Joseph — Koi Sleeve
A full Japanese sleeve featuring a white and red koi rising through waves, with cherry blossom and bold black background work. Tattooed at Ink and Dagger in Roswell, Georgia.
Koi, waves & cherry blossom
Joseph's sleeve is built around a white and red koi — the nishikigoi — rising powerfully through crashing waves. In Japanese tradition the koi swimming upstream represents perseverance and the strength to overcome adversity. The bold black background work creates contrast and depth, allowing the koi's white body and red accents to command the eye. Cherry blossom scattered throughout softens the composition and connects the piece to the Japanese aesthetic of beauty in transience.
The scale detail on this koi took serious discipline to execute cleanly across the full length of the arm. The composition was designed to flow with the body — reading naturally whether the arm is extended or relaxed.
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