Snake and Lightning Full Sleeve
Done by Horiyama. Auckland, New Zealand
Details of Irezumi full sleeve
This snake and lightning sleeve was designed as a bold, high-contrast composition rooted in traditional Japanese tattoo imagery. The movement of the serpent wraps powerfully around the arm, weaving through storm clouds and striking red lightning, creating a sleeve that feels alive from every angle. As a tattoo artist specialising in large-scale irezumi in Auckland, New Zealand, my focus is always on flow, balance, and storytelling through form. This sleeve was built to move naturally with the body while honouring the structure and principles of traditional Japanese tattooing.
The Symbolism of the Snake in Japanese Tattoo
In Japanese tattoo tradition, the snake (hebi) carries layered meanings. It is associated with:
Protection and warding off misfortune
Wisdom and transformation
Renewal and resilience
Connection to the elements and the divine
Unlike Western interpretations that often frame snakes as purely ominous, in irezumi the serpent is a powerful and protective force. Its ability to shed its skin makes it a symbol of rebirth and personal growth. The snake in this sleeve is rendered in rich green tones, contrasted with deep black shading and subtle purple accents along the underbelly. The scale patterning follows traditional rhythm and repetition, creating texture while maintaining clarity from a distance — an important principle in Japanese tattoo design.
Lightning and Storm Clouds — Energy in Motion
The lightning bolts cut sharply through the sleeve in vivid red, creating striking contrast against the dark storm background. In traditional Japanese tattooing, lightning represents:
Raw energy
Sudden change
Power of nature
Uncontrollable force
Rather than being decorative, the lightning serves as a compositional tool. It breaks up the negative space, guides the eye down the arm, and adds intensity to the coiling movement of the snake. The background clouds are executed in layered grey and black shading, creating depth and softness around the more graphic elements. This contrast between soft atmospheric forms and sharp lightning strikes creates dynamic tension — a key aspect of strong Japanese tattoo composition.
Composition and Flow
When designing a full sleeve, flow is everything. The snake’s body wraps diagonally around the arm, allowing the head to sit prominently near the upper arm while the coils cascade naturally toward the wrist. The lightning follows the musculature, elongating the arm visually and enhancing movement. From the side view, the composition feels balanced and contained. From the front and back angles, new relationships between the elements appear — something I always aim for in large-scale irezumi work.
The red chrysanthemum on the hand anchors the composition at the base. Chrysanthemums in Japanese tattooing symbolise longevity and perseverance, creating a quiet balance to the volatility of the storm above. This grounding floral element completes the sleeve in a way that feels traditional and cohesive.
Traditional Irezumi Principles
This sleeve reflects several foundational principles of traditional Japanese tattoo:
Strong, readable silhouette
Clear foreground and background separation
Limited but bold colour palette
Respect for body flow
Balance between power and restraint
While modern in execution, the structure is firmly rooted in historical Japanese tattoo aesthetics. The intention is not just decoration, but wearable composition — something that will age well and remain impactful over decades.
Japanese Tattoo in Auckland, New Zealand
As a Japanese tattoo artist in Auckland specialising in traditional Irezumi, I focus on large-scale work such as sleeves, back pieces, and body suits. Each design is custom drawn to suit the individual’s body and story, while respecting the history of this art form. If you are considering a Japanese tattoo— whether a snake, dragon, koi, or other traditional subject — you are welcome to get in touch through my contact page to discuss your ideas.
Large-scale irezumi is a journey. The process is collaborative, intentional, and built for longevity.
Thank you for taking the time to view this piece.