Dragons are often used as decorations in the architecture of shrines and temples to protect them from fire, as they are believed to govern water and rain. Dragons of various sizes can be seen at shrines and temples all over Japan, and one of the most outstanding is the huge painting by Kano Tanyu on the ceiling of Myoshinji temple in Kyoto. Depending on the angle you look at, it looks like either a rising or descending dragon, and is a cultural asset that represents the ancient capital.
ここに見るバックピースは京都をこよなく愛するクライアントからのオーダーを受け、その妙心寺の雲龍図をモチーフにSWALLOW NEST 彫飛呂氏がアレンジを加えたもの。アメリカントラディショナルと和彫りを融合させたかのような作風に、氏の持ち味が滲み出る。
肢体を飾るタトゥーはどれも彫飛呂氏の手によるもので、オールドスクールなデザインに混じり祇園祭の山鉾の車輪など京都ならではのモチーフも散見される。
The back piece shown here was ordered by a client who really loves Kyoto, and was arranged by Horihiro of Swallow Nest in the motif of the ceiling painting of Myoshin-ji temple. His unique taste which seems to be a fusion of American and Japanese traditional style is clearly visible in this work.
The tattoos adorning the client’s body were all done by Horihiro, and mixed with the old school design there are also some motifs unique to Kyoto, such as the wheel of a yamahoko float from the Gion Festival.
