Komainu Guardian with Koi & Sakura

Description

A bold Japanese-style forearm panel combining a shishi/komainu mask with flowing waves, koi scales and sakura blossoms. The guardian lion symbolizes protection and the warding off of evil, koi represent perseverance and strength, and sakura evokes fleeting beauty. Heavy black shading with selective color highlights gives a modern neo-traditional take on classic irezumi motifs.