Definition
What is Tebori?
Tebori is the traditional Japanese technique of tattooing by hand, using a bamboo or metal rod with a group of needles attached at the end. The artist pushes the needles into the skin with a rhythmic motion — not with a machine.
Tebori produces characteristic soft gradients that machine tattoos struggle to match. Tebori masters usually also tattoo with machines today, combining techniques.
Examples
- Classic Irezumi backpiece with Tebori shading
- Koi fish with Tebori gradient scales
- Tebori flower fills inside a larger machine outline