lotus, chrysanthemums; clouds, waves
• Folklore: characters from traditional tales, like those found in Suikoden.
• Ukiyo-e: Drawings from the “floating world,” geisha, samurai, and other ukiyo-e prints.
• Spiritual: Buddhas and Buddhist deities, including the Fudō Myō-ō and Kannon.
• Shinto: kami, tengu
• Theatrical: Noh, Hannya, Oni, Kitsune masks

Where to find an Irezumi Artist?

Unlike most places, tattoo shops in Japan are rare, with most in tourist or US military-friendly areas. While most modern tattoo artists employ machines, some continue to practice tebori, a technique that is more expensive, time-consuming, and painful. A full-body traditional suit, covering the arms, back, thighs, chest, and leaving a space down the torso, may take up to five years of weekly sessions and cost over $30,000. The process is formal, with the artist exerting significant control over the design.

The process of finding an appropriate irezumi artist can be difficult and time-consuming, but we’re here to make it easier for you. Follow and browse @the_imperial_ink to discover the right irezumi artist for your unique vision!

Featured Photo: Kurama (9-tailed fox) bodysuit by John Tran (@john.newchoice), based at New Choice Tattoo Studio (@newchoicetattoo).