Japanese tattoos amaze and fascinate with their deep meaning, colors and volumes. In the article, we will tell you the features of such wearable paintings, express our point of view regarding which tattoos are more suitable for girls and men. You can admire and select original images by looking through our gallery of photos and sketches.
People feel completely different, ”says the master. “There are those who cannot stay with pain, and what he considers sharp, sober to each other.” His motives are traditional: dragons and demons, samurai and geisha, headless heads and corpses. Not every taste, but very Japanese. The Kabuki Peasant Theater and color woodcuts flourished - a sharp, popular art in the bloodthirsty era. There are more and more people who wear a tattoo, but at the same time discrimination is increasing, and on the other hand, it is art, on the other hand, it is a symbol of resistance to the ruling class. I always have something to wear, but it also gives me a feeling that you are something special.
How did the style originate?
It's believed that japanese tattoos descended from Polynesian drawings. The Ainu, the indigenous people of the Japanese islands, who lived next door to the people of the rising sun, “brought” them. Initially, body paintings were performed, but after the influence of Chinese culture, the contours of animals and fish gradually emerged. According to other sources, Japanese paintings came from China. The Japanese adopted Buddhism and painted prayer texts, images of Buddha and various guardian gods on their bodies.
The teacher also considers this to be typical Japanese: covering beauty is part of the culture. Valuable items are not shown, but hidden. Until five years ago, he engraved motifs by hand, with 45 needles and in all colors. At that time he was faster than now when he works with a machine in which seven needles fall under the skin from 0, 1 to 0, 5 millimeters. But he can do just as well with a pencil or brush.
In fact, everything is the same, he says. And he runs the only tattoo museum in Japan. Animal teeth, wild boar bristles and natural colors that are still processed in traditional societies of Africa and the South Seas, colorful human skulls, tattooed barbie dolls and a masked master craftsman portrait showing him as a full body tattoo. For many, the Japanese style may seem attractive for purely aesthetic reasons, but the history and meaning of the Japanese tattoo is one of the most fascinating aspects of the development of this art over decades and centuries, its complexity.
Japanese tattoos changed in meaning and plot, because in every era the new ruler dictated his conditions. Selecting a body image in japanese style, it is better to consider that in the future its value may change.
Stages of development of Japanese tattoos
- Ainu they applied special talismans to the body to protect themselves from the attack of a fierce beast on the hunt.
- Kofun period (III century). Tattoos were applied to the face and body to emphasize their noble origin. In the process of archaeological excavations, the heads of statuettes (chaniva) were found with the remains of dyes on the forehead and cheeks.
- Early medieval period (VI century). The inhabitants of Japan were divided into estates. With the help of tattoos they “marked” people who violated the law, as well as representatives of various professions. Butchers were pierced with a line or a cross on the forearm, and the hieroglyph “dog” on the forehead. In order to somehow arrange their lives, the criminals drew up various elements to the stigma. Perhaps then the style of Japanese tattoo - irenzumi was born. Most people think that today it’s better not to put the ring tattoo on your wrists, because their number tells you how many crimes the owner committed.
- The appearance of samurai - warriors from various aristocratic classes who served the feudal lord (from the 7th century). They stuffed protective characters and various paintings to show your courage and determination in battle. considered the most expensive and time-consuming picture. It is characterized by a diverse range of colors and numerous elements, each has its own meaning and purpose. In general, it denotes strength of mind and unbending will.
- Heian's calm period (794 year). Tattoos have acquired a completely different direction - they have become a symbol of love and devotion, while at the same time, worn paintings acquired a religious character. On the bodies of the Japanese there were signs of light feelings, Buddha and the goddess of mercy Canon. Perhaps, during this period, a romantic style of Japanese tattoo appeared - a gaman. With his help, they demonstrated high human qualities, courage and determination. Later, the girls began to apply drawings.
- Age of Edo(1603 year). Dictators came to power, established rules of conduct based on the estate. Tattoos were banned, but in order to protest, the Japanese began to fill body paintings exclusively along the contours of clothing. From the chest to the abdomen, a strip of the body remained so that the robe could be easily opened without showing a tattoo. It was forbidden to bare the torso, so firefighters also began to paint their bodies, because it was dangerous to put out a fire in simple clothes.
Rescuers depicted protective signs and symbols of the patrons of water elements. They were supported by fishermen and traders, drawing on the body of marine inhabitants.
Since the second half of the last century, the Japanese style of tattooing has had a strong influence on the Tathauk culture, so Japanese-style tattooing is also very popular in Western cultures. The earliest signs of the possible appearance of tattoo tattoos in Japan can be traced back to about a thousand years, the period of the so-called Jomon period. Clay pancakes were discovered, the bodies of which, and above all their faces, had decorative lines and various patterns.
