Shishi Guardians and Peonies – Full Irezumi Sleeve

A Gaku-bori composition blending courage, protection, and elegance

In Japanese tradition, the Shishi, or guardian lions, stand as protectors of sacred spaces. Always seen in pairs, they symbolize balance: one exhales (“A”), representing life and beginning, while the other inhales (“Un”), symbolizing death and closure. Together, they embody the eternal cycle of protection and transformation, a concept deeply aligned with the spirit of Irezumi.

In this sleeve, two Shishi lions guard the flow of the arm, surrounded by blooming peonies, the “kings of flowers.” Their presence adds softness and nobility, representing honor, prosperity, and fleeting beauty. The dialogue between ferocity and grace, strength and elegance, defines the essence of the design.

Composed in the Gaku-bori format, the piece maintains bold structure and rhythmic balance — flowing from shoulder to wrist with powerful contrast between deep black and luminous color. Every curve, scale, and petal was shaped to honor the traditional principles of Japanese tattooing, while embracing a modern interpretation of movement and light.

This sleeve is not just a story of guardianship, it is a meditation on balance between chaos and calm, fear and confidence, body and spirit.