The Japanese are not new to the art of tattooing as it has been practiced for centuries initially by the Ainu people and can be dated back to over 5000BC. Body art was especially popular during the Edo period of Japanese history at which time body art was used by the prostitutes, firemen and laborers. Japanese Tattoo Designs get there authenticity from ancient wood-cut art and the beautiful watercolor and landscape art.
The exquisite rendition of culture and history through tattoo design is both intricate and detailed and for this reason may be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is called horimono which means “carving” or irezumi which means “insert ink”. Body art was only accepted by the government in the middle of the twentieth 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.
In old times one of the methods to punish criminals was to tattoo them so that they would be branded and shamed, this was called bokukei or bokkei and came to and end in 1870 by the Japanese Emperor’s new Meiji government. Japanese mafia or yakuza used tattoo’s as well and these factors have left a bad connotation for most Japanese people today. Among the youth the designs are considered fashionable.
There are different dragon sketches to pick from which represent the wood element and male forces, these are listed as west and Asian dragons as the western culture has had an influence on designs. Westerners like the idea of samurai’s or warriors and enjoy the exotic Asian culture and history.
A very popular form of calligraphy is known as Kanji which are characters that translate into different things like love, life or the name of a person such as “Joy”. The picture that symbolizes justice and fidelity is that of the Phoenix, she also represents the fire element and female influences. Water, waves and clouds are often used in the backgrounds.
The designs reflect the love and respect for nature and life that is rich in Japanese culture. Tattoo events and expo’s are frequently held in Japan today so the public is able to enjoy and use the exotic Japanese tattoo designs which are full of richness and fantasy.
Want to find out more about Japanese Tattoos, then visit Johnny Tran’s site on how to choose the best Japanese Tattoos for your needs.
