The irezumi tradition
Japanese tattooing (irezumi) has a 1000+ year history, evolving from punishment marks (in the Edo era) to elaborate art associated with the samurai class and later with the yakuza. The irezumi aesthetic is codified: each motif has precise meaning, each placement has a history, each combination of elements follows a logic.
Classic irezumi motifs:
- Koi fish — perseverance, strength, transformation (the koi swimming against the current becomes a dragon)
- Dragon (ryu) — wisdom, protection, power — unlike the European dragon, the Japanese dragon is benevolent
- Cherry blossom (sakura) — ephemeral beauty, awareness of mortality (mono no aware)
- Oni mask — protective demon, wards off evil spirits
- Tiger (tora) — courage, strength, protection against demons
- Phoenix (hou-ou) — rebirth, grace, virtue
- Lotus — spiritual purity, rising from darkness
- Snake (hebi) — protection, regeneration (shedding skin)
At Funky Tattoo, we work in irezumi respecting the compositional tradition — elements are combined according to Japanese rules (for example, koi always with waves, dragon always with clouds), but the technical execution uses modern equipment for reduced pain and faster healing.
Traditional composition: sleeve and back
Traditional irezumi works in three classic formats:
- Hikae: the chest as a standalone panel, often connected to a sleeve
- Nagaju (long sleeve): from shoulder to wrist, with a background of clouds/waves connecting the elements
- Senaka (back): large central composition on the back, often with dragon, large koi, or oni mask
The unique component of irezumi is the background — stylised clouds (kumo), stylised waves (namazu), or fallen cherry blossoms — that fills the space between the main elements and creates flow. This background is what makes an authentic irezumi vs. a simple Japanese tattoo.
For a complete irezumi sleeve, we plan 5-8 sessions of 4-6 hours each, with 4-6 weeks between them. Total estimated cost: 5000-10000 RON depending on complexity and size.
