This tattoo design blends classic memento mori symbolism with koi perseverance and a precise geometric frame. The central skull anchors the composition with meticulous shading, while a shimmering koi curves around a vintage pocket watch, suggesting the inexorable flow of time. A crisp triangle outline provides a geometric counterpoint, creating tension between organic forms and austere geometry. Executed in grayscale, the piece relies on smooth transitions between deep blacks, midtones, and delicate highlights to achieve depth and a sense of realism characteristic of black and grey realism. The motif uses negative space to balance the dense shading, ensuring clarity when scaled to various sizes. The watch functions as a timekeeping talisman, the koi as perseverance, and the skull as a reminder of mortality; together they form a narrative about life, time, and resilience in a compact, highly legible tattoo design. The composition is ideal for larger canvases such as the back or chest, but the clean lines and restrained contrast also translate well into medium-sized placements. If this concept is AI-generated, the design retains a hand-penciled feel with a modern edge while preserving the traditional tattoo subject’s readability. The technique emphasizes smooth gradient shading, crisp outlines, and careful contrast to maintain legibility on skin over time; the triangle anchors the piece and the negative space around it prevents visual crowding. Overall, the piece embraces bold silhouettes and subtle gradations to deliver a dramatic, timeless image that can serve as a personal emblem or meaningful tattoo story. Given its dark mass and strong shapes, it is well-suited for cover-up applications, particularly where existing ink demands generous coverage and careful blending into surrounding skin.