Tebori
The traditional Japanese hand-tattooing technique, using a wooden or metal handle with attached needles, applied in a rhythmic hand motion. Still practised by traditional Irezumi masters.
In detail
Tebori creates a softer, more diffused ink quality than machine work — colours blend gently and gradations are smooth. Sessions take longer than machine tattooing. Authentic tebori practitioners are rare and have long waiting lists.
Related styles
See also
Irezumi
The Japanese word for tattooing, literally meaning 'inserting ink'. Used to describe both the traditional Japanese tattooing practice and its visual style.
Hand-poke (Stick-and-poke)
A method of tattooing that uses a single needle applied by hand, without a tattoo machine. The needle is dipped in ink and pressed into the skin with controlled hand pressure.
Japanese (Traditional)
Traditional Japanese tattooing style using bold outlines, specific colour palettes, and motifs from Japanese mythology and nature — koi, dragons, waves, cherry blossom, tigers.