Masters of our studio work in the direction of artistic tattoo since the beginning of 2000. We specialize mainly in designer tattoos with the development of an individual sketch. If you already have a ready-made design for a tattoo, then our masters help you make a great tattoo out of it! Each work, whether it is an ethnic tattoo, fantasy, brutal, ornamental tattoo, inscriptions in different languages, dotwork, biomechanics, organic, Japanese tattoo, realism and others, it's your personality!
For this we carry out careful preliminary work with every client. We advise on all issues that may arise. We help you decide on the choice of a sketch for a tattoo. We try to explain how to most successfully and advantageously place the future design on the body, taking into account the proportions of the body and the structure of the muscles.
It is important for us that made in our studio the tattoo was a reflection of your inner world and your uniqueness. Our main task is to create an author's tattoo that will delight you, decorate your body and be your talisman throughout your life.
We are also dealing covering low-quality tattoos (cover-up), stretch marks, scars, burns, irregular skin pigmentation, correction of old works. You can find out more at the consultation.
All services provided by our studio are carried out in strict accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Russian Federation.
Briefly about the studio
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Dragon tattoo has gained popularity all over the world. Each culture gives its own interpretation to the legendary winged creature. But in almost all interpretations there are similar features: dragons embody power, strength, longevity and wisdom. The dragon tattoo has been relevant for more than one century.
The Celts chose the dragon as a symbol of struggle, and among the Chinese and Japanese, the dragon was considered a divine being who was worshiped and built temples.
The dragon tattoo has gained particular popularity in recent years, after the release of the trilogy "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson and the film of the same name, based on the plot of the books. The main character is Lisbeth Salander, a complex and ambiguous hero, but undoubtedly she is the embodiment of a strong personality. The dragon in the book is used precisely as a symbol of the inner strength of the heroine. After the release of the books and the movie, many girls were inspired to get a dragon tattoo.
Dragon Tattoo Meaning
The symbolism of the dragon is always associated with the manifestation of divine power, wisdom, power, which can create and destroy. Dragons in legends often act as guardians of ancient treasures, in a modern interpretation this can be considered a metaphor. The dragon is the keeper of secret knowledge, not treasures and gold, but knowledge, skills, mastery that help people develop and be in harmony with the world.
Often, dragons act as monsters, fire-breathing creatures that attack people. Only the bravest and bravest warrior is able to defeat the dragon. In legends, warriors who defeated dragons gained eternal glory.
One of the most famous and popular legends about the dragon says that one must be able to defeat the dragon within oneself. For many people, the test of fame and fortune becomes a serious, and sometimes overwhelming burden. Therefore, a dragon tattoo in this case can mean a victory over one's own weaknesses and shortcomings.
Men's Dragon Tattoos - Dragon Tattoos for Men
Men very often choose the plot of dragon tattoos. The symbolism of strength, stamina, wisdom and invincible power are close to masculine nature. Strong personalities strive even in their tattoos to give themselves even more motivation for excellence. The dragon is strong, but there are warriors who have defeated the dragon. People who choose a dragon tattoo with this very message tell themselves that you should never lose a person inside yourself, do not fall under the deceptive influence of unlimited power, be strong, but remain a realist.
Male dragon tattoos mainly occupy large areas on the body. Often the tattoo is located on the back, arm, chest, a little less often you can find a dragon tattoo on the leg. These can be colorful bright tattoos in the Japanese style, and Celtic tie, and tribal and black and white tattoos.
Women's Dragon Tattoos - Dragon Tattoos for Girls
In addition to the heroine of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, the popularity of tattoos with mythical winged creatures was added by the TV series Game of Thrones, based on the plots of the books A Song of Ice and Fire by J. R. R. Martin. The dragons of one of the main characters are Daenerys Targaryen, the embodiment of her omnipotence, her main assistants and weapons. Women all over the world see in this beautiful fairy tale an allegory of female power, which helps them to believe in themselves.
Girls tattoos with dragons are most often placed on the back, or arm. For small drawings of a dragon, it is suitable, and a larger dragon can gracefully curl up on the hip. Both color and black and white tattoos are equally loved and popular among women.
