In the world of tattoo art, it’s rare to find a phenomenon that can be called a true cultural bridge. But Chen Jie, an artist from Beijing and owner of NewTattoo Studio, is precisely the person who has connected two universes: ancient Chinese painting and modern tattooing. In an interview published on August 2, 2026, she talks about her journey, inspiration, and how she is changing perceptions of tattoos in China.
From Prohibition to Recognition: The Evolution of Tattoos in China
Two decades ago, tattoos in China were viewed with suspicion, and sometimes with condemnation. But today, the situation has changed dramatically. The younger generation sees tattoos not just as adornment, but as a form of self-expression and art. Historically, tattooing was a sacred symbol for the indigenous peoples of China, and during the Tang Dynasty (600–900 AD), it became part of urban counterculture. Poets and artists of that era used tattoos as a way to challenge society, depicting nature, gods, and poetic symbols on their bodies.
At the same time, the tradition of Shanshui landscape painting developed, focusing on the harmony of mountains, water, and nature. These two directions – tattooing and painting – existed separately for a long time. Only after 1400 years did modern masters like Chen Jie begin to combine them, transferring ancient landscapes onto skin.
Chen Jie: The Master Who Changed the Game
Chen Jie has been working in the tattoo industry for over 20 years. Her style is a unique blend of traditional Chinese calligraphy and modern tattoo techniques. She uses the Gongbi Mogu method, which combines precise detail with freehand painting without outlines. This approach allows for the creation of tattoos where detailed leaves and branches contrast with soft, dreamy apples or flowers.
In 2005, Chen Jie began her journey under the guidance of Leng Yang, who became her mentor. He opened a studio in the 798 art district in Beijing, where she first immersed herself in the world of tattooing. “He changed my life,” she says of her mentor.
Inspiration from the Past
The idea to create tattoos in the style of Chinese painting came to Chen Jie in 2007–2008. In her parents’ living room hung a painting of a peony, bought for 80 yuan (about $12). “I looked at it and thought, why isn’t this in tattoos?” she recalls. At the time, it seemed impossible: the ink effect, its spread, and 层次感 (layering) seemed unattainable on skin.
But Chen Jie didn’t give up. She began experimenting, first with calligraphy, then with lotuses and elements of the Gongbi style. Over time, she learned to convey the feel of ink, its diffusion, and space on the skin.
Style and Influence
Chen Jie draws inspiration from the aesthetics of the Wei and Jin, Song, and Ming dynasties. She admires the minimalism of Bada Shanren and the expressiveness of Xu Wei. “I take the essence of classical painting and reinterpret it through the structure of the body,” she explains. For example, a tattoo inspired by Wang Shimen’s painting “A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” uses lapis lazuli blue and soft turquoise to convey the mineral palette of the original.
International Recognition
Chen Jie never thought people would travel from other countries to get a tattoo from her. But today, her studio in Sanlitun – one of Beijing’s most international districts – attracts clients from all over the world. “It was important to me that people trusted me,” she says.
The Future of Tattoo Culture in China
Despite the progress, stereotypes about tattoos still exist in China. Chen Jie hopes that people will learn to distinguish between a person’s character and their choice of tattoo. “A tattoo is just art on the skin; it doesn’t speak to character or upbringing,” she emphasizes.
Studio and Team
NewTattoo Studio employs 15 artists, all of whom started as Chen Jie’s apprentices. She personally tattooed her neck and other parts of her body, entrusting it to her students. “All my tattoos were done by my former apprentices,” she shares.
The Person Behind the Art
Outside of work, Chen Jie is a simple person. She enjoys sports and good food. “I’m straightforward,” she says with a smile. But it is this directness and sincerity that make her art so unique.
Chen Jie is more than just a tattoo artist. She is a guardian of traditions who has found a way to convey them in a new format. Her work is a bridge between the past and the future, between art and the body. And perhaps it is artists like her who will define the future of tattoo culture not only in China but also around the world.