Oriental Tattoo
Oriental tattooing carries centuries-old Asian symbolism into contemporary linework and composition. Our Redfern artists build these pieces to follow the body, from a single motif through to a full sleeve.
Meet our oriental artists
What Oriental Tattooing Actually Means
Oriental sits somewhere between reverence and reinvention. It draws on themes that have run through Asian tattooing for centuries, but isn't bound by the rule book that governs traditional Irezumi.
An oriental piece can lean heavily on classical symbolism while being built with contemporary linework, modern shading and a composition designed around your body rather than a template.
It's a style with room to move, which is precisely why so many collectors end up here.
Start Your Piece With Us
Our studio is a short walk from Redfern Station, and we tattoo clients from right across Sydney. Get in touch, and we'll talk through the piece, the placement and how long it's likely to take.
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It's the question we're asked most, and the honest answer is that the two overlap considerably. The distinction is less about subject matter than about how strictly the conventions are followed.
Traditional Japanese follows set conventions: backgrounds, wind bars, motif pairings
Oriental keeps the classical themes but treats composition freely
Oriental sits easily with modern technique, including black and grey
Both are built to follow the body's lines rather than sit flat on it
Plenty of our clients land somewhere between the two, and that's entirely fine. If you're after the traditional route, our traditional Japanese tattooing is the place to start. If neither is quite it, browse our full range of tattoo styles.
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Certain images have endured for a reason. They carry meaning, they age well, and they give an artist room to build something with real depth.
Dragons, for strength, wisdom and protection
Koi, snakes and tigers
Foo dogs
Hannya masks
Phoenixes
Snakes
Peonies and botanicals
Waves, wind bars and cloud fills
These read just as strongly in black and grey tattoo work as they do in colour. Some of our most striking oriental pieces have no colour in them at all.
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Five of our artists work in this space: John, Ray, Gareth, Sami, Tom and Ray.
Between them, they cover the range oriental work asks for — bold traditional Japanese composition, fine black and grey detail, colour, and the kind of flow that makes a large piece sit properly on the body. Each of them brings a different hand to it, so a sleeve from one artist won't look like a sleeve from another. Have a look through their portfolios, or the wider team of Sydney tattoo artists, and see whose hand suits what you have in mind.
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Bringing your oriental tattoo to life starts with a conversation. We'll talk through your idea, where it's going and how large it needs to be, then match you with the artist best suited to it. Designs are generally shared with you on the day rather than sent ahead, though your artist may send more complicated pieces in advance. We set aside time at the start of every session to go through the design together: sizing, placement, any changes you'd like. Minor adjustments are never an issue, and no stencil is prepared until you're completely happy with what's in front of you. Afterwards, you'll leave with proper aftercare guidance, because healing is half the result.
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Oriental work scales beautifully, from a single motif through to a full sleeve or back piece. What you'll pay depends on where on that spectrum you land.
$150 studio minimum
Smaller pieces per tattoo; three hours or more is hourly
Hourly rates vary by artist
Estimates are provided at booking
Larger projects estimated as hours or sessions
How the Process Works
We start with a friendly initial consultation to discuss your ideas, placement, and sizing. We will match you with the best artist for your specific style.
Have a Chat
Lock in your appointment
Your artist will craft a custom piece tailored to you, ensuring all lifelike details are carefully planned.
The Design Phase
The Tattoo Session
Sit back and relax in our comfortable studio while we get to work. We will make sure you are comfortable and looked after the entire time.
Aftercare
A great tattoo needs great healing. We will give you all the tips, tricks, and premium aftercare advice you need to ensure your new ink stays crisp and beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It's a contemporary approach to Asian tattooing. The classical motifs and symbolism remain, while the linework, shading and composition follow modern practice and are shaped around the individual body.
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Traditional Japanese follows established conventions around backgrounds, wind bars and motif pairing. Oriental draws on the same classical themes but treats composition more freely and sits comfortably with modern technique. Oriental also draws on motifs from other Asian cultures.
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John, Ray, Gareth, Sami and Tomall work in this style at our Redfern studio. Each has a different hand, so it's worth browsing their portfolios before choosing.
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Our studio minimum is $150. Beyond that, pricing depends on size, complexity, placement and time. Smaller pieces are priced per tattoo, and anything past three hours is charged hourly.
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Yes. Large-scale work is what we build most of, including sleeves, backs and torsos. These run across multiple sessions.
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Generally on the day of your appointment, though complicated designs may be sent ahead. We review it together at the start of the session, and no stencil is prepared until you're happy.
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Yes. We won't tattoo anyone under 18, even with consent from a parent or legal guardian. Bring valid photo identification to your appointment.
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Call the studio, email us, or use the enquiry form on our site. You can also contact the artist directly through their Instagram if you already know whose work you want.