Realistic Dragon Tattoo
Dragon tattoos can depict fantasy-style dragons that are familiar to everyone from movies or computer games. Detailed, crisp images of dragons have long been a favorite subject in the tattoo world. The drawing may depict a dragon or individual parts of the image, such as the bright eyes of a dragon.
Tribal Dragon Tattoo
Dragon tattoo is popular due to Celtic ornaments. The Celts revered dragons and considered them the embodiment of combat power and power. Dragons were depicted on coats of arms, ornaments and amulets.
Dragon Tattoo Japanese Style
dragon tattooin Japanese culture - a symbol of the sun, good luck and longevity. with three toes. According to legend, the dragon is considered a sacred guardian spirit and is revered by people.
Dragon Tattoo Sketches
Before choosing a sketch for a tattoo, decide on which part of the body you would like to place it. For example, a drawing elongated in length will look more harmonious on the arm, and not a curled dragon on the thigh. Remember, the drawing should become part of your image, emphasize the beauty of the body, help you communicate with the outside world. A correctly selected and high-quality sketch will never bother you and will be not only a beautiful attribute, but also a favorite talisman.
Shown is an old Japanese print depicting Chojun. This engraving served as a model for the creation of many tattoos depicting this literary hero.
Zhang Shun, known in Japan as Rorihakuto Chojun (張順), is a character in the Chinese novel Suikoden, one of the 108 characters, an excellent swimmer, and a pearl diver. Often, like Kintaro, he is shown fighting a huge carp. Unlike Kintaro, Chojun is a young man armed with a dagger, which he often holds in his mouth. The tattoo denotes a strong spirit, and excellent possession of cold weapons.
Kyumonryu Shishin
Japanese tattoo and vintage engraving with the hero of the novel Suikoden Kyumonryu Shishin
Kyumonryu Shishin. One of the more popular characters featured in the novel 108 Heroes Suikoden, he is an excellent master of the pole. The body of Kyumonryu Shishin was decorated with the image of nine dragons fighting among themselves. Depicted as a half-naked young man of ferocious appearance, with flowing lush hair. There are many engravings of the Edo period with images of it, from which many tattoos are made. Symbolizes fearlessness, resourcefulness and excellent command of improvised weapons.
Roshi Ensei
The engraving shows Ensei cracking down on a robber with a log.
Roshi Ensei. He also appears in the novel The Backwaters (Suikoden) under the name Yan Qing. It is known about this martial artist that he tricked his way into the service of the famous martial artist Lu, who refused to accept students. For three years, he spied on Lou's training, adopting a style known as the "sacred fist" from him. However, he failed to keep his cunning secret when he dealt with a gang of robbers using Master Lu's ways. When he found out about this, he not only did not drive away the cunning servant, but, on the contrary, made him his official student.
Kwatsuemura Gonzosity
In the engraving, Kwatsuemura is covered with a tiger skin from a flurry of arrows.
Kwatsuemura Gonzoshichi, one of the 108 heroes of the Suikoden. An agile warrior who caught arrows on the fly.
Kayoso Rotishin
Tattoos depicting Kayoso Rochishin
Rotisin. Another of the 108 characters in the Suikoden novel, which was a Japanese adaptation of the Chinese novel Shui Huzhuan (River Backwaters). Kayoso Rotishin (Chinese version - Lu Zhi - Shen) is a noble robber of enormous stature who became a monk. His tattoo depicts cherry blossoms flying in the wind.
In one of the episodes, he fights on poles with Kyumonryu Shishin.
Hitentaisei Rikon
Tattoo and engraving depicting Hitentaisei Rikon
Hitentaisei Rikon. One of the 108 heroes of Suikoden, in the Chinese version, Li Gun. Engraving by Kiniyoshi and irezumi based on it. All the heroes of this work, immortalized in a series of magnificent engravings by Japanese artists, have found their embodiment in tattoos.
Shintunagon Tomomori
An engraving and sketch of a tattoo showing how Shintunagon Tomomori-no is about to end his life by tying a heavy anchor to his legs
Shintunagon (Taira-no) Tomomori. An active participant in the Gempei War (the internecine war of the Taira and Minamoto clans), a commander who won a number of victories. The engraving and sketch of the tattoo shows the episode when he is about to commit suicide after the devastating battle of Dannoura, where the troops of the Taira clan were finally defeated. Tying a heavy anchor to his feet, he threw himself into the raging sea.
