Munewari (Chest dividing), Traditional Japanese Tattoo

Traditional Japanese Tattoo by Horiyoshi III - Body Suit, Munewari, Chest dividing

One of the traditional tattooing styles. A strip running down the center of the top half of the body is left clear of tattoos. It is a style developed originally to avoid tattoos showing from the collar line when one wears kimono. I have also heard some rumours that it could also be to keep a part of the chest 'virgin' so that the skin can breathe and sweat!

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