Japanese Snake and Chrysanthemum Sleeve by Horiyama

Japanese irezumi tattoos are steeped in tradition and symbolism, often telling intricate stories through their designs. One popular motif is the combination of a snake and chrysanthemum sleeve tattoo, each element carrying its own significant meaning.

The Snake: Symbol of Power and Resilience

In Japanese culture, the snake holds diverse symbolism, often associated with power, protection, and transformation. Known as "hebi," it represents agility, stealth, and adaptability. In folklore, snakes are revered as guardians of sacred spaces and possessors of esoteric knowledge.

When incorporated into tattoos, the snake often embodies resilience and personal growth. Its sinuous form wrapping around the wearer's arm or torso signifies protection against adversity and the ability to shed old skin, metaphorically embracing change and renewal.

The Chrysanthemum: Emblem of Beauty and Impermanence

The chrysanthemum, or "kiku," carries its own significance in Japanese culture. As the national flower of Japan, it symbolizes beauty, elegance, and the transient nature of life. Often associated with autumn, it serves as a reminder to cherish fleeting moments and embrace the inevitability of change.

In tattoos, the chrysanthemum adds a touch of grace and delicacy to the design. Its intricate petals and vibrant colors contrast with the snake's dynamic energy, creating a visual balance that speaks to the harmony of opposites.

Synthesis: Blending Strength and Beauty

The combination of the snake and chrysanthemum in a sleeve tattoo represents a harmonious blend of strength and beauty, resilience and grace. It reflects the wearer's journey of personal growth and transformation, acknowledging life's complexities and embracing them with courage and dignity.

Beyond their individual symbolism, these elements come together to create a narrative that is deeply personal to the wearer. Whether it signifies overcoming challenges, embracing change, or honoring cultural heritage, the snake and chrysanthemum sleeve tattoo is a testament to the enduring power of body art as a form of self-expression and storytelling.

In conclusion, the Japanese irezumi snake and chrysanthemum sleeve tattoo is a striking fusion of tradition, symbolism, and personal meaning. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty found in life's fleeting moments, serving as a powerful reminder to embrace change and find strength in adversity.

Clipper Ship by Gordy Evelyn

Gordy recently got to tattoo one of the classics, a traditional clipper ship. Have a read below about the history and origin of this classic imagery.

Clipper Ship by Gordy Evelyn

History

Originating in the maritime culture of the 19th century, traditional clipper ship tattoos hold a storied history deeply intertwined with the experiences of sailors. As sailors spent months or years at sea, these tattoos became a way to commemorate their connection to the vessels that defined their livelihoods. Clipper ships, renowned for their speed and grace, were often depicted in full sail, symbolizing the sailors' resilience and affinity for the sea.

Traditional Tattoo Aesthetics

Traditional clipper ship tattoos are emblematic of the broader traditional tattoo style, characterized by bold outlines, limited color palettes, and iconic imagery. This style, also known as American Traditional or Old School, emerged in the early days of Western tattooing and remains popular due to its timeless appeal. The simplicity and clarity of traditional tattoo designs ensure their enduring relevance and recognition.

Navigating Modern Waters

Despite technological advancements and changes in maritime practices, traditional clipper ship tattoos continue to resonate as symbols of adventure and exploration. Whether adorning the skin of seasoned sailors or landlocked enthusiasts, these tattoos serve as reminders of the courage to navigate life's challenges and embrace the unknown.

Traditional clipper ship tattoos endure as timeless symbols of maritime heritage and personal resilience. Rooted in history yet relevant in contemporary tattoo culture, they evoke a sense of adventure and connection to the sea. As they sail through time, these iconic tattoos continue to inspire and captivate those drawn to their enduring allure.

Piwakawaka and PohUtukawa Sleeve by TomTom

In the realm of tattoo art, a captivating fusion of cultures has emerged, blending traditional Japanese motifs with indigenous symbols from New Zealand. Among these, the Piwakawaka (New Zealand fantail) and Pohutukawa tree stand out for their symbolism and visual appeal - Tom jumped at the chance to do something a little different when this client request came through!

In Maori mythology, the Piwakawaka is revered as a messenger from the spiritual realm, embodying traits of agility, curiosity, and protection. In Japanese tattoo art, it symbolizes freedom and the fleeting nature of life, often depicted against a backdrop of black and grey, with vibrant colors highlighting its presence.

Known as the "New Zealand Christmas tree," the Pohutukawa symbolizes resilience and enduring beauty. In Japanese tattoo art, it represents solace and renewal, often set against serene landscapes rendered in black and grey, with the crimson blooms of the tree standing out as a colorful foreground.

The fusion of Piwakawaka and Pohutukawa motifs in Japanese tattoo art celebrates unity and diversity, weaving stories that transcend cultural boundaries. In Auckland, renowned tattoo artists adeptly blend these indigenous symbols with traditional Japanese techniques, creating stunning pieces that honor both cultures and the natural world.

Dragon, koi, Namazu and Kaeru Irezumi by Horiyama

Horiyama recently completed this double arm Japanese Irezumi sleeve tattoo including chest and torso plates with bold imagery and story telling throughout.

The arm sleeves tell a story of the circle of life. Starting on the left arm with a koi, continuing to the top of the left arm with a dragon koi and ending on the right arm with a dragon. An ancient legend tells of a large school of golden Koi that swam upstream in the Yellow River of China.  They gained strength battling the current and swimming together up river.  They arrived at a waterfall and many turned back, letting the flow of the river carry them away.  The remaining Koi would not be deterred and attempted to reach the top of the waterfall but struggled in doing so.  They strained and leapt, splashing back into the water.  This splashing drew the attention of local demons who saw their effort and mocked them by maliciously increasing the height of the waterfall.  Undeterred, the Koi continued on until, after 100 years of jumping, a single Koi finally reached the top of the waterfall.  The gods recognized the exhausted Koi for its perseverance and determination by turning it into a shining golden dragon, the embodiment of strength and power.  That waterfall became known as “Dragon’s Gate” and the story teaches us that with perseverance and determination can come great reward. The arm sleeves were completed in 2021.

Horiyama and her client Adam then worked on adding the chest and torso to this project. The Japanese word for frog is Kaeru, which means to return home and the Namazu is a giant underground catfish who causes earthquakes. The story of these two combined is that in any natural disaster you will always find your way home.

In the background to complete the design there is water and maple leaves to represent the river water theme.

Japanese tattooing by our sunset tattoo Artists

Our owner and founder, Tom Tom has been tattooing for 20 years and focuses on his own interpretation and stylised custom Japanese/Irezumi tattooing. He almost only does large scale, ongoing work with very loyal clients but also enjoys doing fun “one shot” and smaller tattoos. Influenced majorly by his travels to Japan, and by the amazing Japanese Irezumi artists of the 19th and 20th century, he continues to develop his craft in our studio daily.

Horiyama was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan and has now been tattooing for over 8 years. She specialises in Traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoos. Her style is bright, bold, and simple, carrying on a long tradition of tattooing from her country of birth.

Gordy began his apprenticeship under Tom Tom in 2021, focussing on bright and bold traditional Japanese and American tattooing. He is dedicated to learning everything Japanese traditional, combining this with his expert illustration skills makes for some stand out classic tattoos. Keep an eye out for some of his larger scale work being completed in the next couple of months.

Get in touch if you’ve been thinking about getting some traditional Japanese work done - we’re here to help you out and answer any questions you might have about the process. Fill out one of our contact forms here or email us at info@sunsettattoo.co.nz to get started!