Spirits of dead samurai
Among the plots of irezumi there are images of the spirits of dead samurai - Akugenta and Taira no Tomomori
Japanese tattoo. Avenging Spirit Taira no Tomomori
Taira no Tomomori became an avenging spirit after he, wounded by arrows, committed suicide by tying himself to an anchor and throwing himself into the sea. He can be recognized by the horns on his headband and the arrows that pierce his armor.
Japanese tattoo Spirit demon Minamoto no Yoshihara
Minamoto no Yoshihara (also known as Akugenta Yoshihara), who was the elder brother of Minamoto no Yoshitsune (commander of the Minamoto clan), who defeated Tomomori at the Battle of Dan No Ura. Yoshihara himself died 20 to 30 years earlier, during the Heiji Rebellion against the emperor and the Taira clan, being captured and executed. It is said that the body of the executed person turned into a demon or the incarnation of the thunder god Raijin, who struck the executioner with lightning. After that, he destroyed Kyoto with a hurricane.
Kabuki theater character Rybnik Dancity
Japanese engraving and tattoo showing the episode where Dancity washes away blood and dirt from himself with water from a well
The character of the play of the Kabuki theater is the fishmonger Dancity. The famous episode is shown where he washes away blood and dirt from himself with water from the well, after he killed, in a fit of rage, his vile father-in-law Giheiji, who provoked him. Despite the murder, he was acquitted, as he stood up for the honor of his wife, taken from him by his evil father-in-law.
Tokubei kabuki character
Engraving by Utagawa Kuniyoshi depicting the magician Tokubei and sketch of a tattoo
Tokubei. The prototype of the magician Tokubei, a popular character in many plays of the Kabuki theater, was a real person who lived in the 17th century - the merchant Tenjiku Tokubei. He made a successful voyage to India, visiting many other countries, and returned to his homeland a rich man. Here he wrote a book about his travels - "Report on the voyage to India". However, in kabuki performances, he appears as a great magician who has learned overseas magic, including “frog magic”. At his call, fire-breathing huge toads appear, on which he can fly and kill enemies. According to the plot, this magician is going to seize power in Japan, but after a failure, he commits suicide. In an engraving by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, he is shown sitting on a huge toad.
Valiant Warrior Minamoto no Raiko
Engraving by Utagawa Kuniyoshi depicting the samurai Raiko and the monster Shutendoji and Irezumi depicting the samurai Raiko and the monster Shutendoji
Raiko. According to legend, the valiant warrior Minamoto no Raiko, also known as Yorimitsu (948-1021), commanding four samurai, managed to defeat the terrible monster Shutendoji (“Drunkard”), which kidnapped and ate the girls of Kyoto. Utagawa Kuniyoshi's engraving and tattoo shows the moment when the monster's severed head clings to Raiko's helmet.
Japanese Serpent Fighter Tattoos
Serpent Fighters. A certain part of the tattoos shows the heroes of Japanese legends and Kabuki theater performances, who fight with a huge snake. The Japanese have a belief that jealous and rejected women can turn into snakes, and they especially annoy the monks. The theme of snake fighting is devoted to many engravings, on the basis of which tattoos are often created. Tattoos depicting Kayoso Rotishin, who killed a huge snake in one of his feats, are popular. Another snake fighter hero was Saginoike Heikuro, shown in tattoos tearing the snake's mouth. You can also point to Chusenko Teitokuson, who defeated the monster, but died from its poison, Egara no Heita (aka Wada no Heida Tanenaga), as well as Jiraiya and his sister Tsunade, who defeated the werewolf snake Orochimaru.
Sketch of Irezumi - Kayoso Rochishin (Lu Zhishen) - Suikoden Character
Saginoike Heikuro in engraving and sketch
Chūsenko Teitokuson engraved by Kuniyoshi and irezumi
Hickashi
Japanese tattoo. A depiction of Hikeshi, the valiant firefighters of the Edo period, who is shown with his unit's standard.
