Japanese tiger
The guardian that drives evil away. A symbol of courage and strength.
In Japanese tattooing the tiger is a protective motif. It guards, deters and gives courage, and its dynamic figure sits well on the body.
What the tiger means
In the cultures of East Asia the tiger rules the animals of the land. It stands for strength, courage and long life, and its image is meant to protect against evil spirits, illness and bad luck.
Tigers never lived in Japan. Artists of the past knew them from Chinese paintings and from skins, which is why the Japanese tiger has a characteristic, slightly cat-like look: large eyes, expressive whiskers and wavy stripes. Today this stylisation is a hallmark of the style.
Tiger and dragon
The best-known pairing is tiger and dragon. The dragon rules the sky and water, the tiger the earth and wind; together they form a balance of two forces. On the body they can be split between two arms or two legs, or joined in one composition on the back.
The tiger is often accompanied by bamboo, wind bars and maple leaves. A tiger fighting a snake is another popular scene.
Where on the body
A tiger needs room to move: a leap, a descent down a rock, a turn of the head. So it looks best on the back, thigh, upper arm and chest. On a sleeve I lead its body around the arm, so a different part shows from every side.
I do tigers in the classic colours, orange with black stripes, but also blue or black and grey when they need to match the rest of the piece.
Formats
Other styles
FAQ
01How much does a tattoo cost?
The price depends on the size, the placement, the amount of detail and the number of sessions. Tell me what you want, give the size and placement and attach references, and I will prepare a quote for your project.
02What is the first step?
Message me on WhatsApp or Instagram: your idea, placement, approximate size and references. I will tell you whether it can be done, suggest a format and a rough price, and then we book a consultation or go straight to a session date.
03How far in advance should I book?
I usually book a few weeks ahead. For large projects we plan the following sessions straight away.
04How do I prepare for a session?
Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a proper meal before the session and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and medication that affects blood clotting, provided stopping it is safe and agreed with your doctor. Wear comfortable clothes that give easy access to the area.
05Which styles do you tattoo?
Three: Japanese, neo-traditional and traditional. What they share is a bold outline and full colour, which is what makes a tattoo age well. Japanese is my main specialisation; neo-traditional and traditional I have tattooed alongside it for years.
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