Art Of Japanese Tattoo Designs

Japanese tattoo designs have been used for many years in Japan and where first made use of by people known as the Ainu who lived somewhere around 5000BC. The art of tattooing was especially well-liked in the Edo period when firemen, prostitutes and laborers used them. The designs of the Japanese came from old wood-cuts and landscape and watercolor 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 use brightly coloured designs of images which reflect Japanese culture and belief. The symbols include certain animals for example the koi or carp who represent perseverance, ancient drawings of dragons, symbolic flowers and demons. The tattoos are normally large and clear with intense colour and are mainly used on the arm, shoulder or back where the tattoo may be hidden by clothing and is normally not visible.

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 various dragon designs to choose from representing the element wood and male influences, these are categorized as west and Asian dragon drawings as western culture has influenced designs over time and westerners enjoy the visualization of samurai’s or warriors and exotic Asian history and legends.

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 culture is rich in respect for life and nature which is also seen in their tattooing. Japan hold frequent events and expo’s in honour of tattoo art to enable the public to use and enjoy Japanese heritage that is filled with rich fantasy in symbolism.

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.