The Image Canon
Japanese tattoos feature images with significant symbolic significance. Japanese designs convey powerful meaning through deep symbolic underpinnings, from skulls and chrysanthemums to dragons and koi fish. Animals like tigers play an essential role in Japanese history and tradition. Buddhist symbols, like the Bodhisattva, represent enlightened beings who combat suffering.
The Image Pairings
Image pairings are essential components of Japanese-style tattooing. Color choices in Japanese tattoos often reflect their relationship to nature, with red representing the sun, yellow symbolizing religious associations and blue and green standing for water and creation. Japanese tattoo artists specialize in Irezumi and bring scenes like clouds, waves, and flowers to life with vibrant hues with significant symbolic meaning.
The Colors
Japanese tattoos are known for their vibrant colors and striking designs, reflecting folklore, myths, cultures, and beliefs. Standard features include dragons, koi fish, geishas, and flowers. Cherry blossom tattoos symbolize Japanese culture, while chrysanthemums symbolize perfection and longevity. Yellow represents joy and prosperity, adding vibrancy and warmth. White symbolizes purity and innocence when combined with other colors.
The Balance
Balance is a crucial aspect of any Japanese tattoo design. Implementing design principles like repetition, continuity, and symmetry creates a balanced design. Balance of colors is achieved through shading or gradations of black (sumi). Proper use of black and shading produces subtle and elegant-looking tattoos.
