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Top 103 Samurai Mask Tattoo Ideas [2022 Inspiration Guide]

Top 103 Samurai Mask Tattoo Ideas [2022 Inspiration Guide]

  • Next Luxury / Style, Tattoo Ideas
  • by — Jono Elderton

Japanese Tattoos Mask Tattoos

If you want to make a breath-taking statement with your ink, then it would be hard to go past a Japanese samurai mask tattoo.

A key to psychological warfare was the samurai’s armor, most notably the menpo, or mask that protected the warrior’s face. A Japanese samurai mask was typically unique to the man who was wearing it.

Several superstitions believe that these awe-inspiring masks and helmets contained the long-deceased spirits of Japan’s original conquerors. The frightening feudal relics retain their intimidation into the present day.

Check out the tremendous detail and raw magnetism of these top 103 samurai mask tattoos that can serve as inspiration for your next killer design.

See more about - The Top 121+ Best Japanese Tattoo Ideas

1. Black and Gray Samurai Mask Tattoo Ideas

Mens Traditional Shaded Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

Forearm Samurai Helmet With Cool Crest Mens Tattoos

Mens Samurai Mask Dark Shaded Forearm Tattoo

Man With Blackwork Shaded Traditional Samurai Mask Upper Arm Half Sleeve Tattoo

Guys Detailed Samurai Holding Sword With Dragon Tattoo Half Sleeve

Black Ink Half Sleeve Sly Samurai Mask Tattoo For Men

Man With Black Shaded Samurai Mask Foot Tattoo

Man With Samurai Mask Shaded Half Sleeve Tattoo

Black Work Angry Samurai Mask Tattoo For Men Forearm Sleeve

Modern Tribal Samurai Mask Calf Tattoo In Black Ink For Men

Man With Simple Shaded Samurai Mask Bicep Tattoo

Clock With Samurai Helmet Mens Sleeve Tattoos

2. Samurai Mask Sleeve Tattoo Ideas

Traditional Samurai Helmet Japanese Full Sleeve Tattoos For Men

Cool Gold Kabuto Mens Samurai Helmet Full Sleeve Japanese Tattoos

Guy With Full Sleeve Samurai Helmet Shaded Tattoo Design

Full Sleeve Masculine Samurai Helmet Tattoos For Guys

Amazing Mens Sleeve Tattoo Design Samurai Helmet

Dark Ink Samurai Helmet Mens Warrior Full Sleeve Tattoos

Flower With Samurai Helmet Mens Half Sleeve Shaded Tattoos

Gentleman With Half Sleeve Tattoo Of Samurai Helmet

Guys Tiger Samurai Helmet Half Sleeve Japanese Tattoo Designs

Ultra Realistic Mens 3d Samurai Helmet Shaded Sleeve Tattoo Inspiration

Warrior With Samurai Helmet And Sword Mens Half Sleeve Tattoos

Mens Samurai Mask And Coiled Dragon Traditional Japanese Tattoo Full Sleeve

Colorful Samurai Mask And Wave Half Sleeve Tattoo For Men

Colorful Stylist Full Sleeve Samurai Mask And Dragon Tattoo For Men

Mens Full Sleeve Traditional Samurai Masks And Flower Tattoo

