Revealing the inner self
Delft Blue Body Tiles Tatoo
a conceptual proposal for a tattoo merging Dutch heritage with anatomical revelation
Client
Tjep. (conceptual proposal)
Design Tjep.
Production Conceptual
Materials:
Tattoo ink mimicking Delft blue glazing (cobalt blue on skin tone).
Date
2006
Delft Blue Body Tiles Tattoo Concept by Tjep.
In this provocative conceptual proposal from Tjep.’s Amsterdam studio, Frank Tjepkema reinterprets the timeless Dutch Delft blue kitchen tiles as a unified tattoo design. Traditionally featuring scenic landscapes, florals, and vignettes of daily life on tin-glazed earthenware, these tiles are subverted here to expose the body’s internal organs—hearts, lungs, ribs, spines, and more—rendered in the classic cobalt-blue-on-white palette. Arranged as six interconnected tiles forming a general cross shape for structural harmony, the design downplays any overt religious connotations, focusing instead on a balanced, introspective composition that blends cultural iconography with personal vulnerability.
Inspired by Delft’s Culinary and Decorative Legacy
Rooted in 17th-century Delft blue pottery, influenced by Chinese porcelain and renowned for its intricate cobalt-blue motifs on white backgrounds, this tattoo concept flips the script from external decoration to internal exploration. Each of the six tiles depicts a distinct anatomical element with precise blue linework, evoking an X-ray-like transparency. The cross-like arrangement symbolizes interconnectedness and form without emphasizing spiritual symbolism, transforming the skin into a living canvas that honors Dutch kitchen tile traditions while unveiling the hidden mechanics of the human body.
Artistic Innovation: Tradition Meets Transparency
The six tiles are envisioned in square or rectangular formats, seamlessly combined into a cohesive cross shape that allows for fluid adaptation to body contours. This setup not only pays homage to the ornamental precision of Delft craftsmanship but also invites reflection on human fragility and resilience. By overlaying anatomical details onto familiar tile aesthetics, the design creates a dialogue between heritage and the self, turning what was once kitchen decor into a bold statement of inner beauty and exposure.
A Commentary on Visibility and Cultural Fusion
This conceptual tattoo goes beyond mere ornamentation; it critiques societal norms by making the invisible visible, highlighting how cultural artifacts can reveal deeper truths about our physicality. Aligning with Tjep.’s signature blend of art, technology, and commentary—as seen in works like Bling Bling—it encourages wearers to embrace their anatomy as art, fostering conversations on identity, concealment, and revelation in a subtle, non-dogmatic cross form.
From Tjep.’s visionary atelier, the Delft Blue Body Tiles Tattoo Concept invites the bold to ink a piece of Dutch history reimagined—for a lifetime of introspective elegance.