Irezumi is the Japanese word for tattoo. While ostensibly referring to "inserting ink" in Japanese tattooing, Irezumi is also used as a blanket term to describe various tattoo-by-hand styles originating in Japan. This gallery showcases some of the best traditional style Japanese irezumi, the majority of which have been done via machine. As irezumi have done for generations of Western...
It's no secret that the bear is one of the most powerful creatures in existence, and an equally formidable animal totem. Man has alternately hunted, fled from, and sought to lived alongside the bear, and to this day the balance is fraught with uncertainty. The man who respects and acknowledges the bear's power stands on par, and the neo traditional...
Famously misunderstood and possessing a beauty unmatched both within and outside of its habitate, the wolf has long been an obsession of man. Frequently hunted and often the subject of cruel superstition, the wolf continues to survive and stand against the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against it. Does this sound familiar? It's believed that the man who is accompanied by...
The owl holds a special place in myth and storytelling, and acts as a powerful spiritual conductor in the nightly realm of the natural world. Mysterious and stoic, and breathtaking to look upon, the owl has secured its place in our modern world, with an equally modern tattoo rendering. The neo traditional owl tattoo blends the best of its more...
Since ancient times, the snake has struck fear and disgust in the hearts of men, with only a sacred few able to appreciate the deeper meaning of the serpent. Powerful symbols of transformation and eternity at large, the man who wears the snake emblem is a creature to be reckoned with, and all the more embraced. The neo traditional snake...
For a remarkable transformation at the tattoo parlor, suave gentlemen swear by the magnanimous glory of a traditional bat tattoo. These eye-catching winged creatures provide unyielding ferocity and flair for today’s fashionably inclined men. Traditional bat tattoos are a radical phenomenon among today’s hippest gentleman, and these ravishing illustrations are truly topping the charts at parlors all over the globe....
The connection between cross and faith inspires many collectors to add a representation of their religious belief to their body art. The cross is one of the most recognizable shapes in the world and provides a range of opportunities to make personally symbolic tattoos, especially within the impactful American Traditional style. Crosses are a symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus...
A traditional mountain tattoo can also symbolize a lot of different things. They can simply be a love of nature, the outdoors, and the splendor of these majestic heights. Perhaps, to you, mountains represent a giant obstacle or feat you have overcome, or are still being faced with. Either way, they can be a beautiful piece of art. While mountains...
A traditional crown can symbolize different things to different people. Power. Wealth. Royalty. A Greater Being. Whether you are paying homage to someone you admire or respect, king of the jungle, or just think you're king of your own domain, a crown can be a strong statement to make. Crowns can be very versatile. They look great in black and...
Lions can make the most intricate and stunning displays. Their manes are magnificent. They have the most handsome faces and, when growling, can have a brilliant display of terrifying teeth. The neo-traditional styles can help you modernize this tried and true art. Your lion tattoo can have a similar message to a crown tattoo. Lions are the top of the...
