Motif
Weapons tattoos in Japan
Weapon tattoos are a collection of designs depicting Japanese swords, daggers, swords, and more. You'll find designs that utilize the sharpness of the blade for a long, slender vertical placement, or compositions combined with roses, snakes, hearts, and other motifs.
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Artists with the most weapons work
Questions
What is the difference between a Japanese sword and a dagger?
Japanese swords depict a curved blade and a tsuba (handguard), and are often seen in Japanese traditional (wabori) designs combined with dragons or cherry blossoms. Daggers depict a straight blade, and are sometimes depicted in old school styles with compositions piercing roses or hearts.
Are there common motifs often combined with weapons?
Daggers are often combined with roses, snakes, hearts, skulls, etc., while Japanese swords are often combined with samurai, dragons, cherry blossoms, and other motifs.
Which body parts are suitable for long, slender designs?
You'll find designs suited for long vertical areas such as the forearm, calf, or along the spine. The impression changes depending on which way the blade points, so you should decide on the orientation during your consultation. Prices vary by artist. Visiting Japan? Send us your idea and dates through our booking form, and we'll match you with an artist whose work fits.