JAPANESE TATTOOS: HISTORY, MEANINGS, SYMBOLISM

The Irezumi tattoo is a traditional Japanese tattoo. The art of tattooing is an ancient form of art which has a lot of symbolic meaning. It is common for body art to have several themes, some of which originate from folklore or traditions. Koi fish, geishas, dragons, and flowers are among the most common images. Colorful, meaningful images are commonly seen in this style. 

Here we explore the stylistic elements and influences in the world of Japanese tattoos.

A Japanese tattoo style is a traditional form of body art that originated in Japan (usually referred to as Irezumi, Wabori, or Harimono). A characteristic motif, bold shading, and readability make this style easy to identify.

In Europe and the United States, Japanese tattoos are often seen as a large-scale, standalone work, such as a sleeve or backpiece. Traditional Japanese tattoos, however, are one tattoo that covers the entire body, covering the legs, arms, torso, and back as a whole. There is a single untouched strip of skin visible from the collarline to the navel in this traditional bodysuit style, so that the wearer's tattoos will not be seen in a kimono.

Aesthetics

Japanese Ukiyo-e prints are credited with informing the aesthetics and subjects of these works. Known as Ukiyo-e (Pictures of the Floating World), these artworks are intrinsically woven into what we know of Japanese art & culture.

The beautiful colors, flattened perspectives and illustrative linework, as well as the use of negative space all influenced European painters like Monet and Van Gogh, as well as Japanese craft movements like Art Nouveau.

What are Japanese Traditional Tattoos?

Traditionally, Japanese tattoos are known as Irezumi. Tattoos are ancient tattooing techniques full of symbolism. 

Generally, the body art involves several different themes, such as koi fish, dragons, geishas, flowers, and may be inspired by folklore or tradition. Identifiable by the vibrant colors and the interesting, meaningful subjects, the style is distinctive and distinctive. 

A lot of people around the world are inspired by these inks, which are popular everywhere. Nevertheless, some images can be considered offensive, such as inking religious symbols or those that others interpret as having a dark history.

In Western body art illustration, nothing has had a greater influence than Japanese tattoo design, otherwise known as Irezumi. Irezumi tattoos can be used as a general term to describe a variety of Japanese tattoos done by hand. While traditional Japanese tattoos are now typically done by a tattoo artist using a machine, the mystique of traditional Japanese tattooing remains.

After World War II, American GIs left Tokyo with a love of the taboo tattoo tradition of the Japanese Yakuza (mafia crime families), who wore elaborate body suits depicting Japanese mythology. The Japanese style became a part of famous tattoo artists such as Sailor Jerry and Don Ed Hardy's tattoos and wider art, changing tattoo culture across the globe almost entirely.

A tattoo studio should now have an artist specializing in Japanese decorative tattooing, or else be left behind by competitors who have access to such an obvious tattoo style advantage. They showcase beautiful symbolic body art and decorative tattoos that are the best that you have ever seen. These designs are influenced by the expansive Japanese tattoo style.

You'll find useful insights into Japanese tattoo terminology at the end of the gallery and breakdown, as well as a FAQ section to help you learn more about the often complex culture of Japanese ink you can apply to your next tattoo design.