Hakutaku and Baku Sleeves by TomTom

TomTom recently completed this set of sleeves for his client Phill.

The left sleeve features a Baku, Hanya, Sakura (Cherry Blossoms), waterbars and waves.

According to Japanese folklore, Baku are supernatural beings that are said to devour nightmares. They are also known as ‘The Dream Eater” . Legend has it, that the Baku is said to devour nightmares, and if he isn’t satisfied, may also devour one’s hopes and dreams. They were created using the spare pieces that were left over when the gods finished creating all other animals, typically depicted with a bear’s body, an elephant’s nose, a tiger’s feet, an oxen tail, and rhinoceros eyes.

With their origins in Chinese Folklore, the Baku later appeared in Japanese folklore between the 14 th and 15 th centuries, in what was known as the Muromachi period.

…

The right sleeve features a Hakutaku, Oni, Sakura, wind bars and clouds.
Hakutaku are extremely good omens and symbols of good luck. Hakutaku can speak human languages, and are highly knowledgeable about all things in creation. Because of its incredible knowledge of the various kinds of yokai and monsters, they are used as good luck charms and as wards against evil spirits, disease, and other yokai. Because the Hakutaku knows all, it was believed that evil yokai would stay away from him.

TomTom is currently booking new large-scale Japanese work for June onwards.

If you would like to enquire about a piece, please email info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

…

Sunset Tattoo is the home of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated tattooists, and located on Cross Street of Central Auckland, just behind iconic Karangahape Road (K Road). We specialise in timeless, professional tattoo styles such as Japanese, Maori, America/western traditional and black work. With a friendly team, a gorgeous studio and decades of knowledge we would love to help you with your next tattoo project. For more information, get in touch with us.

CONTACT:

www.sunsettattoo.co.nz

info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

(+649)3763423

NEW MERCH ALERT

We’ve been busy whipping up some new Sunset Tattoo Merch that is now on display in the reception area of our studio and available online!

Left-Right: As Colour Printed T-Shirt, Custom Sunset Tattoo Lighters and Gift Vouchers.

…

Manawa Tapu has these Neon Tribal long sleeve shirts available as well!

Printed in NZ on AS Colour. Available in 2 colour ways - Black with Orange/ Yellow or White with Blue/ Red.

$100

…

Bernard Kwok recently did a T-Shirt collab with Parlour Store.

Available in 2 colour ways: Black with Blue/White and White with Black/ Red.

$65

…

Sunset Tattoo is the home of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated tattooists, and located on Cross Street of Central Auckland, just behind iconic Karangahape Road (K Road). We specialise in timeless, professional tattoo styles such as Japanese, Maori, America/western traditional and black work. With a friendly team, a gorgeous studio and decades of knowledge we would love to help you with your next tattoo project. For more information, get in touch with us.

CONTACT:

www.sunsettattoo.co.nz

info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

(+649)3763423

Black & Grey vs Colour Tattoos

When it comes to old school American/ Western Traditional Tattoos, people often ask, what’s better - Black & Grey or Colour? The answer is completely personal preference.

It’s good to have an idea when you’re getting tattooed if you want to keep to a black & grey colour scheme, or if you’re planning on getting colour pieces.

Here is an example of a Classic Rose design done by our artist Milky in both colour ways:

The beauty of old school/ American traditional tattooing is the use of bold lines, vivid colours and dark shading. The saying ‘Bold will Hold’ refers to these elements of the design. Thick lines and dark shading both ensure the tattoo heals well into the skin and won’t fade.

Simple and designed to age well! Just like a fine wine!

To check out more of Milky’s work, browse his profile here.

…

Sunset Tattoo is the home of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated tattooists, and located on Cross Street of Central Auckland, just behind iconic Karangahape Road (K Road). We specialise in timeless, professional tattoo styles such as Japanese, Maori, America/western traditional and black work. With a friendly team, a gorgeous studio and decades of knowledge we would love to help you with your next tattoo project. For more information, get in touch with us.

CONTACT:

www.sunsettattoo.co.nz

info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

(+649)3763423

Hebi (Snake) Sleeve by Horiyama

Horiyama finished up this vibrant Snake Sleeve this week for her lovely client Albert!

The main subject is a Hebi (Snake), a common subject matter used in Traditional Japanese tattooing, paired with Sakura (Cherry Blossom flowers) and wind bars/ clouds as the background detail. It also features a Namakubi (severed head) on the underarm.

…

Horiyama’s large scale work is inspired by the more intense, dark and old school Japanese Tattoo Art, where as her smaller ‘flash’ pieces, are more playful and humorous.

…

Horiyama originally hails from Hiroshima, Japan and apprenticed under Tom Tom who has been studying and crafting Japanese tattoos for over 15 years. Horiyama honours the tradition of her homeland with her eye catching bright, bold and refined tattoos. Japanese tattoos from Horiyama are both playful and timeless, and are designed to last a lifetime.

…

To enquire and book in for your next project with Horiyama, please email info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

Sunset Tattoo is the home of some of New Zealand’s most celebrated tattooists, and located on Cross Street of Central Auckland, just behind iconic Karangahape Road (K Road). We specialise in timeless, professional tattoo styles such as Japanese, Maori, America/western traditional and black work. With a friendly team, a gorgeous studio and decades of knowledge we would love to help you with your next tattoo project. For more information, get in touch with us.

CONTACT:

www.sunsettattoo.co.nz

info@sunsettattoo.co.nz

(+649)3763423