Art Of Japanese Tattoo Designs

Written by Johnny Tran Monday, 16 May 2011 07:35

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.

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.

In old times one of the methods to punish criminals was to tattoo them so that they would be branded and shamed, this was called bokukei or bokkei and came to and end in 1870 by the Japanese Emperor's new Meiji government. Japanese mafia or yakuza used tattoo's as well and these factors have left a bad connotation for most Japanese people today. Among the youth the designs are considered fashionable.

There are a number of dragon designs to choose from which symbolize the wood element and male forces, they are listed as Asian and west dragon tattoos as the western culture has had and influence on designs over the years and the westerners also like the idea of samurai's or warriors and the stories of Asian history and culture.

A very popular form of calligraphy is known as Kanji which are characters that translate into different things like love, life or the name of a person such as "Joy". The picture that symbolizes justice and fidelity is that of the Phoenix, she also represents the fire element and female influences. Water, waves and clouds are often used in the backgrounds.

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.