bamboo tattooChinese line art
A bamboo tattoo shows segmented stalks with leaves, and in Chinese tradition it is one of the Four Gentlemen, representing resilience, humility and an upright character. Because the stalk is mostly straight lines with regular breaks, it suits long vertical placements better than curved body areas.
Size guide
Single stalk: 3–5 cm wide × 15–20 cm tall. Three stalks: 12–15 cm wide × 20 cm tall.
Where should a bamboo tattoo go?
The forearm and calf are ideal because bamboo is a vertical subject and limbs run vertically. The ribs and outer thigh also work for a longer stalk. Bamboo suits the wrist less well because there is not enough unbroken vertical length for the segments to read clearly.
How many bamboo stalks should I get?
One stalk for resilience alone, three for the stages of a person's life, and five or more for a full sleeve where the repeated stalks create rhythm. Keep each stalk at least 2 cm wide, and leave a gap of 1 to 2 cm between stalks so the negative space keeps them readable rather than merging into a single mass.
Frequently asked questions
Where to place a bamboo tattoo
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