Japan style in tattoos

Japanese style tattoos are based on oriental motifs. They are characterized by deep symbolism. As a rule, the color scheme consists of black, gold and red shades. Also masters often use the color purple. This style is often compared to sculpture. That is, in the images on the body is very little dynamics, but you can stuff the flying dragon, a dancing geisha or the floating fish koi. Then the drawing will be more dynamic.

History of the origin of this style

The history of Japanese tattooing exists for several thousand years. This type of body painting is considered one of the oldest. Experienced masters of Japan still keep the tradition of applying black-and-white and color tattoos not with machines, but with sticks made of bamboo and metal spokes.

Some experts think that the Japanese style was formed on the basis of Polynesian images. At first, abstract compositions were tattooed on the body, but later animals and fish were chosen as designs.

Depending on the specific era, the motifs themselves changed. For example, with the help of body art in the early Middle Ages, criminals or a number of professions were distinguished in this way. There was even a special mark of a traitor. A Japanese character, which was translated as “dog,” was inscribed on such a person. After the first samurai appeared, it became very popular to stuff pictures and amulets on the body that demonstrated courage or strength. When there was an era of tranquility, tattoos became a sign of love, plus many began to put images of Buddha and religious paintings on their bodies.

In the 17th century there was a period of dictatorship and then tattoos were banned in Japan altogether. People still did them, but carefully hid them under their clothes. Of course, the popularity of body art at times decreased. A new heyday for tattoos came in the Geisha era. They made them in the form of festive kimono.

Main features

The classic Japanese style is tattoos, the symbolism of which changes not only from the selected symbol, but also from the combination of images.

Photos of contemporary tattoos indicate that there is now a popular style in Japan, such as New Skool Japan. He combines complex and motley fragments, takes flowers as the basis.

The main distinguishing feature is symbolism. Even an imperceptible or small detail can completely change the whole meaning of the image.

Plots and meanings

Sketches of tattoos in the Japanese style are very original. They can be developed individually, but for this you need to study the features of the image, pattern, hieroglyph in order not to miscalculate. Each of them has a sacred meaning. The composition is created with full consideration of all these aspects.

Popular sketches:

  • phoenix – loyalty and good luck;
  • tiger – courage and strength;
  • sakura – transience;
  • A carp swimming against the current – tenacity and persistence;
  • a maple leaf – feelings of love;
  • Nine-tailed fox – symbol of prosperity.

Hidden tattoos are also quite common in Japan. Their masters call them Kakushibori. The image in this style is printed on the inner side of the forearm. The idea is that this tattoo can see only a very close person. The stories can be different: from erotic to humorous.

Rather popular are considered hieroglyphs. They never go out of fashion, and there is quite a beautiful legend associated with this trend. According to the legend, the emperor Jimmu only thanks to his tattoos was able to win the favor of the queen. After this happened. On his body, he inscribed her name and next to it he wrote the hieroglyph, which translates as “life”. After that, all couples in love began to do the same, expressing tattoo devotion and love.

Choosing a sketch of a tattoo in the style of Japan, many give preference to large-scale drawings, which can be stuffed on the “sleeve”, the back. When choosing colors, it’s best to understand their meaning. For example, white in the East is associated with death, and pink – with happiness.

Who is suitable for this style?

If you open a search engine and find there a tattoo in the Japanese style, you can see that they do not only men, but also women. The direction is quite relevant, it is suitable for any age, occupation, character. Most often such images are chosen by people who are interested in Eastern culture. In such sketches, by the way, you can put a sacred meaning.