Having some of the highest calibre tattooers from Japan and around the world at this convention, it is only fitting that there was of course some of the highest calibre tattoos on display aswell! These were all showcased on the final day of the convention during the Tattoo Contest Competition.
The panel of esteemed judges were looking for a combination of quality and detail of work, uniqueness, “story-telling” composition and aesthetic appeal.
Categories were:
* Sleeve
* Back Piece
* Body Suit
* Best of Show
Submissions for Full Sleeve – leg or arm
And the winner is….
1st place : “Cat Ghost” (middle)
2nd place : Warrior/Tiger (left)
3rd place : Samurai/Koi (right)
Submissions for Best of Show – these were tattoos done at the show
And the winner is…
1st place : Hand Shi Shi (middle)
2nd place : Kurt Cobain portrait (left)
3rd place : Daruma/Skull (right)
Submissions for Back Piece
A body suit tattoo traditionally starts with the back piece. In traditional Japanese tattooing, the back piece is the central part of the body suit, and occupies the whole back side from neck to about 20-30cm below the buttocks. This is the biggest area of the body that can be tattooed and viewed in one glimpse, hence the back piece usually features a large scale subject such as a dragon, deity or warrior.
And the winner is…
1st place : Dragon/Samurai (middle)
2nd place : Guan Yu (left)
3rd place : Buddhas (right)
Submissions for Body Suit – prepare to be amazed and inspired!
Adding to the central design of the back piece, the arms and legs frame a traditional Japanese tattoo. In particular, the judges are looking for a well planned out body suit where the elements on the arms, legs and chest compliment the themes on the back piece, bringing together a well harmonised suit. It is also customary in traditional Japanese full body suit tattoos, to get some discreet “shunga” tattoos, or erotic, humorous designs in the armpits of in-between the thighs, as is displayed on the first entrant.
And the winner is…
1st place : Peony (middle)
2nd place : Samurai/Chrysanthemum (left)
3rd place : Rai Jin (right)
Click here to see Part 1 of the write up on the 2014 Tokyo Tattoo Convention.