Japanese tattoos are called irezumi. This is an all-encompassing term for all tattoo and body modification methods but is used in the Western sense of being the traditional art of Japan. In this art form, the main attraction is the dragon tattoo. Japanese dragons are one of the most common motifs due to its intricacy and extremely psychedelic appeal.
A Brief History
There are actually multiple variations to the dragon in Japan: the indigenous Tatsu and the foreign varieties. The tatsu are actually more animistic than physical, being manifestations of what a river or a body of water is and the spirits that live in them. The most famous, however, is the personification of lightning, Orochi. He is an eight headed and eight tailed dragon who was killed to gain the most important element of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Kusanagi.
The ryu is the most popular one, since the tatsu do not really have physical form. It is akin to the Chinese dragon, only with three fingers instead of five. This is actually a source of friendly rivalry between Asian countries, with the number of toes determining the nationality of the dragon. The naga is the serpent dragon of Indian folklore, as adapted in Japan and the doragon is the Western civilization's conception of a dragon (that is, with wings).
Depicting the Forces of Nature
Japanese dragons are differentiated by the fact that they symbolize the subtlety and flow of water instead of fire. This is the main difference between them and the other Asian dragons. This is evident in their intricate scales, and the colors of black, blue and white, all related to water. In fact, they believe that all the sea is ruled by four dragons, which reside in the four cardinal directions.
Dragons also symbolize power and majesty. Being one of the four celestial gods, as the seiryu, the dragon is worshipped, revered and feared. This is due to it being calm and placid at first, but when provoked, becomes a deadly catastrophe for anyone who dares. They are also symbols of courage and of fertility. Dragons are also seen as a farmer's best friend.
The Future
Japanese tattoos done the traditional way are called irezumi. This involves the use of bamboo flints to pierce the skin and apply the color. While the results are astounding and excellent, this takes a long time to complete, sometimes years for a small area. Thus, most have already adapted the Western practice of using machines. However, the designs are still completely Japan in flavor and motif.
A Brief History
There are actually multiple variations to the dragon in Japan: the indigenous Tatsu and the foreign varieties. The tatsu are actually more animistic than physical, being manifestations of what a river or a body of water is and the spirits that live in them. The most famous, however, is the personification of lightning, Orochi. He is an eight headed and eight tailed dragon who was killed to gain the most important element of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Kusanagi.
The ryu is the most popular one, since the tatsu do not really have physical form. It is akin to the Chinese dragon, only with three fingers instead of five. This is actually a source of friendly rivalry between Asian countries, with the number of toes determining the nationality of the dragon. The naga is the serpent dragon of Indian folklore, as adapted in Japan and the doragon is the Western civilization's conception of a dragon (that is, with wings).
Depicting the Forces of Nature
Japanese dragons are differentiated by the fact that they symbolize the subtlety and flow of water instead of fire. This is the main difference between them and the other Asian dragons. This is evident in their intricate scales, and the colors of black, blue and white, all related to water. In fact, they believe that all the sea is ruled by four dragons, which reside in the four cardinal directions.
Dragons also symbolize power and majesty. Being one of the four celestial gods, as the seiryu, the dragon is worshipped, revered and feared. This is due to it being calm and placid at first, but when provoked, becomes a deadly catastrophe for anyone who dares. They are also symbols of courage and of fertility. Dragons are also seen as a farmer's best friend.
The Future
Japanese tattoos done the traditional way are called irezumi. This involves the use of bamboo flints to pierce the skin and apply the color. While the results are astounding and excellent, this takes a long time to complete, sometimes years for a small area. Thus, most have already adapted the Western practice of using machines. However, the designs are still completely Japan in flavor and motif.
About the Author:
Learn all there is to know about Japanese tattoos specifically the Japanese Dragon Motif in our overview of the best Japanese tattoo designs. Free reprint available from: Japanese Tattoos: The Japanese Dragon Motif.
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