1.
tattoo artist
A person who creates tattoos, especially traditional Japanese tattoos (和彫り). In Japan, tattooing has a long artistic tradition, and skilled tattoo artists are considered craftspeople.
2.
engraver; carver
A person who carves or engraves designs into wood, metal, or other materials. This older sense covers seal engravers and woodblock carvers.
Usage
In modern usage, the most common meaning is tattoo artist (sense 1). The word combines 彫り (carving) + 師 (master, professional). Traditional Japanese tattoo artists often take professional names (号) beginning with 彫, such as 彫○○.
Common collocations
- 彫り師に彫ってもらう (to have a tattoo done by a tattoo artist)
- 和彫りの彫り師 (traditional Japanese tattoo artist)
- 腕のいい彫り師 (a skilled tattoo artist)
Cultural note
In Japan, tattoos are associated with yakuza and are still restricted at many public baths and pools. However, traditional Japanese tattooing (和彫り / 刺青) is recognized as an art form with a history spanning centuries.
Related Words
Related:
刺青 (tattoo)