Koi Fish: Symbol of Perseverance and Change
This stunning leg sleeve tattoo design showcases traditional Japanese tattoo techniques. It is highly detailed and complements the overall look of the leg sleeve. Koi fish in Japan symbolizes qualities like perseverance, courage, strength, rebirth, and change. Families in Japan also raise flags in May, hoping their sons grow up to be like the legendary hero Kintaro.
Lotus: Spiritual Purity and Serenity
Kanae, a London-based female tattooer, specializes in Japanese and Neo Traditional styles. She is known for adding vibrant colors to larger designs, and producing impressive finished products. A lotus flower tattoo represents spiritual purity and serenity and has been used by Buddhists and Hindus as a symbol of enlightenment. White lotuses can represent calmness and perfection. This blackwork lotus tattoo uses shading and varying outline thickness to add dimension with a touch of fun and whimsicality.
Crane: Symbol of Longevity and Faithfulness
Cranes hold great significance in Japanese culture, symbolizing longevity and faithfulness. They are often associated with Sadako Sasaki, whose family folded 1,000 paper cranes for her recovery from leukemia. This tattoo portrays a dancing crane bird, ready for flight, making it an excellent choice for individuals living extravagant lives and wanting to stand out. Geometric tattoos with cranes can symbolize balance, symmetry, and mystery and showcase Japanese art and culture.
Lion: Symbol of Strength and Honor
Lions are symbols of strength, power, and luck. They also represent samurai values like courage, bravery, and honor. While popular with men, women can get lioness tattoos to signify femininity. This unique tribal design lion tattoo makes a bold statement and highlights its beauty on any body part. The realistic shading and contrast give it a contemporary sketch style, with overlapping lines and incomplete strokes providing a modern and fresh feel. The addition of a flower as a frame further emphasizes its theme.
Demon: Protectors of Humans and Nature
Demons, known as one, are significant in Japanese folklore, being either good or evil. They are potent protectors of humans and nature with horns and various traits. Snake strength tattoos are often protective and represent change and growth in life. This beautiful demon design reveals a darker side without going overboard. Negative space adds contrast, while shading makes the image genuinely eye-catching. The horns are an outstanding feature.
Clouds: Symbol of Strength and Emotional Intelligence
A black cloud tattoo symbolizes strength, wisdom, calmness, personal growth, and emotional intelligence. People of all ages appreciate these characteristics when selecting this stunning design. It can also serve to remember loved ones who have passed away. As thunderstorms are integral to Japanese culture, cloud tattoos are popular choices. This eye-catching design incorporates lighting and thunder for a unique look, while negative space adds depth.
Words: Inspired by Ukiyo-e Era Art
Japanese tattoos, called Irezumi, draw inspiration from woodblock prints created during the Ukiyo-e era of Japan’s art history. This style features flattened perspectives, graceful line work depicting nature scenes, and unconventional use of negative space. Notably, this artistic style influenced European painters like Monet and Van Gogh and the art of tattooing itself. Snakes, known as hebi, represent various aspects of Japanese culture, including protection from illness and misfortune, good fortune, change, and strength. Wearing a snake tattoo as a reminder to stand up for what’s right symbolizes physical and emotional stability. Tattoo designs often depict Oni masks, associated with mythology and the spirit world, and represent demons that prey upon people.
