Japanese Back Tattoo | Irezumi & Tebori

Traditional Japanese Back Tattoos

raditional Japanese back tattoos are the ultimate statement of the Japanese tattoo. The Japanese word for this is “Kamenoko“. Japanese backpiece tattoos take a full body approach to tattooing. The backpiece is not only the largest tattoo on the body, it is also the central one, and establishes the theme and sense of proportion for all of the wearer’s tattoos. It is traditionally accomplished as your first tattoo for this reason.

Carl Hallowell, a master tattoo artist renowned for his expertise in traditional Japanese tattooing, invites you to experience the height of this folk art form by accomplishing your own backpiece. Carl has a deep understanding of Japanese tattoo tradition, from its symbolism to its application; he brings forth it’s natural power and beauty in each of his Japanese back tattoos.

Many of us Americans are drawn to the stark traditionalism of the Japanese tattoo. This tradition, this adherence to right versus wrong, makes up the lion’s share of the significance of this art. This tradition also sets forth a specific pictorial language of the Japanese style tattoo artist, that, with direction from your experienced tattooist, can be read like a story in the pages of a book.

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What Makes a Traditional Japanese Back Tattoo?

The placement and format of the traditional Japanese back tattoo is of the utmost importance. It extends from the base of the neck to the lower back, across the buttocks, and down to the back of the mid-thigh. Back tattoos allow for large works whose power is intensified by sheer size and the viewers visceral sense of the pain that was endured to achieve it.

The traditional back tattoo may be accomplished in one of two ways. The ultimate form would be “Complete” in which the whole back is completely tattooed with both a main subject and a full background. “Partial” would be expressed as a main subject alone with no background added. Sometimes a “Partial” approach is utilized now, looking to add background to achieve “Complete” later on down the tattoo road.

The placement of specific elements within the tattoo is carefully considered to create a harmonious and visually striking overall design. Whether dragon, koi fish, Japanese warrior or any of the other power images of the traditional Japanese tattoo, placement of the images is very important and it’s practice is an art form in itself.

Learning how different body parts connect within the Japanese tattoo is a significant aspect of the journey toward mastering the art of Japanese tattooing. The process of receiving a Japanese full back tattoo requires many, many sessions and is only recommended for those of unflinching will, iron determination, and who are demanding of victory at any cost.

Book A Consultation With The Best Japanese Back Tattoo Artist In Dallas

If you are searching for the best tattoo artist in Dallas, Texas, particularly one with expertise in Japanese back tattoos, schedule an appointment today with Carl Hallowell.

Email Carl’s tattoo shop in Dallas to learn how he can deliver the natural power of the Japanese tradition to your backpiece tattoo. Throughout the consultation, Carl will provide direction for your work, drawing on your personal history and vision to pair you with the elements of the tradition that will best represent on the outside that which you are and hope to be on the inside.

Carl Hallowell is a tattoo artist who truly understands the fundamentals of the art of the tattoo. For Japanese back tattoos contact Carl Hallowell today to begin your tattoo consultation.

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Your work is out of this world. Keep up the great talent. Your one hell of a tattooer.

Wendy

Real tattoos for real people…keepin’ the real texas tradition alive bud

Tex

first off carl is my buddy he does bad ass traditional tattoos he did a killer stray cats logo on my forearm in solid black he also did the state of texas that says dime for dimebag Darryl of pantera he also did a bitchin rockabilly chick with a deck of cards and a bottle of booze with some cherries it says rocker's dream I just went up to him and said I want a rockabilly chick and the genius he is came up with that carl is a very kind cool dude.

Ryan Mason

Carl is a great tattoo artist. Great with clients and makes sure everyone walks out with a killer piece that they will love forever. Very patient and kind, and it shows in his work and with repeat customers. Keep up the good work Carl!!!

Robbie

I'm not sure what type of witchcraft/wizardry you did on me, but this tattoo is almost completely healed, and it hasn't even been a week yet! What the?!? Haha, awesome. Thanks again for a KILLER tattoo and arguably the best tattoo experience I've had thus far.

Nick Sacy

Love your site, very informative and helpful! I might need another?!?!?!?

Mom

Great stuff here man! Love it!

Jojo Ackermann

It’s amazing after all these years how you’ve stayed true to the art. The way you continue grow but still hold on to the raw power of what we hold dear. In a time when tattooing is going in a diluted direction and seems to have lost it’s magic, there you are to push the brakes. To give soul back to the sacred. Anyone that knows you knows that you are an asset to tattooing. I am honored to call you my friend. May you find enlightenment in this thing we call tattoo and finally capture the perfect panther!!!!

Derek Jefferson

I've been getting tattoos by Carl for almost 20 years now, including two half sleeves, a back piece, and various other sundry pieces, and I've never gone to anyone else. Carl is a genuinely personable guy that gets along with everyone, and is a consummate professional that takes his craft very seriously. He is always prepared to give you a unique, personalized tattoo that you'll be proud to wear the rest of your life, no matter what the style.

Cory Wells

I've been getting tattooed by carl for the better part of 2 decades. He always makes sure that we don't miss out on any painful spots. He's a great guy like that! I have trusted Carl with both sleeves and now my back. His light handed approach makes it easy to sit with him for hours.