How did traditional Japanese tattoo artists make multicoloured body designs?

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Body modifications and mutilations Peruvian elongated skulls, trephined male (left) and intact female (right), c. 1000 bc.

Traditional Japanese tattoo artists create elaborate, multicoloured body designs by using needles set into a wooden handle to insert pigment into the skin. This method allows for the intricate detail and extensive coverage characteristic of the style, which often spans large portions of the body.1

While tattooing is a form of artistic expression and cultural identity, it is important to acknowledge the associated health risks. When performed under non-sterile conditions, the practice can lead to the transmission of viral infections such as hepatitis and HIV, as well as potential allergic reactions to the pigments used. Ethical tattooing practices must prioritize the health and safety of the individual through the use of sterile equipment and professional standards.1