Tattoo designs incorporating Buddhist themes and teachings abound.
Tattoo designs incorporating Buddhist themes and teachings abound, from meditating Buddhas to laughing Buddhas and even circles! If you need some inspiration to get your creative juices flowing, here are some famous Buddha tattoo drawings that should spark some ideas!
Irezumi Sleeve
Irezumi tattooing is the term given to a decorative form of tattooing that originated in Japan during the 17th century as punishment against criminals. Japanese Irezumi tattoos differ from traditional American tattoos by requiring special skills and more time. Japanese tattoos often feature long series of borders called mikiri that help connect all parts of their design. Hanebori shading techniques utilize needles flicked up and down in various patterns, adding depth and dimension to irezumi designs. HANEBORI can quickly add multiple hues by clicking arrows across a design surface up and down. This sleeve tattoo incorporates several images associated with Eastern culture. These include tiger, lotus, and Buddha images, all shaded differently, but the artist has done an exceptional job making each one distinct.
Irezumi Side and Upper Arm
Irezumi’s side and upper arm tattooing are impressive, incorporating two Buddhas. One pays homage to traditional Japanese symbols of Buddha with the crown of an Emperor resting upon his head; another pays homage to Chinese sex deity Naga’s ultimate trifecta of life, death, and rebirth – most notably by using large scale shadowing; however, the results make the endeavor all the more impressive. I appreciate the artist’s use of color in this Irezumi sleeve, opting for jade instead of black for this striking Irezumi piece. Jade-hued shadowing of Buddha’s brow stands out, as does its small but mighty vertical tussle of hands and mudra in this Irezumi design; using such minimal skin area demonstrates artistic skill and reverence for Japanese tradition and culture.
Half Sleeve
A half-sleeve Buddha tattoo drawing is ideal for those who appreciate intricate body art. Additionally, this piece offers plenty of room to express creativity in creating something original and unique. Buddha represents wisdom, spiritual awakening, peace, and tranquility – making this image an excellent way to show your faith! If you follow the Buddhist religion, getting one tattooed onto your half sleeve would make a perfect statement of your allegiance to this belief system. Another awesome sleeve tattoo features Buddha and the lotus flower as symbols of purity and enlightenment, respectively. This black ink Buddha tattoo displays intricate detail. It could represent someone who has overcome their past to become something new; or serve as an inspirational message to others.
Full Sleeve
Buddha tattoo designs have long been a trendy choice due to their symbolic meanings; it represents the free will and the opportunity for new beginnings no matter the challenges presented in life. This tattoo displays the artist’s creativity and skill; they expertly blended contrasting colors through this sleeve tattoo to provide a striking backdrop for its focal point – Buddha’s head. A tattoo is an intricate blend of circular and square shapes with simple patterns incorporating them. Done with various blue ink shades and shading techniques, as well as shadow and directional pattern tattooing techniques, the tattoo strikes an elegant balance.
