Definition
What is Irezumi?
Irezumi is the traditional Japanese art of tattooing, with roots stretching back over a thousand years. It's built around large-scale compositions — sleeves, backs, full body suits — featuring dragons, koi, tigers, deities and seasonal flowers.
Irezumi has historically been associated with both spiritual and criminal (yakuza) worlds in Japan. Today, Irezumi-inspired tattooing is embraced worldwide for its bold compositional power.
Examples
- Full-body suit covering chest, back and limbs
- Traditional dragon wrapping a leg
- Seasonal koi fish and wave composition