The Japanese dragon has always been a mysterious symbol. It’s sinuous flow and various forms have helped it to become one of the most recognizable designs in Japanese tattoos. You could also be able to utilize the power of the ryu in your own creations to symbolize something very important or mystical.
A Brief History
There are actually multiple variations to the dragon in Japan: the indigenous Tatsu and the foreign varieties. The tatsu are actually more animistic than physical, being manifestations of what a river or a body of water is and the spirits that live in them. The most famous, however, is the personification of lightning, Orochi. He is an eight headed and eight tailed dragon who was killed to gain the most important element of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Kusanagi.
The ryu is the most familiar one. It is akin to the Chinese dragon, only differing in the fact that the feet of the dragon only have three fingers as opposed to five. This is due to the fact that the dragon’s feet tells of it’s nationality. According to Japan’s tradition, Japan, where dragons originated, makes 3 fingers, Korea makes 4 fingers and China makes 5 fingers. When you go further the dragons get too many fingers to survive. The Chinese believe in the reverse, stating that they lose fingers until they have no more. The doragon, on the other hand, is the Western incarnation.
A Deep Symbolism
Japan’s dragons symbolize water. This is the main peculiarity between them and the other Asian dragons. Thus, all dragon depictions are fluid and sinuous. Even the scales lend credence to this effect. They are also commonly colored in gold, white or blue, emphasizing the maritime heritage. This is particularly emphasized by the fact that the Japanese believe that the sea is ruled by four dragons, one in each cardinal direction, causing the winds and currents of the sea.
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Therefore, these dragons still symbolize power. Water is most fitting, since it is calm and subtle and life giving, but also very threatening, deadly and merciless when in anger. The dragons are also symbols of courage but the most unlikely symbolism is one related to agriculture and fertility. This may be because these fields are so intertwined with water that they are already considered aspects of it.
The Future
Japanese tattoos are now similar in practice with Western ones. Japan’s tattoo artists have also learned to adapt to the situation, using machines as a supplement to or replacing the old methods. Still, the art of Irezumi is still alive, albeit in the underground, due to its association with crime.
Learn all there is to know about Japanese tattoos specifically the Japanese Dragon Motif in our overview of the best Japanese Tattoo Designs
