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Irezumi

Japanese

Dragons, koi, snakes, tigers and foo dogs. Built to read from across the room and to sit right on the body — sleeves, backs, full body suits.

Japanese tattooing is the deepest tradition in the trade, and it works because it is designed for the body rather than the page. Backgrounds of wind, water and cloud tie the whole piece together and let it flow with the muscle underneath. It is why a good Japanese sleeve still reads clearly twenty years later.

It rewards planning. The best results come from mapping the whole arm, leg or back before the first needle, even if it gets tattooed over a year in sittings. Come in with the subject you want and we will draw it to your body.

Work From The Shop

Large-scale work welcome. Bring the idea, we will map the whole piece.

Japanese samurai mask and tiger full sleeve tattoo in black, grey and red by Reed Drury at True North Tattoo in Lancaster, PA
Japanese roaring tiger leg sleeve tattoo in orange and black by Reed Drury at True North Tattoo in Lancaster, PA
Japanese black and grey eagle and chrysanthemum full sleeve tattoo by Reed Drury at True North Tattoo in Lancaster, PA

Who Tattoos It Here

Book a free consult with any of them, or walk in and we will point you at the right chair.

Got an idea?

Consults are free and take about twenty minutes. Shop minimum is $100, and we will quote anything larger at the consult.

Book a free consult