Shading in Japanese tattoos

[Zillah]

I'm getting a 'large cohesive' koi tattoo on my upper arm this Saturday, and the artist has just sent a sketch through for me to look at. He has stated "shading and colour to your liking".

I want to let him know that I want the shading to be "dark and stripy, with scalloped edges", as they say in Japan. Ok, they don't say that... I don't know the correct terminology. Can someone please help me out? :p

[Colored Guy]

I would dig up examples of what you want and bring it with you to the appointment. I bring tattoo books, pix off the web, art books as well.

Rob

[Zillah]

I read a book the other week that had specific terms for different types of shading but I've forgotten now, and I can't seem to find it online.

Thanks for the suggestion!

[Fala]

Are you talking about wind bars combined with water?

[Zillah]

Are you talking about wind bars?

I... don't know... *checks google* I believe so. Thank you. The scalloped edges are called something starting with 'm' I believe, heh.

Sorry for my newbieitis!

[Graeme]

According to my sources the scalloped edges are called botan mikiri (scalloped background) but I agree with @Colored Guy here about bringing in examples if you're looking for something more specific than that.

[Fala]

The "m" that I think of is munewari, but that's different from what you are asking. As far as I know, the edges are typically rounded off, or scalloped, for easier integration into a larger piece later on. I could be totally wrong about that though!

Here's a google result from @Graeme's awesome research: http://books.google.com/books?id=yuMUAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA100&lpg=PA100&dq=botan+mikiri&source=bl&ots=Wt5Vpij1t2&sig=6GttzL7InkcSkj7X2Aomt83IWvU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=eCFXU-HeC4-_sQTpwoCYBw&ved=0CEMQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=botan%20mikiri&f=false

[Zillah]

That's it! Botan mikiri! Thank you @Graeme and @Fala you are awesome!

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[DJDeepFried]

Ah -- you guys beat me to the punch but this is from the Perseverance book.

But saying "fat black wind bars with scalloped edges" will suffice I think.

[Zillah]

I need to get that book. Thank you @DJDeepFried

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[DJDeepFried]

It's a beautiful book.

[BigTex]

It's a beautiful book.

I have been looking for a reference book to get ideas from. I'm planning a Japanese half sleeve this year. Would you guys recommend this "Perseverance" one for that purpose? If not...any suggestions? I am particularly interested in making sure the "rules" are followed (seasons, correct imagery,etc).

[Zillah]

It's a beautiful book.

Where can I buy it from?

[Graeme]

Where can I buy it from?

From the store at the Japanese American National Museum. Shipping will no doubt be expensive to New Zealand but the book is only $20 and it's worth much, much more than that. I really recommend it if you have any interest whatsoever in Japanese tattoos.

[Fala]

Mine's in the mail, can't wait to get it!!!!

[Zillah]

I've just put in an order.

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[smiling.politely]

There's a great book by Gomineko Press with a lot of information in terms of explaining things called JBxH3. Should be first... Japanese Tattoo Art Design Book Magazine Gomineko Japan

They'll frequently post it for $60 on their Instagram as well... Instagram

[Colored Guy]

Great shti... I'm having some work done soon and this is what I also need done.. awesome.

Rob

[irezumi]

I have been looking for a reference book to get ideas from. I'm planning a Japanese half sleeve this year. Would you guys recommend this "Perseverance" one for that purpose? If not...any suggestions? I am particularly interested in making sure the "rules" are followed (seasons, correct imagery,etc).

First off if you want to look proper then you need to go over onto the chest as well. Which is awesome because that makes the tattoo even tougher.

Super basic and easy to find book that has excellent images and basic explanations is The Japanese Tattoo by Sandy Fellman, and also really good one is the other The Japanese Tattoo by Donald Richie. The Ritchie book has less photos, and they are of an older generation of tattooers, but the information is excellent and well-researched.

[smiling.politely]

@irezumi I need to get my hands on that Richie book... focused on finding Irezumi during my initial searching last year. Future plans.

[BigTex]

First off if you want to look proper then you need to go over onto the chest as well. Which is awesome because that makes the tattoo even tougher.

Super basic and easy to find book that has excellent images and basic explanations is The Japanese Tattoo by Sandy Fellman, and also really good one is the other The Japanese Tattoo by Donald Richie. The Ritchie book has less photos, and they are of an older generation of tattooers, but the information is excellent and well-researched.

Thank you my friend! I shall order one or the other tonight.

[Fala]

Well @irezumi you've convinced me to move the Fellman book to my cart and buy it. Damn you!!! ;)

[irezumi]

You'll be thanking me for it!

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@BigTex I'd suggest getting both. Good stuff.

[BigTex]

You'll be thanking me for it!

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@BigTex I'd suggest getting both. Good stuff.

Oh what the hell...you twisted my arm. Order placed for both.:cool:

[Lance]

@BigTex, I feel "Bushido" and "Tattoos of the Floating World" by Taki are always required readings when it comes to Japanese tattoos. Some very cool photos in them with descriptions.

Bushido: Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo:Amazon:Books

Tattoos of the Floating World: Ukiyo-e Motifs in the Japanese Tattoo:Amazon:Books