115 stunning Japanese tattoos: history and meaning

Nowadays, the Japanese tattoo style is gaining more and more influence, although its long and glorious history goes back many centuries. Japanese tattoo artists began to practice their art back in the period Yaya (from about 300 BC to 300 AD). At the time, Japanese tattoos were a symbol of spirituality and social status that distinguished master from slave.

However, during the Kofun period (AD 300-600), everything changed and tattoos began to take on a negative connotation because they were used to denote criminals. It was the indigenous population of Japan, the Ainu, who lived in Japan for thousands of years and usually wore drawings on their hands, mouths, and sometimes even on the forehead, that first influenced the Japanese tattooing activity. This is the reason why they have integrated into modern Japanese civilization.

The traditional tattoo designs of these past generations are "images of the floating world" (called ukiyo-e in Japanese). These are woodcut reproductions created by the most influential ukiyo-e artists such as Kuniyoshi who is also the creator of the masterpieces of Suikoden art. This illustrated story features 108 corrupt Chinese people whose skin has been tagged.

Different gangs used different design patterns and apps. Despite this rich tattoo tradition, the Japanese today do not accept the idea of ​​having a permanent tattoo on their bodies as openly as people in the Western world, because tattoos are inextricably linked to the yakuza (Japanese mafia). The social stigma of association between criminals and body art prevents those who wear them from going to certain fitness centers or baths.

The meaning of Japanese tattoos

It's impossible not to recognize a Japanese tattoo. His large, unique designs are the unmistakable signature of the Oriental model. The rich intricate details and texture of this type of tattoo cannot be accommodated in a small work of art. Full limbs or even the whole body is a suitable backdrop to host these masterpieces. Over the long years of existence, Japanese tattoos have retained their dignity, authenticity and original style, which aroused the enthusiasm of all tattoo lovers, even in the modern art world.

Rich, intriguing and powerful imagery characterizes traditional Japanese tattoo designs. Dragons from mysterious mythology, exotic animals such as snakes and tigers, koi and birds are common and extremely popular basic designs. Flowers that are drawn using a repetitive technique to make them intertwine are often cherry, lotus, or chrysanthemum flowers. Folklore and literature have their own entrances to Japanese body art and represent people such as Buddha, Suidoken characters (samurai, criminals, and geisha), Buddhist gods such as Fudo Mio-o and Kannon, and Shinto kami deities such as Tengu , bringing historical richness and peculiarity. meanings in design.

Types of Japanese tattoos

The theme of Japanese tattoos is as rich and varied as the ancient culture and traditions of the country. Funds are important and even important to the drawing and follow very strict investment rules. Wind, waves and clouds look like textiles in the background for a full and almost XNUMXD rendering. Putting a Buddha figure under your belt is disrespectful, so you must observe the correct position. Combined flowers and animals must follow a specific pattern. Countercurrent koi carps pair well with maples or chrysanthemums because in real life these plants are associated with falling.

1. Japanese-style dragons

Dragons were not only a source of curiosity and admiration in the East in the past, but they remain so to this day and have reached the images of the Western world. Hollywood films such as Game of Thrones have become worldwide hits, with dragon heroes stealing all shows and nearly outnumbering the actors in popularity. Dragons create the image of strength and ferocity that people strive for. These creatures have wings to fly and can breathe fire. In addition, dragons symbolize beneficial forces that are always ready to protect people. The popularity of dragons in Japanese mythology spread to the West and spread throughout the world.

2. Japanese style tgres

Tigers, lions, or lion dogs represent courage and protection. Lion dogs are very common creatures in China and Japan, and their statues are very common at the entrances to shrines. A person in such a design is ready to defend his dignity, property and rights. Many cultures believe that this animal holds back evil and protects people from evil spirits. The tiger tattoo itself is especially suitable for people who want to flaunt their strengths. A lone tiger can represent a struggle for a cause or different life battles on an individual basis.

