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The motifs and their meaning

  • Dragon: strength, wisdom and protection.
  • Koi: perseverance and determination.
  • Phoenix: rebirth and renewal.
  • Peony: beauty, wealth and good fortune.
  • Tiger: courage and protection against bad luck.

Bring the subject that speaks to you and Shavali will compose it to suit your body and your story.

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Designed to flow with the body

Japanese work is planned as a whole, not a collection of separate pieces. Backgrounds of wind, water and cloud tie the composition together and help it move naturally with the arm, leg or back. That planning is why Japanese pieces look so cohesive and age so gracefully.

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Sleeves and larger pieces

Most Japanese tattoos are larger by nature and are best staged across multiple sessions. The consult maps the full design and the staging so each sitting builds toward one coherent piece.
How to plan a larger piece
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A note on cultural respect

These are meaningful, traditional motifs. Shavali approaches them with respect for their origins and will talk through the meaning of a design with you, so your piece is something you understand and own.
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Pricing

Japanese work is priced by the size, detail and time it needs, with larger pieces planned across sessions. Smaller single motifs start from $150. Clear estimate at your consult.
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Thinking dragon, koi or a full sleeve? Send your idea through.

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Or send your idea and reference photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What is irezumi?
Irezumi is the traditional Japanese style of tattooing, with roots in the Edo period. It uses meaningful motifs (dragons, koi, phoenix, peony) set in flowing backgrounds of wind, water and cloud, composed to move with the body.

A dragon represents strength and protection, koi mean perseverance, the phoenix means rebirth, the peony means good fortune, and the tiger means courage. The motif you choose shapes the meaning of the piece.

Most Japanese sleeves are staged across several sessions because of their size and detail. Your consult will map the full design and the number of sittings before you start.

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