From the next era, the Yaoi period, there was first-hand evidence. At that time, in China, a tattoo was considered a custom of barbarian peoples, in addition to its function of unleashing criminals. Thus, the Japanese were described in the Chinese Chronicles of the Three Realms, devalued as oriental tattooed barbarians. Japanese tattoos had a very complex function. For example, the size and location of tattoos can provide information about the social status of the owner. In addition, tattoos had both decorative and spiritual significance.
Maybe japanese tattoo reborn with the help of geishas, since girls had a rather high status in society. They applied patterns imitating a festive kimono to the body. Perhaps during this period another type of Japanese tattoo for girls appeared - kakushi-boro (invisible pattern). An invisible underbody picture is a “decorative” cut; rice powder is rubbed into it. When the wounds heal, tattoos are almost invisible, but only to the capillaries will the blood flow (after a hot bath, alcohol or intimacy), the pattern becomes distinct.
There were some characters taken from mythology, such as dragons or demons, often from legends, and tell the whole story. Tattoo was used for branding and punishing criminals. This form, taken from the Chinese Han Dynasty, is already used in the case of minor offenses, such as the wrong choice of words. Symbols consisted primarily of thin edges of strokes or symbols on the forehead. Those who were described as criminals could no longer integrate into society, which, in turn, led to the formation of a separate layer: the so-called Yakuza, which describes itself as a worthless society.
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Japanese paintings - the desire to express themselves, to show their power, strength and courage. What is the difference between Japanese-style tattoos and other designs?
- Symbolism. Each element has a deep meaning. Its meaning depends on the location and additional elements, so each image is carefully thought out by the master.
- Large sizes of paintings. The master stuffs them in several stages, which can stretch for several years.
- Visible parts of the body are not covered: hands, feet, strip for “open coat”, neck.
- The brightness and colorfulness of the color scheme, the game in contrast.
- Asymmetry of drawings. The meaning of the Japanese tattoo depends on the location on the body.
- Neck. The holder is a bearer of secrets or demonstrates his special qualities inherent only to him.
- Arm. The owner knows what he wants from himself and others, he is decisive, with a strong character and spirit.
- Tattoo on the chest - a challenge to others.
- The pattern on the back is internal protection and dominance. The owner seeks to show their capabilities and potential.
- The image on the leg - movement and the desire to achieve goals, is sometimes interpreted as a search for support.
- The forearm is chosen by courageous and strong men.
More about symbolism
According to legend, Emperor Jimmu conquered Queen Senoyatatar with his underwear drawings and pricked the name of his beloved, adding the character “life”. After many couples began to follow his example, to perpetuate their feelings, to prove devotion and love until the end of life. It is necessary to carefully put the signs, because individually they have one symbol, and in the sentence - completely different.
Due to its association with Yakuza, today's “Japanese Mafia,” tattoos are, until today, a negative konosation in Japan. Because of social degradation as a carrier of a criminal offense, someone tried to cover them with fire hubs and cuts. A much more effective and less painful alternative was to cover such tattoos with decorative tattoos. With the growing popularity of Ganuven, prostitutes and many other decorative tattoos, not wanting to hide a criminal offense, can provoke or intimidate.
Of particular importance are Yakuza or Irenzumi tattoos. They are mainly painted with red and black pigments. The plot is dominated by religious motifs, gambling, everyday situations and figures in motion. It is believed that it was the Yakuza criminal clan that introduced huge Japanese tattoos for men into fashion. They denote power and courage. These are snakes wriggling in zigzags and realistic fish scales.
For centuries, prayer tattoo formations or mattresses have been used with a limited edition. But the tattoo at that time was not recognized as a separate form of art. The decisive factor for this development, however incredible it was, was the only novel. The novel has about 108 wicked. Walking around this area, they fought for justice, cost them what they wanted.
Since corruption in Japan was very relevant at that time, readers loved heroes and their courageous deeds. Thus, Ukiye artists, such as the katasushika Hokusai and Ando Horshige, illustrated the main characters of the book, all tattooed on the body. The suicide stamps caused a huge trend, and more and more residents of the city tattooed around their bodies, like their idols.
In girls and men, a Japanese dragon tattoo is often found, which means strength, loyalty, nobility. For firefighters, the fairy-tale character became a defender against fire, for emperors it was a symbol of power. Often stuffed in a Western style: without shading, the contours are filled with a uniform color and without transitions. The dragon is often depicted with the body of a snake, horns or ears of a bull, then its symbolism becomes wider. If a monster wraps its arms around it and looks forward with red eyes, a tattoo means power and strength, in the clouds - determination for freedom.
It was a breakthrough by Iresumi, traditional Japanese tattoos that cover the whole body with different motifs. Since the lumberjacks themselves were the first Tatuk artists, the same tools were used for the tattoo as for the woodcut, that is, chisels and chisels. Since the tattoo was very laborious and, as you might imagine, very painful.
