WELCOME BACK CARPE

We’re so excited to have our good mate Carpe back with us at Sunset after some time overseas!

Carpe’s been off gathering inspiration and honing his craft, and now he’s back with fresh ideas and that same steady hand we all know and love. He specialises in Japanese tattooing and fine line work—whether it’s a big, bold dragon or a super clean, minimal piece, he nails it every time.

His Japanese work really captures the flow and tradition of the style, and his fine line stuff is insanely precise. If you’ve been thinking about getting something done, now’s the perfect time—Carpe’s back, his books are open, and we’re stoked to have him in the studio again.

Double Koi Sleeve by Horiyama

In Japanese culture, the koi fish is a symbol of strength, determination, and transformation. According to legend, koi that swim upstream and ascend waterfalls are rewarded by being transformed into dragons—a metaphor for perseverance through adversity. When paired, two koi often represent duality: balance between opposing forces, such as yin and yang, or the interconnected dance between masculine and feminine energies.

Each koi’s colour can also carry its own meaning. A black koi symbolises overcoming struggles, a red one represents passionate love or strength, and gold signifies prosperity and wealth. Whether placed in opposing directions or swimming in a circular flow, two koi suggest harmony in movement and a never-ending pursuit of growth.

Ginkgo biloba, one of the oldest tree species on Earth, is a revered symbol in Japanese art and philosophy. Its fan-shaped leaves represent endurance, timeless beauty, and peaceful strength. Ginkgo trees famously survived the Hiroshima bombing, further embedding them in the national consciousness as emblems of resilience and hope.

In tattoo art, ginkgo leaves bring an organic softness that contrasts with the dynamic motion of koi. Their flowing forms complement the sleeve’s curves, gently framing the koi and adding balance to the composition.

Watanabe no Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon by TomTom

Among the many motifs in traditional Japanese tattooing (irezumi), the battle between Watanabe no Tsuna and the Ibaraki Demon stands out as a design that combines visual intensity with rich cultural meaning.

The story comes from Heian-era folklore. Watanabe no Tsuna, a loyal retainer of Minamoto no Yorimitsu, was sent to investigate strange happenings at the Rashōmon gate in Kyoto. There, he confronted a fearsome oni—Ibaraki-dōji. In a swift and violent clash, Tsuna managed to sever the demon’s arm. He brought it home as a trophy, but days later, the demon returned in disguise, stole the arm back, and vanished.

This scene has been portrayed in Japanese art for centuries, and in tattooing, it becomes a dynamic narrative across the skin. Beyond the visual drama, the design holds symbolic weight. Tsuna represents bravery, loyalty, and discipline in the face of chaos. The demon stands for deception, inner struggle, or lingering threats. Together, they create a powerful metaphor for personal battles—those moments in life where we’re tested by forces beyond our control, and where even victory may leave something unfinished.

Snake and Sakura Sleeve by Horiyama

In Japanese tattoo culture, the snake—or "hebi"—carries a complex symbolism. Far from simply representing something sinister, the Japanese snake is a multi-faceted creature. It’s a guardian of treasure, a protector from bad luck, and a symbol of healing and regeneration. Much like a snake sheds its skin, it also represents transformation and personal growth.

Depending on the design, the snake can be coiled in a defensive posture, slithering upward in pursuit of a goal, or wrapped protectively around other elements in the tattoo. It can appear fierce, wise, or serene—all depending on the story the wearer wants to tell.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are deeply embedded in Japanese art and philosophy. These delicate flowers bloom in a burst of beauty for only a short time each spring, serving as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life. They represent impermanence—"mono no aware"—a bittersweet awareness of life’s transience and the appreciation of its passing beauty.

In tattoo art, sakura often accompany more dominant elements, offering a gentle, poetic counterbalance. When paired with something as intense as a snake, they soften the imagery, suggesting harmony between life’s harsh realities and its fleeting joys.

A Japanese arm sleeve tattoo that combines a snake and sakura is a stunning blend of opposing yet complementary energies. The snake’s coiling, sinuous form makes it perfect for wrapping around the curves of the arm, creating movement and depth. The cherry blossoms, whether floating freely or clinging to branches, provide bursts of colour and symbolism throughout the piece.

Karashishi and Botan Leg Sleeve by Gordy

The Karashishi, a mythical lion-like creature, is a symbol of strength, courage, and protection in Japanese culture. Often depicted in a fierce, dynamic pose, it is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. In a tattoo, it represents resilience, bravery, and the power to overcome challenges.

The Botan, or peony, is known as the "king of flowers" and is associated with wealth, honor, and the fleeting nature of beauty. In tattoo art, it symbolizes love, prosperity, and grace. The soft, flowing petals of the peony create a stunning contrast to the bold, powerful lion.

When combined in a leg sleeve tattoo, the Karashishi and Botan create a balance between strength and beauty. The lion provides a sense of protection and power, while the peony adds an element of elegance and softness. This combination symbolizes both the wearer’s internal and external strength, as well as their appreciation for beauty in all its forms.

Whether for personal significance or simply for the artistry, a Karashishi and Botan leg sleeve is a timeless tattoo that speaks to the harmony between power and grace.