21/03/2026
After finishing the dragon on his side, we’ve now started working on his back.
I initially considered Yama or the Buddha, but in Southeast Asian Buddhist cultures such as Vietnam, Thailand or Sri Lanka, tattooing the Buddha or other sacred figures can be seen as sensitive or disrespectful.
In contrast, in East Asian countries like Korea, there is generally a more conservative view on tattoos overall, but less cultural resistance specifically toward depicting the Buddha in tattoo form.
As my client comes from a Vietnamese cultural background, we chose a foo dog, a guardian figure that protects the Buddha, as the main motif.
The foo dog is not actually a dog, but a lion. 🦁
It is a symbol of protection, believed to ward off misfortune and guard people and property. It is also a symbol of good luck.
I hope protection and good fortune will be with Richard, who trusted me with this large piece.
If you’re considering a Buddhist or symbolic piece, feel free to reach out via the link in bio.
