Archive for 'Japanese Tattoos'
Japanese Tattoo Designs
March 2, 2010 by , under Japanese Tattoos.
Japanese tattoo designs are highly favored by a lot of tat enthusiasts with their rich historical origins and visually appealing imagery that have deep symbolical representations. Their beginnings can be traced back as far as 297 AD when the compilation of the dynamic history of Chinese was being done. Early records of Japanese tattooing revealed in the text that the men decorate their bodies and faces with designs.
Generally characterized by a bright and vast array of colors combined with bold and striking lines, they are artistically portrayed in an intricate and detailed display of artworks. This is why, they are commonly seen tattooed on huge areas of the body such as back, arm, chest, leg and rib cage which are all large enough to accommodate interesting display of Japanese tattoo symbols.
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The beauty of Japanese tattoo designs are indeed very much celebrated and enjoyed in the Western world. That is why, it is odd enough to know that in Japan, there are still establishments and businesses such as gyms, fitness centers, public baths and even amusement parks that ban people with exposed tattoos. This perhaps can be traced back during the early days in Japan when tattoos were highly associated with the yakuza or the Japanese mafia. During the 17th century, tattoos were used to mark the outcasts and criminals of the society; instead of death penalty, they were sentenced to be “tattooed” as a form of punishment. During the 18th century, the yakuza adopted tattoo as a symbol of loyalty to their group and as a proof of courage because it was painful. Tattoos have been identified with them since.
During the 19th century, when the emperor took over, tattoo became a taboo in Japan in their attempt to impress the Westerners. Apparently, they think that permanent body decorations and modifications would seem barbaric and ridiculous to the Western people. Ironically, the Japanese tattoo masters were allowed to perform tattooing only to the foreigners. Their body artworks with their great techniques and impressive themes became very famous. They attracted foreign sailors and high profile clients from other countries such as dukes, czars, and dignitaries. During that time, tattooing the Japanese became an underground practice because it is considered illegal. The best ukiyoe artists did traditional Japanese tattoo designs representing legendary heroes and religious motifs blended with certain symbolic animals and beautiful flowers that are set off against a background of waves, clouds and lightning bolts.
We can only thank Japan’s rich historical culture for providing the tattoo world with amazing symbols and themes for body art. The most popular ones that they have contributed are cherry blossoms, koi fish, kanji lettering, sakura, geisha, dragon and samurai. Sleeve tattoos with Japanese tattoos designs became a trend and cherry blossoms are one of the top flavor favorites among women. Koi fish is a symbol for those struggling in life or undergoing some hardships while the dragon is a representation of strength and good luck. Each of these symbols are classic and quintessential as Japanese tattoo designs and their symbols and meanings will always have an impact for those patronizing them.
