Carl Hallowell Blog | Traditional Japanese Irezumi & Tebori Tattoos

How Much is a Japanese Full Back Tattoo?

Posted by CHallowell
On November 29, 2023

How Much Does a Full Back Japanese Tattoo Cost? As to the popular question of “how much is a Japanese full back tattoo?”, the answer is variable in many ways, some of these were pointed to above. But we will concern ourselves here with the authentic Traditional Japanese tattoo, and leave cheap imitations as well […]

How Long Do Japanese Back Tattoos Take?

Posted by CHallowell
On November 29, 2023

How Long Does a Japanese Back Tattoo (Irezumi) Take? The traditional Japanese back tattoo, also know as irezumi, will take many hours to complete. Dedication, patience, and long suffering are tested as the wearer slowly makes the journey to completion. Depending on the image and the size of the wearer, the full irezumi, or Japanese […]

What is a Japanese Back tattoo Called?

Posted by CHallowell
On November 29, 2023

The traditional Japanese full back tattoo starts at the shoulders, and extends across the buttocks to terminate at the mid thigh. The Japanese back tattoo is called “kame no ko” which means “shell of the turtle”. The implication is as strong as it is clear. The wearer is both embellished and protected by the beautiful […]

How Does Irezumi Compare to Traditional American Tattoos?

Posted by CHallowell
On November 20, 2023

We have investigated a few of the similarities of irezumi and American traditional tattooing, which we, as Americans, understand a little better. However, this understanding may be surface level, incomplete, or wrong-minded, depending on our amount of intimacy with it. American Traditional Tattoos vs. Traditional Japanese Tattoos “Irezumi” In fact, most Americans know little more […]

Experiencing the Best Tattoo Shops In Dallas

Posted by CHallowell
On July 27, 2023

Ranking the best tattoos in Dallas history is a daunting task. Lucky for me, I have had the opportunity to see many to choose from, and to witness the winners i have chosen with my own two eyes. The following are what I believe to be five of the best tattoos in Dallas tattoo history. […]

What is an Irezumi (Japanese) Tattoo?

Posted by CHallowell
On December 1, 2021

Irezumi is a traditional style of Japanese tattoo art that has a rich history and cultural significance. The term “irezumi” translates to “inserting ink” and it refers to the traditional Japanese tattooing style that has been practiced for centuries. The Japanese have many names such as Horimono and Wabori. When Did Irezumi Start? The practice […]

Traditional Tattooing is the Rock of Ages

Posted by Carl Hallowell
On March 11, 2019

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is nice to have the opportunity to speak with you again! I have been away from the typewriter as I have been quite busy behind the tattoo machine. The Japanese Tattoo Work, or Irezumi, has been in heavy focus this week in my studio. I had the honor of starting a […]

The Best Tattoo Artist in Dallas, Episode 13

Posted by Carl Hallowell
On November 15, 2018

The jumping off point is important in all things. Do we plan endlessly, or rush in without a single thought? Are we the kind to just talk about it? Or are we the type to attack and achieve the desired action? When the task is complete, do we pat ourselves on the back, tear ourselves […]

The Unique Artist Canon Of Traditional Tattooing

Posted by Carl Hallowell
On September 20, 2018

I work in the traditional tattoo style. This is a style that is made for tattooing. It has its own artistic canon and excludes copying other art forms. I have of course translated just about every medium into a tattoo throughout my 23 years of practicing the art of tattoo. I have realized over time […]

Trust Your Traditional Tattoo Artist

Posted by Carl Hallowell
On July 30, 2018

As a beginner at getting tattooed for the first time, you, of course, are going to be unfamiliar with the process. Allow me to shine a light on some areas that are still unknown to many aspiring traditional tattoo collectors. The tattoo design is drawn as an outline only. The shading and color are added […]

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