Man With Golden Armor Samurai Mask Tattoo Half Sleeve

Man With Bold Samurai Mask And Koi Carp Full Sleeve Tattoo

Man With Colorful Samurai Mask And Chinese Dragon Full Sleeve Tattoo

Guys Colorful Half Sleeve Samurai Mask Tattoo

Guys Traditional Samurai Mask With Demon Head Tattoo Full Sleeve

Mens Colorful Traditional Old Samurai Mask And Skull Full Sleeve Tattoo

3. Upper Arm Half Sleeve Samurai Mask Tattoo Ideas

Half Sleeve Mens Realistic Samurai Helmet Tattoo Ideas

Mens Realistic 3d Samurai Helmet With Tree Half Sleeve Tattoo

Red Mask With Gold Samurai Helmet Mens Half Sleeve Tattoos

Traditional Japanese Guys Samurai Helmet Half Sleeve Tattoos

Golden Samurai Mask And Skull Cool Half Sleeve Tattoo For Men

Guys Half Sleeve Samurai Mask Traditional Tattoo

Guys Half Sleeve Shaded Samurai Mask With Half Moon Tattoo

Traditional Samurai Mask And Flower Half Sleeve Tattoo For Guys

Man With Abstract Colorful Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

4. Samurai Mask Chest and Rib Tattoo Designs

Mens Evil Samurai Mask With Skull Thigh Tattoo

Mens Simple Samurai Mask On Flower Background Chest Tattoo

Evil Samurai Masks And Flowers Chest Tattoo For Men

Mens Colorful Samurai Mask Chest Piece Tattoo

Guys Samurai Holding Sword Traditional Shaded Tattoo On Sude

Guys Abstract Samurai Mask And Devil Head Chest Tattoo

Mens Flaming Samurai Mask And Flower Shoulder Tattoo

Mens Bold Samurai Mask On Stormy Background Chest Tattoo

Guys Bold Shaded Side Tattoo Of Samurai Mask With Skull And Dragonfly

The use of gray wash shading is excellent in this tattoo and helps to create a gradation of tones that gives depth to this design. The black ink is also fully saturated, completing this effect: it almost looks like you could stick a finger into the eyeholes of the mask.

The line work is even and consistent and the incorporation of negative space to create natural waves as well as a dragonfly adds elements of contrast with the fierce grimace of the mask. This is a great example of the style and is sure to turn head

Guys Stylist Samurai Mask And Rose Petal Chest Tattoo

This gorgeous chest piece uses a limited color palette to create a stunning samurai mask. The gray wash, which looks to have some light blue ink mixed in, is expertly shaded, using dark and light tones to create a dynamic tattoo. The wisps of hair falling down the face along with the flower petals give the impression of wind blowing across the piece.

The use of red in the flower petals is an excellent example of how a deliberate and intelligent use of color can allow a simple concept to transform a design, combining the brutality of these warrior masks with the delicacy of a falling flower.

