Motif

Water tattoos in Japan

Water tattoos are a motif that depicts the movement and form of water, such as splashes, water surfaces, ripples, and drops. In addition to being depicted alone, they are often combined as a background for koi, dragons, flowers, and other designs, and the impression can change significantly depending on the flow of lines and the application of shading (bokashi).

31 works on tattooers.jp

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Artists with the most water work

Questions

What designs are available for water tattoos?

There are splashes, water drops, ripples on the water surface, and flowing water. Many works also depict scenes in or around water, combined with koi, goldfish, or lotus flowers.

In what styles is water depicted?

In Japanese traditional (wabori), flows and swirls are often drawn with lines, and in black and grey, transparency is often expressed with shades. There are also color works depicted with bleeding colors, like watercolors.

How should I choose an artist for a water tattoo?

It is recommended to look at multiple water-themed works, paying attention to the flow of lines and how transparency is expressed, to see if the artistic style matches your image. You can view an artist's other works on their profile page. Visiting Japan? Send us your idea and dates through our booking form, and we'll match you with an artist whose work fits.