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.
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 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.
Japanese tattoo designs show the love and respect for life and nature that is inherent in Japanese culture. Japan frequently have events and expo's specifically aimed at presenting the art of tattooing to the public who are then able to enjoy and utilize the designs which are filled with rich fantasy.
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 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.
Japanese tattoo designs show the love and respect for life and nature that is inherent in Japanese culture. Japan frequently have events and expo's specifically aimed at presenting the art of tattooing to the public who are then able to enjoy and utilize the designs which are filled with rich fantasy.
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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.. This article, The Art Of Japanese Tattoo Designs is available for free reprint.
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