Guys Samurai Mask Modern Shoulder Tattoo With Flowers

5. Samurai Mask Back Tattoo Ideas

Mens Linework Bold Samurai Mask Half Back Tattoo

Man With Beautiful Japanese Scene Samurai And House Full Back Tattoo

Guys Modern Abstract Full Back Tattoo Of Samurai On Horseback

Man With Samurai Mask And Coiled Snake Full Back Tattoo

Guys Bold Red Faced Samurai Mask Tattoo For Back

Amazing Samurai Helmet Full Back Tattoo On Gentleman

Glowing Red Eyes Male Samurai Helmet Back Tattoo Designs

Guys Foo Dog Samurai Helmet Full Back Tattoo

6. Single Color and Gradation Samurai Mask Tattoo Ideas

Man With Single Color Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

Man With Tri Colour Samurai Mask Shadeed Full Sleeve Tattoo

Masculine Samurai Mask And Sull Warrior Full Sleeve Tattoo For Men

Evil Samurai Mask And Skull Warrior Full Sleeve Tattoo For Guys

Samurai Mask And Dragon Dark Shaded Half Sleeve Tattoo For Guys

7. Smaller Samurai Mask Tattoo Designs

Mens Samurai Mask Simple Upper Arm Tattoo

Man With Traditional Samurai Mask Upper Arm Tattoo

Guys Traditional Colorful Samurai Mask Shoulder Piece Tattoo

Guys Samurai Mask And Duel Sword Forearm Tattoo

Guys Dark Shaded Black Work Samurai Mask Upper Arm Tattoo

Guys Realistic Black Word Samurai Mask Upper Arm Tattoo

Rising Red Sun Mens Japanese Samurai Helmet Leg Tattoos

8. Samurai Mask Leg Tattoo Ideas

Dotwork Mens Detailed Samurai Helmet Mask Leg Tattoo

Man Withhorned Samurai Mask Shaded Calf Tattoo

Mens Samurai Mask And Flower Black Ink Tattoo

Man With Grining Evil Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

Guys Thigh Tattoo Of Samurai Mask With Rising Sun Flag Background

Guys Evil Samurai Mask Black Ink Traditional Style Full Leg Tattoo

Man With Stylish Colorful Samurai Mask On Flower Background Tattoo Calf Piece

Guys Upper Arm Traditional Shaded Samurai Mask Tattoo

9. Samurai Mask Hand Tattoos

Man With Simple Grining Samurai Mask Hand Tattooo

Man With Bold Samurai Mask Hand Tattoo

Mens Blackwork Shaded Samurai Mask Hand Tattoo

Mens Samurai Mask Shaded Black Work Tattoo On Hand

Mens Colorful Modern Samurai Mask Hand Tattoo

Guys Laughing Samurai Mask Tattoo On Hand In Traditional Japanese Style

Guys Shaded Samurai Mask Hand Tattoo

Mens Flaming Samurai Mask Shaded Hand Tattoo

Mens Red Mask With Samurai Helmet Hand Tattoo

10. Samurai Forearm Tattoos

Mens Colorful Simple Half Sleeve Samurai Mask Tattoo

Mens Manly Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

Mens Colorful Samurai Mask Half Sleeve

Mens Samurai Mask On Waves Half Sleeve Tattoo

Traditional Black Ink Samurai Mask With Dragon Half Sleeve Tattoo For Men

Manly Smiling Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo For Men

Guys Realistic Modern Samurai Mask Forearm Tattoo

Guys Shaded Black Ink Samurai Mask Tattoo

11. New Wave and Neo Traditional Samurai Mask Tattoo Art

Man With Traditional Laughing Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

Man With Abstract Japanese Scene Tattoo Of Samurai Mask And Woman On Thigh

This tattoo also uses a collage-like composition, incorporating a samurai mask, traditional Japanese buildings and the lower half of a female face to create a balanced but unorthodox tattoo. The gray wash and shading are impeccable and perfectly capture mist rolling over the buildings while the limited use of red evokes images of sunrise, perhaps an ode to Japan: “Land of the Rising Sun”.

The juxtaposition of the delicate femininity in the woman’s face with the ferocity of the samurai mask adds a conceptual contrast that perfectly suits the design. This is a tattoo the owner will be proud to display at any chance he gets.

Menacing Black Ink Half Sleeve Samurai Mask Tattoo For Guys

Guys Realistic Samurai Mask And Woman Crying Blood Tattoo Full Sleeve

Colorful Mens Samurai Helmet Half Sleeve Tattoos

Mens Samurai Mask Shaded Elbow Tattoo

12. Black and Gray Arm Sleeve Tattoos

Mens Line Work Black Samurai Mask Full Sleeve Tattoo

Man With Shaded Samurai Charging Tattoo Full Sleeve

Man With Samurai In Full Armor Full Sleeve Shaded Tattoo

Man With Shaded Samurai Mask And Battle Scene Full Sleeve Tattoo

Manly Samurai Mask And Japanese Castle Full Sleeve Black Work Tattoo For Guys

Guys Black Work Japanese Lady And Angry Samurai Mask Full Sleeve Tattoo

This highly detailed, black and gray sleeve is a great example of a piece that incorporates several traditional Japanese elements into a bold design.  

The excellent use of gray wash shading and fully saturated black creates different layers and gives the piece the feel of a well-organized collage. The incorporation of waves using negative space and gray wash smoke—both elements in traditional Japanese motifs—work well to tie the larger design elements together and helps contribute to a better overall composition.

The menpo at the bottom of the piece is well executed and helps to balance the other detailed features at the top of the design, including the geisha and demon, or oni.

