Tag: Japan

Paul here. This is a guest article by my friend tattoo expert Cindy Mitchell:

One of the most common types of Japanese tattoos are Koi fish tattoos. Koi fish are highly prized in Japan and are breed to be a vibrant beautiful fish that their owner can be proud of. So these tattoos are a beauty and are colourful. Koi fish are a bright bold colored carp. Koi tattoos are bright and bold and are done in the same style characteristic of other Japanese tattoos. They are often an addition to the Lotus Flower tattoo, another fond Japanese tattoos.

You are thinking of getting yourself a Koi fish tattoo? Do you know the traditional meaning? They have long represented power and strength due to their powerful ability to leap their entire body out of the water, to display their beautiful colors. It is common to see the Koi fish leaping out of the water or splashing around in a tattoo. The natural beauty of the fish lends itself to be imitated and placed immortalized in tattoos. The bright oranges of the fish also make for a beautiful contrast against the bright blue water they are often portrayed in and goes well with the scin color.

There are many variations of tattoo, like ones that are done in black and white to help represent the ying-yang or a balance of dark and light, that is very common in Japanese tattoos. There are also those that are less adventorous in color and take their coloration from those of the actual fish and present them in their natural colours of white, red, black, yellow and orange.

Which brings us to next part of the Koi fish tattoo, placement. In the ancient times these tattoos were placed in areas of honour to give honour to these highly valued fish, nowdays though with the combining of western civilization and eastern history they are found anywhere on the body so you can choose. Good places to think about include the calf, forearm or the lower back. If you’re a women I suggest you think about the lower back first it looks really great.

No matter the particular style or coloration of the Koi fish tattoo you choose, it is really a bold statement of power and strength and beauty that has a long history and shows no signs of disappearing beneath the waves of fad tattoos anytime soon. It looks great on a female body if you ask me.

One of the most common tattoo design which we can normally see in women is a dragonfly tattoo. But what is so special about this insect? Surely, everyone is well aware that they harmless little creatures which have beautiful, transparent wings. We also know that their body can reflect several colors. But lately, these insects are being combined with several tattoo themes. They can be seen with Asian or even oriental inspired designs. Also, they are blended with tattoos of Native American theme. They can also be mixed along with mystical designs and fantasy art. But is there some meaning behind choosing such design?

Normally, Asian cultures such as China, Vietnam and Japan all have a high respect for the dragonfly. Often, the Japanese see the dragonfly as a symbol of joy or happiness. They also see it as a symbol of courage and strength. While Japan and China use dragonflies for medical purposes, the Vietnamese occasionally uses these insects to aid in forecasting the weather.

With regards to the view of the United States, dragonflies are a symbol of rebirth or a renewal after a great hardship or loss. This is a belief in several Native American cultures. These people also believe that dragonflies hold the souls of people who have died.

The design of a dragonfly has been used in Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni pottery, jewelry and artwork. To the Navajo tribe, dragonflies represent pure water. Mostly, a dragonfly is being used to symbolize both water and air. This is because these insects begin their life in water and then change into a flying creature when they mature.

Such transformation of a dragonfly from water to air is the reason for the metaphysical or mystical symbolism of the insect. Such qualities make the beautiful insect a symbol of big change. The rising up, achieving of goals, and even death are denoted by our limits which have been self imposed. Often, dragonflies are connected with growing up and maturity. Mythical stories have even referred to such creatures as previous dragons.

Many people believe that dragonflies symbolize quickness, invincibility and agility because of the insect’s maneuverability and speed. No matter what culture you go by, there are still several people who have their own individual idea on what a dragonfly tattoo means. Because dragonflies can be inked with any color you like, the designs work well with women and men. Whatever reason you have for choosing the design, you must be proud to be represented by such beautiful creature.