Rectangular Tattoos Contain Tiny Delicate Paintings Inspired by Chinese Art

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Many tattoo artists choose to create sprawling works of art on the body. Franky Yang does things differently and contains her designs inside rectangular frames. The Beijing-based artist specializes in ethereal tattoos inspired by nature, architecture, and traditional Chinese paintings.

Placed along the inside of someone's arm or leg, these fascinating pieces offer a small window into a beautiful sight. By enclosing grand landscapes, luscious plants, and graceful animals inside the borderless shapes, she emphasizes the portal-like effect of the design. A glimpse into one of these inked illustrations can take you to a rocky mountainside, a sunset by the ocean, or a peaceful farm, to name just a few of the destinations.

“My inspiration comes not only from ancient Chinese paintings but also from ancient costume accessories and architectural elements. I want to show the traditional Chinese culture to everyone who loves it through tattoos,” Yang explains on her website. And while the constraints of the rectangular panel play a large role in the allure of her designs, she does allow a couple of elements in her tattoos to “break free” from the invisible border to make the narrative more alive.

You can purchase temporary tattoos via Yang's online store. Follow the artist on Instagram to keep up to date with her latest creations.

Beijing-based artist Franky Yang creates incredible body art inspired by traditional Chinese paintings.

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

She “contains” her art within long rectangles and other geometric shapes.

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Some of the elements from her paintings poke through the rectangular border.

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Cute Tattoos by Franky Yang

Franky Yang: Tatyou | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Franky Yang.

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Margherita Cole

Margherita Cole is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met and illustrator based in Southern California. She holds a BA in Art History with a minor in Studio Art from Wofford College, and an MA in Illustration: Authorial Practice from Falmouth University in the UK. She wrote and illustrated an instructional art book about how to draw cartoons titled 'Cartooning Made Easy: Circle, Triangle, Square' that was published by Walter Foster in 2022.
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