Sleeve of Masks

Merlin's sleeve of Oni masks has come along nicely! After four long sittings, save a few small polishes, it's pretty well finished- and it's another great example of how the combination of good subject matter and dedication make for the best Tattoos. Pictured, you'll see four devilish masks, each representing some gnarly aspect of the personality, surrounded by storm clouds and lightning. While themes like this are usually named for five masks in Japan, I had been told at one time or another that the wearer's face is meant to be considered as one of those five, so we rolled with that concept as well. At first, this imagery may seem pretty negative- but it is important to remember that masks are wearable or removeable at will. Self-mastery through adversity is the real underlying notion.