In traditional Japanese tattooing, every design is guided by anatomy and cultural rules.Gaku-boriframed tattoos are reserved for the back and arms, while non-standard areas like ribs, chest, and abdomen follow theNuki-boriapproach, unframed, free-flowing compositions without mikiri background. At Bardadim Tattoo in NYC, we create authentic Irezumi that respects these traditions, ensuring each piece harmonizes with the body and can connect seamlessly to larger works in the future.
Understanding Traditional Irezumi Placement
Traditional Japanese tattoo composition has been shaped by centuries of practice. The human body is not just a surface, it is the frame.
- Back and armsare the core canvases, allowing the full Gaku-bori format with mikiri framing.
- Legsare traditionally considered extensions of the backpiece, designed to match and balance the main composition.
- Ribs, chest, and abdomenlack the natural boundaries for Gaku-bori, requiring a different approach.
Tattooed actor by Utagawa Kunisada.
A palanquin carrier who has large tattoos of courtesans on his upper arms.
Gaku-boridesigns include a background that ends in a sharp mikiri edge. This edge needs a clear anatomical “border” such as the spine, shoulder, or hip line - to look complete and balanced.
- On theback, these borders are natural and symmetrical.
- On thearms, the frame follows the shoulder, elbow, and wrist transitions.
- Onlegs, it works only when connected to the backpiece.
- Onribs or chest, forcing a frame often looks awkward and breaks traditional flow.
Certain body areas carry unframed designs with exceptional clarity. Their natural lines allow the motif to breathe and follow the body without restriction, creating a feeling of effortless harmony and movement.
BardadimTattoo’s Approach
At Bardadim Tattoo, we work strictly within the principles of traditional Japanese tattooing. Whether framed or unframed, each tattoo is designed to respect the body’s structure and cultural heritage. The result is a piece that feels timeless, authentic, and in harmony with the wearer.
HIKAE
SHOULDERS AND ARMS
The term ‘Hikae’ means “to restrain oneself,” reflecting this classic tattoo layout. Hikae covers the shoulders and arms, allowing tattoos to be easily concealed with a v-neck shirt. Three common types exist: ‘light,’ covering about one-third of the chest; ‘shallow,’ which stays below the chest muscle; and ‘deep,’ extending over the chest and sometimes around the nipples.
Can I get a small Irezumi-style tattoo on my ribs?
Yes, but it will be done as Nuki-bori without a frame or full background.
Why can’t I have a framed backpiece-style design on my chest or ribs?
Gaku-bori requires certain body areas to achieve proper framing and balance. The chest and ribs do not provide this natural space.
If I start with Nuki-bori, can I expand it into a full piece later?
Absolutely. We design Nuki-bori with future expansion in mind, so it merges seamlessly into larger works. Although it is possible to add on later, the best results come when the final version is planned from the beginning — only then can we guarantee full compositional balance.
