TATTOO MIXER » Japanese Tattoos

Japanese Tattoo

admin — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese Tattoo

This is a beautiful and well inked Japanese tattoo. But, it’s one that I’m afraid isn’t too unique. In Japanese tattoos you see Koi fish all the time. And that is what is depicted in this tattoo. Now, the Koi fish does have symbolic meaning, which is probably the reason the bearer of this Japanese tattoo decided to get it. It means overcoming adversity and rising up against your own personal challenges. That’s a nice meaning, but the bearer could have used many different design elements to show that very same meaning.

They could have used a phoenix for example. But, maybe I’m just being too knit picky for my own good. This Japanese tattoo does have a lot going for it. For one, the Koi fish is really much bigger then others that I have seen. And another thing is that the artist put a lot of details into the smaller elements. The scales, for instance. This Japanese tattoo does give the average ink seeker an idea of what can be done. If only the person would have added a dragon or cherry blossoms, then this design would have really popped. What do you think about the design?

Japanese Tattoo

admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

	Japanese Tattoo

This is a beautiful Japanese tattoo done in the Japanese tattoo tradition. It’s one of the most impressive dragon tattoo that I have ever seen. And I have been a fan of Japanese tattoos for a very long time. But, there is one thing that I learned about this design genre. And that’s the fact that you can’t really appreciate them until you know some of the history behind them. So, let’s take a trip back through time. Tattooing in Japan reached its peak in the eighteenth century during what is know as the Edo period. This was a time when the power and influence of the common people was starting to be on the upswing.

One way in which people chose to use their new-found wealth was to celebrate their art and culture with tattoos. The beauty of the images created was considered a reward for enduring what was, at the time, a long and painful process. Around 1870 the Japanese government outlawed tattoos in order to make a good impression on the Western world. As a result, Japanese tattoos went underground and became affiliated with the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia. Japanese tattoos weren’t legalized again until 1945 when Western influence infiltrated Japanese design. And since then Japanese tattoos have gone on to become the gold standard in the tattoo world.

Japanese Tattoos

admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

	Japanese Tattoos

If you’re a lover of Japanese tattoos then you are in great company. Millions of people worldwide have embraced this ancient art form and made it their own, including many Hollywood celebrities and musicians. And why not? No other style mixes symbolism, ancient tradition and beauty better then Japanese tattoos. Whether it’s depictions of beautiful and elegant cherry blossoms, proud Koi or fierce dragons there is something here for everyone. In Japan, tattooing is not only a beautiful art form as in the West but it is also a discipline.

The tattooist in Japan was considered a highly skilled craftsman and underwent a rigorous apprenticeship, living with the master for five years. He was called horimono to distinguish him from the carvers of woodblocks, who were called hori, which means ‘to carve, scrape or inscribe’. A Japanese tattoo artist may spend his entire life dedicated to his craft before he gains the recognition of his peers. So, to the artist it’s not only an occupation but a lifestyle that encompasses all areas of his existence. The next time you consider getting inked take a look at this traditional style. It’s an art form that is unequaled by any other.

Japanese Tattoos

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Japanese Tattoos

The tattoo pictured is a perfect example of a traditional Japanese tattoo. Tattoo design in Japan was greatly influenced by the woodblock prints called Ukiyoe that was found in novels and colorful advertisements for plays, particularly during the late18th and into the early19th century. The literary heroes depicted in the woodblock designs were often shown with extensive and elaborate tattoos. The first evidence of Japanese tattoo design can be seen on 5000-year-old figurines recovered from tombs. They displayed etched and painted faces, mostly simple marks and lines, believed to indicate social rank and protection from evil spirits.

In the 3rd century AD, Chinese historical texts speak of Japanese men and boys decorating their faces and bodies with tattoos. The Koi, or Japanese carp depicted in the picture symbolizes courage, achievement, and overcoming life’s obstacles. They are a fixture of Japanese tattooing and play important roles in both Chinese and Japanese myths, legends, fables and stories. In many of those stories, Koi are transformed through their efforts and perseverance, able to climb waterfalls or become dragons. The Koi as a symbol represents perseverance in the face of adversity and strength of character or purpose. The Carp in Japanese tattoos can also represents wisdom, knowledge, longevity, and loyalty.