13. Heavy Black Ink Samurai Mask Tattoos

Upper Arms Samurai Helmet Shaded Black And Grey Ink Male Tattoo Designs

Half Sleeve Samurai Helmet Tattoo For Gentlemen

Cool Front Crest Samurai Helmet Mens Arm Tattoos

Cool Samurai Helmet With Skull Front Chest Mens Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas

Creative Samurai Helmet Black And Grey Guys Arm Tattoo

Forearm Sleeve Samurai Helmet Tattoo On Male

Glowing Orange And Red Eyes Japanese Mask And Samurai Helmet Mens Arm Tattoos

Manly Mens Samurai Helmet Arm Tattoo Designs

Realistic 3d Guys Skull With Samurai Helmet Mens Arm Tattoos

Realistic Samurai Helmet Male Arm Tattoos

Skull With Samurai Helmet And Tower Mens Upper Arm Tattoos

Guys Masculine Dark Shaded Samurai Mask Tattoo On Upper Arm

Man With Dark Shaded Samurai Mask Shoulder Tattoo

Man With Samurai In Battle Stance Half Sleeve Tattoo

Man With Samurai In Full Armor Traditional Forearm Tattoo

Manly Samurai Helmet Inner Arm Bicep Guys Tattoos

Black Work Samurai Mask Classic Forearm Tattoo For Guys

Mens Black Ink Samurai Mask Shaded Forearm Tattoo

14. Samurai Mask Tattoos In Progress

Mens Line Work Black Samurai Mask Half Sleeve Tattoo

Mens Realistic Samurai Mask With Red Face Half Sleeve Tattoo

Man With Shaded Samurai Mask Chest Piece Tattoo

Mens Wise Samurai Mask And Koi Carp Back Tattoo

Man With Black Work Shaded Samurai Mask And Demon Side Piece Tattoo

Guys Realistic Black Work Samurai Mask And Traditional Japanese Castle Full Back Tattoo

Mens Masculine Full Sleeve And Chest Samurai Mask And Dragon Tattoo

Awesome Mens Shaded Samurai Helmet Tattoo

Japanese Warrior Samurai Helmet Mens Full Back Tattoos

Mens Shaded Black And Grey Ink Samurai Helmet Full Back Tattoos

15. Samurai Helmet Tattoos

Japanese Mask With Kabuto Samurai Helmet Mens Forearm Sleeve

Male Forearm Sleeve Samurai Helmet Shaded Black And Grey Tattoos

Warrior Samurai Helmet Guys Inner Forearm Tattoos

Red Eye Samurai Helmet Male Arm Tattoo Designs

Gold Decorative Samurai Helmet Mens Rib Cage Side Tattoos

Samurai Mask Tattoo FAQ’s

Who were the Japanese Samurai?

Samurai were military noblemen and protectors of bushido, the Japanese warrior code that stressed the importance of sincerity, a mastery of martial arts, and undying loyalty to their master.

The samurai are remembered primarily for their extreme discipline, the terror they struck in their enemies, and for their skill with blade and bow.

What does a samurai mask symbolize?

In addition to serving a protective function, masks were adorned with grotesque visages, complete with fangs and whiskers.

These designs have bled into tattoo culture and represent the personal characteristics personified by the samurai: strength, ferocity, and loyalty. Their bright colors and endless capacity for customization make them popular subject matter for tattoos.

How much does a color Japanese sleeve cost?

A full color Japanese Irezumi sleeve tattoo is at the top of the pricing spectrum. A Japanese sleeve will cost at least $1500 -2000 USD, even at a comparatively cheap average price of $150 per hour.

Experienced artists and Japanese tattooing specialists will charge more, while a sleeve from a Japanese tattoo artist master like Horiyoshi III could cost upwards of $10,000 USD for a colorful nagasode arm piece at a Tokyo or Osaka tattoo studio.

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Jono Elderton

Writer

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

Jono writes about booze and tattoos for Next Luxury, having spent nearly two decades experiencing both in a variety of situations around the globe.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Writing from Deakin University.

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