Body art has been used by the Japanese people for centuries as it can be dated back to more than 5000BC and was first used by the Ainu people. Tattoo art was widely used during the Edo period and was especially popular among prostitutes, firemen and laborers. The realism of Japanese tattoo designs originates in traditional watercolor, landscape and detailed wood-cut art.
The exquisite rendition of culture and history through tattoo design is both intricate and detailed and for this reason may be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is called horimono which means "carving" or irezumi which means "insert ink". Body art was only accepted by the government in the middle of the twentieth 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.
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.
Kanji is very popular form of calligraphy which refers to characters that translate into various things such as love, life or the name of somebody such as "Joy". The Phoenix is a popular design of a bird that symbolizes justice and fidelity she represents the element of fire and female forces. Clouds, waves and water are often in the background.
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.
The exquisite rendition of culture and history through tattoo design is both intricate and detailed and for this reason may be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is called horimono which means "carving" or irezumi which means "insert ink". Body art was only accepted by the government in the middle of the twentieth 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.
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.
Kanji is very popular form of calligraphy which refers to characters that translate into various things such as love, life or the name of somebody such as "Joy". The Phoenix is a popular design of a bird that symbolizes justice and fidelity she represents the element of fire and female forces. Clouds, waves and water are often in the background.
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.
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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 released under a creative commons attribution license.
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