Full Back
In traditional Irezumi, halting a backpiece at the waistline interrupts the composition’s natural rhythm, like stopping a river at the shore. True artistry continues the design across the buttocks and often into the upper thighs, reinforcing both continuity and harmony with the body’s contours. This seamless extension not only enhances the visual flow but also respects the architectural logic of the bodysuit, ensuring the artwork remains cohesive and powerful.
This type of tattoo (Se-Wari) is also called
'Kame-no-kou' which is literally translated as 'The Tortoise Shell.'

Full Back Irezumi
Full back tattoo by George Bardadim, 2005.
Irezumi works
The living form of my art.
Irezumi Language
Symbols that speak through silence.
Irezumi Flow
Movement shaped by mindful design.