Tui and Manuka blossom Japanese arm sleeve by TomTom

TomTom recently completed this Tui and Manuka blossom arm sleeve.

The Tui, native to New Zealand, is recognised for its distinctive appearance and song. In tattoo art, the Tui symbolises attributes such as grace, adaptability, and resilience. Its iridescent feathers and striking form can add a sense of dynamism and elegance to a tattoo design, reflecting a connection to nature and a celebration of its inherent beauty.

Manuka blossoms are known for their delicate appearance and vibrant colours. They are often associated with themes of purity, renewal, and healing due to their medicinal properties and visual appeal. In Japanese tattoos, Manuka blossoms introduce a layer of symbolic meaning that complements the natural elements of the design, representing personal growth and the restorative qualities of nature.

When combined in a tattoo, the Tui bird and Manuka blossoms can create a design that is both visually striking and rich in meaning. The Tui’s detailed feathers and the soft, intricate petals of the Manuka blossoms should be thoughtfully integrated to achieve a balanced and cohesive design. This combination allows for a tattoo that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also carries a depth of personal and symbolic significance.

TomTom planned the placement of the three Tui’s in this sleeve to ensure he would be able to have them in different positions and showcase the wings. The placement of the central Tui on the bicep allows for a design with its wings fully spread, creating an impactful and visually expansive effect. Such a placement not only emphasises the Tui’s graceful flight but also ensures that the design remains a prominent and eye-catching feature of the tattoo.

Hebi and Peony Back Piece

Horiyama recently completed this Japanese Hebi (snake) and peony full back tattoo on her client Jared.

In Japanese tattoos, snakes are more than just cool creatures. They symbolise transformation and rebirth because they shed their skin and start fresh. This makes them a powerful symbol of personal growth and new beginnings. Plus, in Japanese culture, snakes are often seen as protectors that ward off bad luck and evil spirits. They have a sacred vibe too, sometimes linked with spiritual forces or deities.

Peonies, on the other hand, are all about beauty and symbolism. Known as the "King of Flowers," they stand for prosperity, good fortune, and high status. With their lush, vibrant petals, peonies bring a touch of elegance and abundance to any tattoo. They also represent bravery and honour, thriving even in tough conditions. So, a peony tattoo can symbolise strength and courage.

When you mix snakes with peonies in a full back tattoo, you get an artwork that's both powerful and beautiful. The snake’s winding form paired with the peony’s rich petals creates a dynamic, balanced design. It’s like a visual story of strength and grace, danger and elegance.

This combination tells a story of personal growth and resilience. The snake’s curve can symbolise your journey through challenges, while the peony’s bloom represents the beauty and strength you find in overcoming them.


Watanabe No Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon

In the world of Japanese tattoo artistry, every motif carries profound cultural significance, often tracing its roots back to ancient legends and folklore. One such captivating tale immortalised through intricate ink is that of Watanabe No Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon. TomTom recently completed a full back piece rendition of this ancient story.

In the Heian period of Japanese history, during the 10th century, tales of supernatural encounters were commonplace. Watanabe No Tsuna, a brave and skilled warrior known for his loyalty and courage, found himself embroiled in a chilling encounter with the Ibaraki Demon, a malevolent spirit haunting the Rashomon gate in Kyoto.

Legend has it that the Ibaraki Demon appeared in the guise of an old woman by day but transformed into a fearsome entity by night, terrorising anyone who dared to pass through the gate. Tsuna, hearing of this menace, accepted the challenge to confront the demon, armed with his wits and his legendary sword.

In a dramatic showdown at the Rashomon gate, Tsuna faced the Ibaraki Demon in a fierce battle of strength and will. With strategic prowess and unyielding bravery, Tsuna outwitted the demon, severing its arm in a decisive blow. The severed arm, with its supernatural power, became a symbol of Tsuna's triumph over evil.

The tale of Watanabe No Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon has been immortalised in Japanese art and culture, particularly in the intricate designs of Irezumi, or traditional Japanese tattoos. These tattoos often adorn the backs of individuals seeking to embody the resilience, bravery, and triumph over adversity that Tsuna exemplified.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the Japanese full back tattoo serves as a tribute to the rich tapestry of Japanese folklore and history. Each element—Tsuna's stoic determination, the Ibaraki Demon's malevolence, and the decisive battle at Rashomon—speaks volumes about the wearer's journey, struggles, and ultimate victories.

Embracing such a tattoo is not merely a choice of body art but a declaration of reverence for Japanese folklore and the enduring spirit of heroes like Watanabe No Tsuna. It is a story inked onto the canvas of one's skin, honouring tradition while celebrating personal strength and resilience.

In essence, the tale of Watanabe No Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon lives on through the art of Irezumi—a timeless testament to the power of storytelling and the indelible mark of courage on the human spirit.

Pin-Up Girls: A Contemporary Twist with Blackwork Tattoos

Originally popularised in the mid-20th century, pin-up girl tattoos captured the imagination with their charismatic depictions of glamorous women, often in playful or seductive poses. These tattoos celebrated femininity and embodied a sense of nostalgia for an era defined by its distinctive aesthetics.

Today, the resurgence of interest in blackwork tattoos has breathed new life into this timeless art form. Blackwork, known for its intricate patterns and bold, monochromatic designs, offers a fresh canvas for reinterpretation. By stripping away color and focusing on contrast and shading, artists bring a contemporary edge to classic pin-up imagery.

Imagine a pin-up girl adorned with intricate linework, her features accentuated by shadows and highlights rather than traditional color gradients. The absence of color intensifies the impact of each line, creating a visually striking piece that emphasizes form and composition.

Blackwork pin-up tattoos often incorporate elements of geometric patterns, negative space, or elaborate backgrounds, adding depth and complexity to the design. This fusion of vintage inspiration with modern techniques not only pays homage to tattooing's rich history but also pushes boundaries in artistic expression.

In contemporary tattoo culture, blackwork pin-up tattoos stand out as a testament to the enduring influence of nostalgia and creativity. They bridge the gap between past and present, appealing to a diverse audience of tattoo enthusiasts and art aficionados alike. This reinterpretation not only preserves the charm of classic pin-up girl tattoos but also propels them into a new era of artistic innovation.

As tattoo artistry continues to evolve, the blackwork pin-up tattoo emerges as a captivating fusion of tradition and modernity. By reimagining classic motifs through the lens of blackwork, artists infuse new vitality into familiar icons, inviting us to appreciate the beauty of contrast and the power of timeless imagery.

Japanese Tiger and Sakura sleeve by TomTom

TomTom recently completed this full sleeve Japanese tiger tattoo featuring Sakura blossoms and petals. This tattoo, rooted in Japanese tradition, combines the strength of the tiger with the ephemeral beauty of sakura blossoms to create a striking visual narrative.

In Japanese culture, the tiger symbolises strength, courage, and protection. Known as "tora," it holds a prominent place in folklore as a guardian spirit. Depicted with bold lines and dynamic poses, the tiger in a Japanese sleeve tattoo commands attention, representing resilience and determination.

Contrasting with the tiger's strength, sakura blossoms symbolise the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of impermanence. These delicate flowers, celebrated during Hanami festivals, remind us to cherish the present moment. In a tattoo sleeve, sakura blossoms add depth and symbolism, representing renewal and the passage of time.

The Japanese sleeve tattoo featuring a tiger and sakura blossoms is a captivating blend of tradition and personal expression. Through the strength of the tiger and the beauty of sakura, this tattoo style tells a story of resilience, impermanence, and the timeless struggle between opposing forces.