Motif
Patterns tattoos in Japan
Pattern tattoos are a collection of designs created by repeating lines, dots, and shapes, such as geometric patterns and mandalas. They can be seen as band-like designs that wrap around arms or legs, or used to fill the background of other motifs.
1,191 works on tattooers.jp
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Artists with the most patterns work
- KairaTokyo · 50 works
- AzuOsaka · 50 works
- YABESIANTokyo · 43 works
- LunaKanagawa · 41 works
- Klyftsov BogdanTokyo · 39 works
- YuOsaka · 37 works
- YuiiKanagawa · 37 works
- SAKURA YAMAMOTOAichi · 32 works
Questions
What is the difference between geometric patterns and mandalas?
Geometric patterns are general patterns combining triangles, circles, straight lines, etc. Mandalas are circular patterns that spread radially from a center, and are said to originate from Buddhist and Hindu mandalas. On each respective page, you can view only designs of that specific pattern.
What styles are pattern tattoos done in?
You can find designs drawn in geometric styles using lines and shapes, dotwork which creates shading (bokashi) with dot density, and blackwork which uses a lot of black ink.
What should I be aware of when getting a pattern that wraps around the arm?
Since the arm's thickness differs between the wrist and shoulder sides, the width and spacing of the pattern will be adjusted to fit the area. The placement, including where to put the seam, will be decided in consultation with the artist. Visiting Japan? Send us your idea and dates through our booking form, and we'll match you with an artist whose work fits.