Japanese tattoo designs have been used for many years in Japan and where first made use of by people known as the Ainu who lived somewhere around 5000BC. The art of tattooing was especially well-liked in the Edo period when firemen, prostitutes and laborers used them. The designs of the Japanese came from old wood-cuts and landscape and watercolor art.
This amazing version of Japanese history and culture in tattoo's is detailed and precise and can be pricey. The word horimono (meaning "carving") refers to traditional tattoo design, it can also be referred to as irezumi (meaning "insert ink") and was only legalized by government in the mid 20th century.
Artists make use of dazzling colourful illustrations which include cultural and historical images such as animals including the koi or carp (both fish symbolic of perseverance), flowers, legendary symbols of demons and dragons. Large, bold and colourful drawings are mainly put on the back, shoulder or arm of a person as these places may be covered under clothing and not cause a problem in social situations such as work.
The practice of marking criminals with tattoos as punishment was called bokukei or bokkei this practice was stopped in 1870 by the new Meiji government of the Japanese Emperor and has left a negative connotation for most Japanese people as it can also be related to the Japanese mafia otherwise known as Yakuza. Today Japanese tattoos are considered to be fashionable.
There are a number of dragon designs to choose from which symbolize the wood element and male forces, they are listed as Asian and west dragon tattoos as the western culture has had and influence on designs over the years and the westerners also like the idea of samurai's or warriors and the stories of Asian history and culture.
A popular form of calligraphy is known as Kanji which are characters that translate into things like love, life or even the name of a person, for example "Joy". The Phoenix is a bird which symbolizes fidelity and justice as she represents the fire element and female powers. Backgrounds are often painted to depict water, waves and clouds.
Japanese culture is rich in respect for life and nature which is also seen in their tattooing. Japan hold frequent events and expo's in honour of tattoo art to enable the public to use and enjoy Japanese heritage that is filled with rich fantasy in symbolism.
This amazing version of Japanese history and culture in tattoo's is detailed and precise and can be pricey. The word horimono (meaning "carving") refers to traditional tattoo design, it can also be referred to as irezumi (meaning "insert ink") and was only legalized by government in the mid 20th century.
Artists make use of dazzling colourful illustrations which include cultural and historical images such as animals including the koi or carp (both fish symbolic of perseverance), flowers, legendary symbols of demons and dragons. Large, bold and colourful drawings are mainly put on the back, shoulder or arm of a person as these places may be covered under clothing and not cause a problem in social situations such as work.
The practice of marking criminals with tattoos as punishment was called bokukei or bokkei this practice was stopped in 1870 by the new Meiji government of the Japanese Emperor and has left a negative connotation for most Japanese people as it can also be related to the Japanese mafia otherwise known as Yakuza. Today Japanese tattoos are considered to be fashionable.
There are a number of dragon designs to choose from which symbolize the wood element and male forces, they are listed as Asian and west dragon tattoos as the western culture has had and influence on designs over the years and the westerners also like the idea of samurai's or warriors and the stories of Asian history and culture.
A popular form of calligraphy is known as Kanji which are characters that translate into things like love, life or even the name of a person, for example "Joy". The Phoenix is a bird which symbolizes fidelity and justice as she represents the fire element and female powers. Backgrounds are often painted to depict water, waves and clouds.
Japanese culture is rich in respect for life and nature which is also seen in their tattooing. Japan hold frequent events and expo's in honour of tattoo art to enable the public to use and enjoy Japanese heritage that is filled with rich fantasy in symbolism.
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Learn more about Japanese Tattoos. Stop by Johnny Tran's site where you can find out all about Japanese Tattoo Designs and what it can do for you.
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