Namakubi Mask
🗡️ THE STORY BEHIND NAMAKUBI
In traditional Japanese tattooing, the namakubi (生首, “freshly severed head”) is one of the oldest and most respected motifs. Far from simple shock imagery, it stands for acceptance of one’s fate, courage in the face of death, and respect for a defeated enemy. Carried through ukiyo-e prints into modern irezumi, it remains a mark worn by those who face consequence without flinching.
This piece captures that motif in three dimensions — the furrowed brow, the bared teeth, the rope binding, and the katana driven clean through the skull with its wrapped tsuka and carved tsuba.
🛠️ MATERIAL & FINISH
Printed in durable PLA with a matte, low-sheen surface — no plastic gloss. Every layer is inspected, then cleaned and hand-finished in my studio. Supplied raw, which means you can display it exactly as it is for a carved stone look, or prime and paint it your own way. Painted finishes available on request.
đź“Ź SIZE & DISPLAY
• Height: approx. 28 cm / 11 in
• Includes display base for shelf and tabletop
• Wall mounting available on request
• Lightweight yet solid — easy to move, stable where you put it
Looks its best under a single warm light source, where the shadows do half the work.
🎯 WHO IT’S FOR
✔ Tattoo artists and irezumi collectors — a studio piece that says everything before you speak
âś” Japanese art and folklore collectors
✔ Dark, moody interiors — office, studio, gaming setup, gallery wall
âś” A gift for him that is not another mug
đź–¤ PART OF THE SERIES
Namakubi joins my Japanese mask collection alongside the Hyottoko and Hannya Irezumi masks. Collected together on one wall, they read as a single body of work. Visit the shop to see the full set.
⏳ MADE TO ORDER
Nothing sits in a warehouse. Each mask takes 30+ hours of print time plus hand finishing, so please allow 3-5 business days before it ships.
📦 SHIPPING & CARE
Ships from Albania, tracked and double-boxed with foam protection. Typical delivery: 5-12 business days to the EU and UK, 8-16 business days to the US.
Indoor display only. Dust with a soft dry brush. Keep away from direct sunlight and hot car interiors.
💬 Questions, a custom size, or a painted finish? Message me — I answer fast and I am happy to print a one-off for you.