raditional Japanese sleeve tattoos are a large part of what is known as “irezumi”, which is a traditional form of tattooing that uses symbolic Japanese imagery. Japanese sleeve tattoos are timeless. They display not only traditional values but can also tell individual stories of the wearer’s beliefs, experiences, and personal journeys. The arrangement of different elements contributes to the storytelling aspect of the tattoo.
Japanese sleeve tattoos are designed with careful attention to the flow and composition of the overall artwork. The tattoo artist considers the natural contours of the body to create a harmonious and balanced design.
Japanese sleeve tattoos are meant to be applied in pairs, to the right and left sides of the body in tandem. They totally cover a specific portion of the arms, and come in three possible lengths: the half sleeve, the three quarter sleeve, and the Japanese full sleeve tattoo. The chest is always included as part of the sleeve. The tattoos have a beginning and end point, and everything in between is tattooed completely. These formats are sacrosanct in the formation of authentic Japanese sleeve tattoos.
The Japanese sleeve tattoo can be applied to one arm at a time. However, the tradition of Japanese tattooing is to see, organize, and tattoo the body as one whole made up out of pairs. Irezumi has a great effect when tattooed in this way, and the whole gains far greater than the sum of the two sides when this strategy is employed.
Japanese sleeve tattoos work together to create a dynamic relationship between the arms. The same motif will be used on each arm, but treated in a different way, creating a push and pull that serve to set the tattoos in motion. Classic motifs for the Japanese sleeves are animals such as dragons, koi, and tigers that represent power and strength, the natural beauty of the Japanese flower such as the cherry blossoms that symbolize the human condition, and folk warriors and heroes who again carry the ultimate meaning of irezumi, which is power.
These images are set against a background of an elemental world comprised of wind, wave, and cloud. Each part of the Japanese tattoo design works in accord with the other, which creates great cohesion and layers of meaning.
To truly understand and appreciate the symbolism in Traditional Japanese Tattoos, it’s worth knowing the vocabulary and meaning. Explore the hidden terms behind these captivating meanings on Japanese Sleeve tattoos.
Gobusode is a pair of Japanese half sleeve tattoo that ends right above the elbow. It is approximately “five tenths” of a Japanese half sleeve tattoo.
Nagasode is a pair of Japanese full sleeve tattoo. The Japanese full sleeve tattoo is the ultimate American tattoo sleeve, in japanese tattooing, it is used much more seldom than the conservative gobusode, or the perfect in length shichibu.
Shichibu is a pair of Japanese half sleeve tattoo that is considered three quarter sleeves; more accurately, “seven tenths” sleeves
Sode is a pair of traditional Japanese tattoo sleeves.
Embark on a transformative journey into the world of Japanese sleeve tattoos with Carl Hallowell, a renowned tattoo artist in Dallas, Texas.
Whether you envision a set of Japanese full sleeve tattoos, three quarter sleeve tattoos, or half sleeve tattoos, Carl can create a cohesive and visually stunning narrative that relies upon tradition to tell your unique story. He brings his mastery of the craft to create captivating, meaningful, and visually striking tattoo designs. Carl’s expertise is dedicated solely to preserving the traditional forms of tattooing.
Begin your journey and contact Carl Hallowell to discuss your ideas, preferences and any specific element you wish to include. Carl translates your vision into a detailed Japanese tattoo design and reveals your style, personality, and individuality. Initiate your tattoo consultation today!
Your work is out of this world. Keep up the great talent. Your one hell of a tattooer.
Real tattoos for real people…keepin’ the real texas tradition alive bud
first off carl is my buddy he does bad ass traditional tattoos he did a killer stray cats logo on my forearm in solid black he also did the state of texas that says dime for dimebag Darryl of pantera he also did a bitchin rockabilly chick with a deck of cards and a bottle of booze with some cherries it says rocker's dream I just went up to him and said I want a rockabilly chick and the genius he is came up with that carl is a very kind cool dude.
Carl is a great tattoo artist. Great with clients and makes sure everyone walks out with a killer piece that they will love forever. Very patient and kind, and it shows in his work and with repeat customers. Keep up the good work Carl!!!
I'm not sure what type of witchcraft/wizardry you did on me, but this tattoo is almost completely healed, and it hasn't even been a week yet! What the?!? Haha, awesome. Thanks again for a KILLER tattoo and arguably the best tattoo experience I've had thus far.
Love your site, very informative and helpful! I might need another?!?!?!?
Great stuff here man! Love it!
It’s amazing after all these years how you’ve stayed true to the art. The way you continue grow but still hold on to the raw power of what we hold dear. In a time when tattooing is going in a diluted direction and seems to have lost it’s magic, there you are to push the brakes. To give soul back to the sacred. Anyone that knows you knows that you are an asset to tattooing. I am honored to call you my friend. May you find enlightenment in this thing we call tattoo and finally capture the perfect panther!!!!
I've been getting tattoos by Carl for almost 20 years now, including two half sleeves, a back piece, and various other sundry pieces, and I've never gone to anyone else. Carl is a genuinely personable guy that gets along with everyone, and is a consummate professional that takes his craft very seriously. He is always prepared to give you a unique, personalized tattoo that you'll be proud to wear the rest of your life, no matter what the style.
I've been getting tattooed by carl for the better part of 2 decades. He always makes sure that we don't miss out on any painful spots. He's a great guy like that! I have trusted Carl with both sleeves and now my back. His light handed approach makes it easy to sit with him for hours.
