Taiwan tattoo artist Bobo Chen inspired by Japanese traditions
Former graffiti artist who switched to tattooing draws upon imagery that is a legacy of Taiwan’s years under Japanese rule
In a small workshop down a narrow alleyway in Taipei’s Ximending district, tattoo artist Bobo Chen is refreshing a scene from a Japanese epic with new ink on a client’s back.
The vivid image depicts a fictional Japanese hero fighting a tiger and dragon, symbolic of strength and protection.
A former graffiti artist, Chen, 35, switched to tattooing five years ago after learning the craft in Thailand.
On the walls of his studio are pictures of historical Japanese drawings, which he takes as inspiration for his body art.
Taiwan was ruled by Japan for 50 years until 1945 and the island’s design aesthetic often still reflects Japanese style.