Motif
Demon tattoos in Japan
Demon tattoos are a motif depicting the figure or face of a demon with horns, wings, and a tail. It's a subject with a wide range of expression, from heavy depictions in Gothic or black and grey styles to more cartoonish portrayals in Old School or New School.
75 works on tattooers.jp
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Artists with the most demon work
Questions
What do demon tattoos mean?
They are sometimes interpreted to represent human desires, rebellious spirit, or inner strength, and some designs depict good and evil by contrasting them with angels. The interpretation of their meaning varies from person to person.
Are demons and Hannya the same subject?
Hannya is a female demon mask derived from Japanese Noh theater masks, and it is often treated as a separate subject from demons in Japanese traditional (wabori) tattooing. While their horned appearance is similar, their origins and artistic styles differ.
How should I choose an artist for a demon tattoo?
It's recommended to check multiple works to see if the artistic style, such as the depth of shading (bokashi), line thickness, and expression, is close to your image. Visiting Japan? Send us your idea and dates through our booking form, and we'll match you with an artist whose work fits.