Find a Japanese Tattoo Artist in Christchurch

What Japanese Techniques Do We Use?

Have you always been fascinated with the rich cultural heritage and designs of Japanese tattoos? So have we. Our expert Irezumi and Neo Japanese tattoo artists are masters of tattooing in these techniques, so you can trust that your next piece will be a guaranteed showstopper. 

And while we've traded in the traditional Tebori methods for the modern convenience of a tattoo machine (meaning you’ll miss out on all the fun of watching your Irezumi artist sweat and grunt through a tedious hand-poking process), we promise no loss of authenticity and the same stunning results. When you want a tattoo in Christchurch, look no further than B.LIST Tattoo. 

Irezumi

This distinct style generally refers to specific large pieces that cover significant parts of the body, such as the back, shoulders, and legs. 

Once upon a time, Irezumi tattoos reflected an individual's social status or occupation. During the Edo period, intricate full-body suits were associated with firemen and working-class physical labourers, who believed that the symbolisms of these tattoos would protect them from dangerous work hazards. 

If you have a love of Japan (and the Yakuza games series), you might be more familiar with Irezumi being associated with Japan's infamous organised crime syndicate. No matter its roots, understanding the historical context of Irezumi before getting a Japanese tattoo in NZ adds depth to its allure and significance as a form of self-expression and cultural identity. 

Now, let’s talk about symbolism. In Irezumi, motifs representing elements of nature, folklore, and spiritual beliefs are intricately woven into larger compositions with bold colours and detailed imagery. Each motif represents a belief or value that the wearer wants to portray. 

Common motifs and their meanings include: 

• Dragons: Benevolent creatures that are symbols of strength, wisdom, and protection. They are often associated with water and weather, believed to be guardians and bringers of good fortune, with different coloured dragons representing specific meanings.

• Tigers: Seen as guardians against evil spirits, these fierce and powerful animals symbolise strength, courage, and protection. 

• Cherry blossoms: Also known as sakura, these blooms aren’t just decorative elements in ornamental tattoos. They represent beauty, mortality, and the transient nature of life due to their short blooming period. They remind individuals to appreciate and live in the moment.

The list is non-exhaustive, and the choice of motifs often depends on an individual's story and the message they wish to convey through their tattoo. Your Irezumi tattoo artist will work closely with you to understand what you want to portray.

Neo-Japanese 

If a full-body Irezumi suit seems a bit intimidating, but you still want something similar, get a Neo-Japanese tattoo instead. This evolution of the traditional tattooing style blends modern design elements from Western tattoo art styles, like advanced shading and line work. 

We can incorporate elements from various art movements, such as realism, surrealism, or abstract art, allowing for greater artistic expression while still honouring traditional Japanese motifs.

Have an idea for a killer tattoo? Speak to our experts at Japanese tattoos in Christchurch now!