Hickashi. This was the name of the city fire brigades, usually created in each quarter from samurai and townspeople, during the Edo period (1600-1868). Japanese cities often burned because the houses were built of wood and paper, so the shoguns began to create similar squads to prevent and extinguish fires. Many firefighters got tattoos for themselves, as they often had to be naked, which was reprehensible. The full-body tattoo served as a hypothetical clothing replacement. Each of the 48 fire brigades of the Edo period had a distinctive banner set up at the fire extinguishing site. The image of a hickashi in a tattoo symbolizes a strong and brave person who consciously takes a mortal risk in the name of fulfilling his duty.
Kiyohime
Japanese Kiyohime tattoo
Kiyohime (Japanese for “pure princess”) or simply Kiyo is a character in Japanese legend and kabuki theater performances based on it. A young widow (according to other sources, the daughter of a village headman) falls in love with a wandering monk, but he rejects her love (in other versions, he promises to return to her, but deceives). In anger, the woman turns into a huge fire-breathing snake and rushes in pursuit of the monk, and overtakes him in the Dojoji temple. The monastic brethren hide the unfortunate monk inside a huge bell, but the monstrous Kiyohime finds him there and kills him, turning the bell into a red-hot furnace with fiery poison. After that, she commits suicide, and the souls of the monk and the rejected woman become husband and wife. However, the monk's soul, not wanting to remain on earth in the form of an evil ghost, asks to pray for himself and his killer, and after a religious ceremony they go to heaven (though in different places). The symbolism of the tattoo is simple - you can not reject the love of a woman and deceive her in order to avoid such a fate. In women, this tattoo symbolizes the ability to achieve goals at any cost.
Princess Tachibana
Japanese Tachibana Princess Tattoo
Tachibana - Hime (Princess Tachibana) - the heroine of ancient Japanese legends, the wife of the legendary Prince Yamato - Takeru. She voluntarily threw herself into the raging sea, sacrificing herself to Watatsumi - no kami - the sea god in the form of a dragon who wanted to destroy the ship on which her husband was sailing. On tattoos, she is depicted as a girl fighting a huge dragon. A symbol of self-sacrifice for the sake of a loved one, and all-conquering love.
Images of women in traditional Japanese style
The images of beautiful women in the traditional Japanese style - oiran (courtesans) and geisha, the heroines of novels and engravings of the old masters, are widely represented in irezumi. Most often they are purely decorative, without carrying an additional semantic load - just admiring beauty, grace and youth. But among the images, several specific characters can be distinguished.
Tattoo depicting courtesan Jigokudai
Oiran (Courtesan) Jigokudai. Jigokudayu is a famous courtesan from the Muromachi period. She was the daughter of a noble samurai, who was captured by enemies and sold to a brothel. Zen - the Buddhist monk Ikkyu instructed her on the path of truth, and allowed her to free herself from the fate that befell her. She took the name Jigokudai, which means "Infernal courtesan"), believing that the misfortune that befell her is a karmic punishment for an unrighteous life in previous incarnations. She is often depicted surrounded by the skeletons and spirits of other courtesans and cursed people, and her kimono has scenes of hellish torment and demons, and she is accompanied by cherry blossoms. All these are symbols of the illusory nature and transience of life in the Buddhist sense. Realizing all this, Dzigokurai achieved enlightenment and wisdom, becoming the protector of all those who stumbled in this life.
Princess Tsunade tattoo
Tsunade-hime ("hime" - princess) is the heroine of the Japanese "Tale of the Valiant Jiraiya", on the basis of which the play for the Kabuki theater was written. There she acts as a sorceress who owns the magic of snails, whom the main character, Jiraiya, marries. This image became known and popular after the creation of the manga and anime "Naruto", where Tsunade and Jiraiya are bred into ninjas who take revenge on their enemies. On tattoos, Tsunade is depicted as a woman in traditional Japanese attire, armed with a naginata - a terrible bladed weapon in the form of a curved sword on a very long handle.
