GAKU
Traditional Japanese tattoo has strict rules. One of the most important and impressive rules is about background, called GAKU (lit. frame).
It has specific shapes and names depending on the part of the body.
Arm Sleeve
GOBU (half sleeve), SHICHIBU (3/4 sleeve), NAGA-SODE (full sleeve)
They are always with chest panel.
There’s no option that is shorter than half, like 1/4 sleeve.
There’s no option of sleeve without chest panel. Sleeve without chest panel is an American style.
For women, the chest panel can be smaller. Of course it can be as big as the one for men.
Full Back Piece
It must include buttocks and thighs.
For women, it can be smaller so that the tattoo isn’t visible when she dresses. Of course it can be as big as the one for men so she can get as big subject as possible.
There is no option of half back piece.
Munewari Body Suit
A kind of body suit that is with river.
Munewari HAN-ZUBON (half pants)
Munewari SHICHIBU (3/4 leg sleeves)
Munewari NAGA-ZUBON (full leg sleeves)
Donburi body suit
Donburi HAN-ZUBON (half pants)
Donburi SHICHIBU (3/4 leg sleeves)
Donburi NAGA-ZUBON (full leg sleeves)
Shapes Around Neck of Body Suit
Body Suit for Women
Basically the same as for men.
SOUSHIN-BORI Full Body Suit
These are the final stages of Traditional Japanese Tattoos.
by TEBORI Tattooist Ryugen