True tattoo lovers know that getting one is not just about painting your skin. It is about participating in a ritual process of incorporating cultural aspects, which move from the abstract to the physical realm through their embodiment on the body. They always have a meaning and usually represent personality, culture, and art. The tattoo is one of the universal rituals par excellence. It has been since ancient times and continues to be so today. Depending on the era, certain trends become more prominent, as in other artistic fields. For a few years now, but especially in 2022, tebori or Japanese-inspired tattoos are becoming fashionable again.
What are tebori tattoos? Origin and evolution
We are referring to tattoos made using a traditional Japanese technique. It consists of drawing on the skin without using any type of machinery. Only with pins and ink (traditionally small bamboo sticks were used). It means “hand-sculpted”. With this technique, any type of tattoo can be made. However, it is usually used to make tattoos inspired by Japanese culture or Irezumi, traditional Japanese tattoos.
As early as the 3rd century, there are chronicles that describe how Japanese men decorated their bodies with drawings, especially when they participated in rituals or cultural celebrations in the community. Later, in the 8th century, tattoos were used to punish and mark people who had been in prison. This punitive practice lasted for more than a thousand years. In fact, from then on, tattoos began to be associated with the lower classes. Many people began to use them as elements of vindication of tradition against modernity.
They had such a bad reputation that Irezumi (the name for this type of tattoo) was banned for Japanese nationals. However, tattoo artists were allowed to continue drawing their designs on the bodies of foreigners. In this way, Japanese tattoos began to become known worldwide. Japanese culture crossed borders on the skin of sailors and travelers. Tattoos in the country were illegal until 1948.
Tattoos are still not well-regarded in Japan. Even public places such as hot springs and temples are not allowed if you have visible designs. Nevertheless, tattoo culture is becoming more and more widespread among young Japanese people.
Advantages and disadvantages of tebori tattoos
If you are thinking of using this technique to inject Japanese tradition into your body, you should consider its advantages and disadvantages. Experts say that the main advantage is that it is a much less damaging method for the skin. Since it is done manually, with special needles and stretching the skin, the healing process is much faster. Less tissue is destroyed than with a tattoo machine. In addition, the level of detail that can be achieved in the drawings is extraordinary. Tebori tattoos are true works of art.
However, tattooing by hand is a much slower process, so the time spent on the tattoo will be much longer. Especially considering that Tebori designs are usually large drawings. In addition, this technique, being completely handmade, is quite a bit more expensive in economic terms. It also requires professional tattoo artists with a lot of knowledge of this ancient technique if a good result is desired.
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How to make tebori tattoos step by step
Preparation of materials and tools: cleaning and disinfection. The artist prepares the work area and all the necessary tools. The technique requires extreme concentration, so it is necessary to have prepared everything needed for the session beforehand. Thorough cleaning of tools and the work area is also essential.
Ink preparation. In the Tebori technique, the ink must be prepared by the artist himself. The result of the tattoo will depend, in part, on how diluted the ink is in water and on the composition of the ink itself. Traditionally, natural pigments were used and each artist prepared his ink with a specific formula. In this way, the tattoo artist’s personality was captured.
Sketching. In this technique, the sketch is made on the skin, without using any template. In the Western technique, it is common to use tracings and pre-designs of the tattoo. A tebori tattoo is a unique and unrepeatable work of art. A tattoo using the Western technique is a copy.
Outline the figures using only 3 to 7 needles to ensure the level of detail is optimal.
Shading and coloring. Using more needles to allow more ink to penetrate. Since this is a manual work, the skin must be well stretched. This ensures that the ink penetrates in the right place and with the intensity desired by the artist.
Tattoos inspired by Japanese culture
Tebori tattoos are not just about the drawings made using this method, but also about the content, and the design. The root is traditional Japanese culture. Therefore, designs in which nature plays a fundamental role, as well as flowers and animals, predominate.
One of the most common and fashionable tattoos is koi fish, which represents luck and success. Tigers and lions are also common in these tattoo designs, as they are traditional symbols of strength and protection. As for flowers, the lotus flower and the sakura (cherry blossom) stand out above the rest. Finally, human figures also tend to appear, especially those related to Japanese mythology, warriors, and geishas. In these cases, the color, expressiveness, and use of bright and striking colors stand out. Designs of Tengu (ghosts), Oni (demons) and other mythological beings are common.