Princess Tamatori
Japanese Tattoo and Sketches of Princess Tamatori Princess Tamatori (Tamatori-hime) or Ama. According to legend, the gift of the Chinese emperor - a magical pearl, which he sent to his in-laws from the Fujiwara clan, was stolen by the king of sea dragons during a storm. Fujiwara no Fuhito decided to return this treasure to the family. During his search, he met a beautiful diver named Ama (also called Princess Tamatori in other versions of the legend) and married her. Ama wanted to help her husband recover the pearl, so she stole it from the dragon king. Fleeing from the persecution of sea monsters, she cut her chest (according to other versions - her stomach), where she hid the jewel. The gushing blood hid her from her pursuers, but after getting ashore, Ama died from her wound. Thus, she managed to prove her loyalty to the clan and her husband, from whom she gave birth to a son who continued the glorious family of Fujiwara. In honor of her, the Japanese pearl divers began to be called ama.
Over time, the legend has acquired details that are very piquant. So, for example, there were versions where Ame, in order to get into the dragon's palace, had to surrender to the octopuses carrying his guard. In Japanese art, with further transformations of the legend, many erotic images of divers girls entering into a love affair with octopuses appeared.
About scenes from Kabuki and No theater performances
Japanese tattoo showing an actor as a hanya. The plots of many tattoos are associated with traditional Japanese Kabuki and Noh theaters, and irezumi reproduce magnificent engravings showing scenes from performances or actors portraying certain characters.
Women's roles in these performances in the past were played by men, which was due to a government ban, but after the Second World War, this ban was lifted, and the actresses were also able to participate in period plays. On tattoos, although they are made according to old engravings and posters, and show men in the role of women, one should still see beautiful girls with the attributes of their role.
An old poster showing an actor as a hanya and a sketch of a tattoo showing an actor or actress as a kitsune werewolf fox. Japan is a country literally permeated with mysticism and filled with sacred knowledge. Each Japanese sacredly honors the traditions of his ancestors and tries to appease the spirits of the lower and upper worlds for the holiday. For this purpose, Japanese demon masks made of wood and painted in bright colors have been used in various rituals since ancient times. These items are of great importance not only in religious rites, but also in the culture and art of the country. This will be discussed in the article.
Japan: the history of the emergence of masks
The mythology of the Japanese is very rich in characters who sometimes have absolutely opposite character traits. The fact is that in Japan it has always been customary to get along with a mass of demons and unclean spirits. The wise inhabitants of the islands never fought with evil spirits, they, on the contrary, cajoled it and, if necessary, could always enlist the support of the spirits.
Masks have always had a sacred meaning for the Japanese, they were often used by samurai in battles. It was believed that the mask not only covers the face, but also, accommodating various spirits, helps the warrior win, instilling fear in the hearts of enemies.
It is difficult to imagine a Noh theater without various masks. The tradition of playing theatrical performances originated around the seventh century. At this time, colorful theatrical shows were held near the temples, and masks were made from clay and paper. They were extremely simple and served to hide the guise of an actor. It was only in the seventeenth century that the Noh theater took shape in something special, and the masks turned into real art. They began to express various characteristic emotions and now served to more clearly characterize the characters of the performance. The masks were endowed with mystical power, and it was allowed to touch them only at the place where the laces were attached. Now in every theater there is a kind of altar, on which ancient masks are collected. It is believed that the souls of the actors live in them.
demons: meaning
Colorful masks are used in rituals, theater performances and festivals. Most of them have a frightening appearance and are designed to scare away other evil spirits. For this purpose, they are placed on the facades of houses and in rooms. Keep in mind that Japanese demon masks, despite their terrifying appearance, are quite kind to people. The spirits living in them are able to help the needy and protect the disadvantaged. We can say that good people should not be afraid of demons, but greedy, selfish and hypocritical people will definitely receive punishment from higher spirits. It is worth noting that the variety that distinguishes Japanese demon masks allows them to be used in different situations. Let's look at the most popular of them.
Japanese demon mask: tengu
In tengu, these are the spirits of the forest, sometimes they are compared according to their characteristics with Russian goblin. Tengu are unsociable, love cleanliness and have cunning. These spirits cannot stand arrogance and can punish the one who is arrogant. One of the supernatural powers of a demon is the ability to transform into a human. Most often, he takes the form of a monk living high in the mountains. He helps good people and lives in the branches of twisted trees.
The tengu mask looks like the face of a red-faced old man with a long nose and a fan of feathers. On the demon's head is often placed a small funny cap - tokin. Very often, the mask of the forest spirit is used as a talisman against evil, but you should never harm the forest, otherwise the tengu will turn its anger on the owners of the house.
