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 magical translation of history and culture into tattoo art is both detailed and intricate and can therefore be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is known as horimono (meaning "carving") or irezumi (meaning "insert ink") which was only accepted 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 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 popular form of calligraphy is known as Kanji which are characters that translate into things like love, life or even the name of a person, for example "Joy". The Phoenix is a bird which symbolizes fidelity and justice as she represents the fire element and female powers. Backgrounds are often painted to depict water, waves and clouds.
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.
The magical translation of history and culture into tattoo art is both detailed and intricate and can therefore be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is known as horimono (meaning "carving") or irezumi (meaning "insert ink") which was only accepted 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 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 popular form of calligraphy is known as Kanji which are characters that translate into things like love, life or even the name of a person, for example "Joy". The Phoenix is a bird which symbolizes fidelity and justice as she represents the fire element and female powers. Backgrounds are often painted to depict water, waves and clouds.
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.
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