Japanese and Oriental
Japanese Tattoos in Puerto Morelos, near Cancun
For more than ten years I tattooed at Mantra, focused on Japanese and Oriental style. That work taught me patience: the big pieces are built line by line.
In progress
Oni mask tattoo: session one
This oni mask, with a peony above and a chrysanthemum below, is the outline of a larger piece. The first session sets the bones: the horns, the snarl, the petals that wrap the mask. Shading comes in the next sessions.
Japanese work is built this way. We plan the whole composition first, then tattoo it in stages so your skin can rest and heal between sessions.
Step 1: The outline
The bones of the piece: every line of the mask, the flowers and the background shapes.
Step 2: Black and grey shading
Depth and contrast, so the mask comes forward and the flowers sit behind it.
Step 3: Color and background
Color, wind bars or waves to tie it together, when the design calls for it.
Motifs
Japanese tattoo motifs: masks, koi, dragons and peonies
Each classic image carries a meaning. We choose the ones that tell your story and compose them for your body.
Masks: oni and hannya
Fierce faces from theater and legend, often worn as protection. Bold, dramatic and full of character.
Flowers: peony, chrysanthemum, cherry blossom
Flowers set the season and the mood of a piece, and frame the main subject.
Water creatures: koi and dragons
Koi climbing waterfalls and dragons in the clouds, with waves and wind bars that hold the composition together.
Planning a larger Japanese piece
- Placement first. Forearm, calf, upper arm, thigh or back: Japanese designs are drawn to flow with the body.
- Several sessions. Larger pieces are tattooed over more than one day, with healing time between them.
- Living abroad? We can plan the full design on Google Meet and schedule sessions around your visits.
Start the conversation
Send me the motifs you love, the placement and a photo of the area. If you already have work there, show me that too.
The sessions are in my private studio in Puerto Morelos, by appointment. See also my mermaid and ocean tattoos and my color neo-traditional work.
Let's draw your Japanese piece
Tell me the motif, the placement and the size you imagine. I'll help you shape the whole composition.