The world of Japanese symbolism is so complex and diverse, therefore, it is recommended that you only use the appropriate characteristics, concepts or legends associated with the motive. This is the only way to find a motive that fits both aesthetically and intellectually.
Popular, it is performed in orange and red colors, mainly along with the waves. It is distinguished by decorativeness and dynamism, means courage, composure before an inevitable fate. Businessmen, travelers and athletes fill this picture in a golden hue for a sign of good luck, financial well-being.
Of particular importance is the picture of the red-skinned child Kintoro. It symbolizes courage and strength, and with a blue belt - thinking. He is often portrayed naked and fighting carp.
A jump through the gate in the yellow river turns koi into dragons. Kois also stands for prosperity and happiness, and therefore they are chosen by many carriers who face high health risks as happy delights. Koi also symbolizes erotic charisma due to its impressive variety of colors. Due to its positive qualities, the dragon is one of the most popular Japanese tattoo motifs. Unlike Western culture, a dragon in Asia is not fire and destruction, but water, forest, a sense of well-being and courageous strength.
Floral motifs - another feature japanese tattoosrovokov. Men use them as an additional element in their body composition. Often there is a peony with a lion - a balance of power and beauty. Samurai applied sakura branches with chrysanthemum to their bodies to show the enemy fearlessness and a willingness to die in battle. For girls, cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty and fleetingness, in some cases a sign of sadness. Beautiful ladies stuff the tiger (perseverance and power), the phoenix bird (rebirth and triumph), the dragon with the body of a snake, carp Koi. The girls are relevant. According to legend, one monarch rejected a Japanese woman, but the beauty decided to take revenge and turned into a demon. Such a mask indicates the insidiousness of an offended woman.
Legends even say that dragon images are protected from natural disasters and fires due to these characteristics. Because of hostility and antagonism between the phoenix and the dragon, they are often represented in motifs. The phoenix comes from Chinese mitology and, according to legend, is a descendant of the dragon. It represents the inner strength of a woman and the element of fire. As in many other cultures, the phoenix also stands in Japanese culture for triumph and rebirth, as the bird exposes fire to resurrect itself from its own ashes.
Since cherry trees only bloom for a short time in spring, they represent a short duration of beauty and remind us of all that is transient. And also we humans are. Look at human mortality. Cherry blossoms also symbolize the life of a samurai, since the time of his death is unknown and can happen at any time. A bloody leaf from a flower symbolizes the early death of a samurai.
Girls often choose the image of demons, monsters and werewolves of small sizes to fit on the shoulder blade, forearm and thigh. Such pictures protect from evil and deceit, symbolize faith in the spiritual world and act as a punishment for injustice.
Men put on a demon mask. They are with weapons similar to a metal spear with spikes. It denotes strength and vitality. Often there are images of warriors, landscapes, the rising sun, battles of samurai with demons, mythical creatures.
As the lotus blooms, this is the embodiment of the idea that beauty can also be rooted in the dark. Faith, spiritual awakening, purity and peace of souls are further values \u200b\u200bof the Lotus that make it very significant in Buddhist symbolism.
At first, the Japanese had only very vague ideas about affairs, as they were rarely hit. That is why there were strange illustrations of tigers. Although for centuries the Japanese have also improved the appearance of the tiger with the expansion of their knowledge, the tiger in the traditional Japanese tats is still presented in this strange wrong form. The tiger symbolizes, on the one hand, courage and protection from bad luck, disease and demons. On the other hand, it also symbolizes the dark unknown side of the soul, which has muffled features such as savagery, jealousy and cruelty.
Japanese tattoos, despite the plot, are always aesthetic and attractive.
Photo of japanese tattoos
Japanese masks
A dog-shaped lion with pointed ears means protection, strength and courage. Because snakes are covered in skin, they are often associated with regeneration, healing, rituals, and remedies. In addition, the sheath represents divinity and femininity. Protection from catastrophes, diseases and poor choices, as well as a clean mind are additional meanings of the snake in Japanese tattoos.
Perfection, happiness, tranquility and longevity, a symbol of the imperial house. Balance, immortal love and new beginnings. This is real secret advice. The secret advice in Berlin: tattoo artist Wendy Fam finds freedom, and the painting does not offer a tattoo.
Sleeves
The wolf was incorrectly disconnected at the lantern parade. Humanized animals or spirits that can change their form have a long tradition in Japan. The mind seems very dissatisfied with tofu cubes. 
However, the beginning was not easy: "The gray winter weather, the language barrier, everything is a little upset," Wendy recalls. But then the first summer came, and it became fun.
