Motif
Snake tattoos in Japan
Snake tattoos are a motif depicting snakes coiled or with their bodies writhing. They are drawn in a wide range of styles such as Japanese traditional (wabori), Old School, Blackwork, and Fineline, and are often placed to wrap around arms or legs.
245 works on tattooers.jp
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Artists with the most snake work
- ALIEN TATTOO KOBE / KiHyogo · 13 works
- HoritakeTokyo · 7 works
- AkiraAichi · 6 works
- HoriakiChiba · 6 works
- Takaya HashimotoFukui · 6 works
- KOTAROTokyo · 6 works
- SatoshiTokyo · 5 works
- YuiiKanagawa · 5 works
Questions
What do snake tattoos mean?
Due to their shedding of skin, snakes are sometimes considered a symbol of rebirth and change. In Japan, based on legends such as white snakes being messengers of Benzaiten, they are sometimes associated with guardian deities and good fortune. There are various interpretations.
Are there common motifs combined with snakes?
Works combining snakes with flowers such as roses, skulls, daggers, or peonies are often seen. In Japanese traditional (wabori), they may also be combined with backgrounds like peonies, cherry blossoms, or waves.
How should I choose an artist for a snake tattoo?
This subject easily showcases an artist's unique style in how they depict scales, express the body's undulations, and use line thickness. We recommend reviewing multiple works to confirm the artist's style. Visiting Japan? Send us your idea and dates through our booking form, and we'll match you with an artist whose work fits.