3. Japanese-style snakes.

Snakes have long been associated with many negative things. Many stories portray her in a bad light, making her a negative symbol, despite the fact that the graphic representation of the snake has a strong visual impact, causing chills in anyone who dares to take a closer look. In real life, the snake has a medical significance, and in some cultures it is seen as a symbol of good luck and protection from failure. Snakes also represent wisdom and the ability to change for the better. Snakes regularly shed old skin to acquire new ones.

4. Phoenix in Japanese style.

Phoenixes, like dragons, are mythical creatures that give people an unprecedented fascination. Unlike the mighty dragon, the phoenix was originally an ordinary bird that ignites and revives from the ashes much more strongly. This type of dramatic climbing is very inspiring and motivating for people. A triumphant and proud person will be more than happy to wear a phoenix tattoo if it serves as a constant reminder of their ability to withstand adversity.

5. Japanese-style water and waves.

Water and waves are a familiar element for the Japanese, as their country is an island and people mainly depend on the gifts of water for their livelihood and food. Water is positive because it represents life, but waves are more negative because they are a sign of danger. Thus, the water and wave tattoo tends to symbolize life and death in most, if not all cultures. He portrays this unchanging truth: life changes like the waves of the sea, and this applies to everyone. Optimists, on the other hand, see this symbol as a reminder that in life we ​​need to remain calm in the face of danger and adversity.

6. Japanese-style koi fish.

Koi fish is one of the most popular Japanese tattoo icons, the main reason is that this fish is native to Japan. A characteristic feature of this carp is that it travels upstream of the Yellow River. In myths, it is said that any koi carp that can climb the Yellow River turns into a dragon. This is his reward for successfully completing the assignment. Mythology aside, the hardships faced by the kui fish serve as inspiration and lesson for people in extreme adversity. A person who has overcome a disease such as cancer deserves a tattoo with a koi fish.

7. Trees and flowers in the Japanese style.

Trees are a great way to represent strength and power combined with heart qualities. The design of the tree allows for flexible placement of objects on its intertwined branches. Colors and shapes leave plenty of room for design choices.

On the other hand, flowers represent the beliefs, aspirations and character of the owner. They usually reflect the bright, positive side of life. It would be inappropriate to use flowers to represent an aggressive character.

8. Skulls in Japanese style.

Skulls represent death and danger in many cultures, but in Japanese body art they symbolize an understanding of life and its cycle, or the concept of yin and yang. A skull tattoo will always remind the owner and the viewer of the value of life, the desire for a fulfilling life and acceptance of the inevitability of death. Skulls can also represent deceased loved ones.

Calculation of cost and standard prices

We can say that Japanese works are much more expressive than other tattoos. We may also think that the tattoo artists of this art form have perfected their talent and discipline with the artists in the field. The truth is that tattoo artists of this genre are also subject to the standard prices of this discipline - from 150 to 200 euros per hour of work, depending on the location, and a minimum of 50 euros for a small simple tattoo.

Perfect placement

The features and size of tattoos usually determine the placement of Japanese designs. People who cannot afford highly visible areas such as the back of the neck and forearms are a problem for tattoo artists. The larger and more complex design is reserved for the back and upper body.

Japanese tattoos are rich in items, the placement of which can be decided by adapting the desired items to the size of the corresponding body part.

Tips for getting ready for a tattoo session

Before heading to the tattoo studio, make sure you are in good health and don't even have a mild fever or cold. Eat well to prepare for your grueling tattooing session. Bring your favorite distractions to pass the time during your lengthy procedure. Books and gadgets (mp3, tablet) are ideal and adequate in size.

Maintenance tips

People are usually unaware of the damaging effects of the sun on their tattoos. Not only does this discolor the ink, but it can also irritate the skin. So protect your Japanese designs as much as possible from direct sunlight.

The best solution is to avoid it if possible and stay in the shadows; it is also helpful to wear protective clothing. The use of high-quality sunscreens with a high index when exposed to direct sunlight is not only beneficial for health, but also beneficial for tattoos. You will enjoy your magnificent body longer without touching up if you take good care of it.