Many artists from all over the world are a real inspiration: illustrators, musicians, artists, photographers - we all work across borders and open completely new doors for us. Wendy is not installed in Japanese, there is a scene with a bacchane from a naked muse and a pan with a saucepan. If you have a desire, one draws a statue of Daruma; if it is fulfilled, another.
The inhabitants of the Japanese islands were no different from other peoples. Therefore, the art of tattooing has also been popular here since ancient times. Japanese tattoos conveyed not only the spiritual principles of a person, especially his temper, but also provided information about his social status and position in society.
Japanese tattooed back
Although Wendy Fam specializes in designs introduced in Japan, Wendy Fam gives them their ironic, slightly eerie spin from a Western perspective. They are currently smaller, manageable tattoos on which they work: from one to two sessions that can be realized for their mainly international clients during a visit to Berlin. Wendy does not see this as a problem, but rather frees up his artistic development.
In the early years - in some kind of arrogance of youth - she had already decided out of conventions and a sense of responsibility. Too much, as she soon realized. Colleagues began to criticize their tattoos and themselves; the process from which she learned a lot is especially more modest. Today, in addition to an active presence in virtual social networks, she mainly communicates with those who visit Uncle Allan; a very elite circle, from which most of their clients also recruit themselves. Something else, Wendy said: Berlin is an endless cornucopia of inspiration; but a difficult market for tattoo artists, with hundreds of colleagues providing high quality work.
The history of the development of Japanese tattoos
It should be noted that despite the prohibitions of the government to apply drawings to the body, the art of Japanese tattoos originated among the lower social categories of society. It is a well-known fact that carriers of palanquins hid their naked body from looks with tattoos with images of representatives of fauna and flora, as well as the appearance of beautiful maidens.
It is interesting!
Irezumi (from Japanese) - an injection of mascara. A special type of tattoos that were popular among courtesans and their admirers. A vivid example was the moles applied in the thumb area, which when touching the palms seemed to disappear from the eyes of others.
Japanese style dragon head
Initially, tattoos were applied as punishment to representatives of the underworld. To mask the stigma of the prisoner, people made tattoos large-scale and bright.
In the future, body art became the hallmark of firefighters. Later tattoos appeared on the bodies of artists, traders and other representatives of Japanese society.
Why was it forbidden to apply tattoos? The answer is one. Japanese authorities tried to avoid the confusion of estates and classes of the population. In Japan, this division was clear and unchanged. But the more and more severe the prohibitions, the more the art of tattoo spread.
In this regard, tattoos began to be applied to those parts of the body that were maximally hidden from the outside world, for example, legs, chest, arms.
The fashion for body drawings received a new impetus when power was concentrated in the bourgeoisie. The next wave came after the end of hostilities. The only problem for the development of the tattoo industry was the loss by masters of ancient secrets and technologies for applying underwear.
Japanese Style Chrysanthemum Sleeve Tattoo
Application Technique
Important!
The price of Japanese tattoo designs is quite high. This is determined by the factor that the tattoo is large-scale and requires more than one day of work. As paints, masters prepare mixtures of herbal dyes and dyes.
It is interesting!
To apply the tattoo, the master uses needles collected in a bundle of 2-10 pieces. Thus, image brightness and saturation of the image are achieved.
Koi Carp on the Leg - Japanese Tattoo
The main distinguishing features of Japanese tattoos
The basic rule of the Japanese tattoo is the asymmetry of the elements of the composition of the body pattern. The contour of the picture is performed by smooth and finest lines. Particular attention should be paid to color scheme and the use of color saturation. The edge of an element is always performed in brighter tones than the central part.
One of the innovations in the Japanese tattoo was moving drawings. Such patterns are applied to the muscles, providing for the movement of the human body. Thus, the masters manage to convey the image in motion, for example, a samurai in a battle with the enemy.
The gloomy head of a Japanese dragon in black
Japanese tattoo style
Considering the features of the technique of applying a body pattern, it should be noted that the Japanese tattoo, the photo of which is always mesmerizing, has a huge scale and rich compositions. Often in the composition of such a picture there are several fragments, symbols. The scale and cohesion of the picture is achieved by filling in empty areas with various ornaments.
Koi carp in gold
The meaning of tattoos
Japanese tattoos, the meaning of which has a deep philosophical meaning, have always fascinated bright colors, amazing animals, mysterious inscriptions.
- Flowers
Peony - a symbol of wealth, money
Sakura (flowers) - transience of life, humility. Sakura is only two days old.
Chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity. The flower is resistant to cold and blooms for a long period in the fall.
Japanese maple is very popular
- Animals
The most common in the category of Japanese tattoos dragons, tigers and carps.
Carp is a symbol of endurance, stamina and courage.
Dragons are symbols of good luck and fortune. The Dragon also acts as a symbol of the element Water, which is especially important for residents. Water is the main condition for growing rice.
