Glossary15 January 2026 · 1 min read

Ornamental (Mandala)

The ornamental style uses repeated, symmetrical decorative motifs, such as mandalas, lace, jewellery and embellishments, that follow the body's shape. The mandala is a circular motif of eastern religious origin, often reinterpreted decoratively.

Why it matters: It appears in product descriptions for thin lines and dots. For motifs of religious origin, it is advisable to know their meaning.

Related: Geometric, Dotwork, Fine Line, Linework.

Guide4 min readReading a style: six elements for looking at a tattooStyle labels help find one's way around, but they say little on their own: two tattoos called the same thing can be very different, and a work can sit between two styles. This guide proposes a method for looking at a tattoo by observing six concrete elements: line, colour, contrast, composition, depth and subject. With these elements the families of styles can be recognised, what is seen can be described, and one can understand from which traditions and influences they come. The styles mentioned have a glossary entry; here the interest is in how to look at them.

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Ornamental (Mandala)

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