Tiger and Sakura Arm Sleeve

In Japanese tattooing, the tiger is traditionally a protector; warding off misfortune, disease, and evil spirits. It's a classic Irezumi subject, and one of the hardest to get right.

This sleeve builds the tiger through the elements the style is known for: cherry blossoms drifting across clouded negative space, bamboo for strength and flexibility, with wind bars and waves carrying the piece down to the wrist. The stripes follow the natural curve of the arm, so the whole thing reads as one continuous image rather than separate parts stitched together.

Full sleeves like this take time, built up gradually over sessions. The result is bold, legible, and true to the tradition it draws from.

If you're considering a Japanese-style sleeve, get in touch, I’m happy to talk through concepts and placement.