Demon Oni
Japanese demon masks often feature oni. This evil is very popular in the country and has several varieties. Usually They are depicted on masks in the form of a terrible grimace, distorted by anger, with huge fangs. Demons can be red, black, or gold in color. In mythology, They symbolize fearsome spirits of great stature, who appear everywhere with clubs of iron with spikes. Demons can regrow a severed body part and heal any wound. Quite often, these spirits are associated with trolls or devils living in the Japanese hell.
Initially, They were incorporeal and brought with them catastrophes, illnesses and troubles. Over time, the spirits took on a humanoid appearance, but remained extremely ferocious and often indulged in human flesh.
Exile Oni to hell
Japanese demon masks They are especially often used on the holiday. It is held on the third of February and is widely celebrated in the country. In order to protect their home, the Japanese scatter soybeans everywhere, which they simply cannot stand. In recent years it has become common to spread peanuts as well, sometimes wrapped in gold foil.
A theatrical procession always takes place on the streets of cities on a holiday. Men dress up in Oni costumes and always put on frightening masks. It is considered very correct to decorate the house with a demon mask: thanks to such a talisman, evil will not enter the house, and all household members may not be afraid to end up in hell in a dream.
Mask tattoos
Tattoos have been customary in Japanese culture since ancient times. The inhabitants of the islands differed in this from the Europeans, who were surprised at the variety of drawings on the body, which were told about by merchants and travelers who visited the Land of the Rising Sun.
Tattoos have always been used by the Japanese to some extent. Initially, they were applied to the body in order to attract good luck in fishing or hunting. By the 700s of our era, body painting began to be divided into drawings for the nobility and those with which criminals were marked. This significantly reduced the popularity of the tattoo, but then it again began to be used by almost all sectors of society. Quite often, tattoos were applied by representatives of various professions, making the drawing a hallmark of the whole group.
Recently, the Japanese mask has become very popular among young people. Absolutely different ones are chosen for the drawing, but for women Chania is preferable. This mask symbolizes a female demon, whose face is distorted by jealousy and passion. According to legend, Chania was once a beautiful girl in love with a young monk. Her lover rejected her, and the girl, in a fit of insane passion, turned into an evil demon, taking revenge on all men who offend the fair sex.
The kitsune mask tattoo is also popular with women. This demon is depicted as a fox and is fatal to men. Kitsune can turn into the most beautiful woman and bewitch a man, and he will do whatever she tells him. Quite often it ends in madness. But the cunning fox herself is hardly grateful to anyone, she always gets what she wants and then disappears.
Is it possible to make a Japanese mask at home?
Many fans of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun are interested in how to make a Japanese demon mask on their own. You can even find special master classes with a detailed description of the process of creating masks from papier-mâché, but we would not advise you to be content with such artisanal methods. Real Japanese demon masks are real works of art, craftsmen spend several months to make one product. Until now, almost all ritual and theatrical items in the Land of the Rising Sun are made by hand, so it is best to order a mask in Japan. This is the only way to get a truly beautiful collector's item.
The world of spirits in Japan is very closely adjacent to everyday life, because in every house there is at least a pair of masks that protect the house and its inhabitants.
Modern young Japanese, apparently influenced by the Western European tradition, often prefer tattoos of a somewhat negative and defiant nature. But if in the subcultures of Western youth there is an element of Satanism and necromancy in its Christian meaning, then the Japanese adhere to their traditional beliefs in demonic beings, which are widely represented in Buddhism, Shinto and in folk tales and beliefs.
They- in Japanese mythology, the so-called evil humanoid monsters, similar to Christian devils and demons. They they have red, blue, green or black skin, are crowned with horns, and huge fangs protrude from their mouths. They feed on human flesh and are difficult to kill in combat as the severed body parts grow back into place.
There is a belief that a bad person can turn into a demon - They. Especially often in fairy tales, jealous and grumpy wives turn into such monsters, with horns growing on their heads.
In Japan, on February 3, a ceremony is held to exorcise demons - They to Jigoku (Hell). On the Setsubun holiday, the Japanese throw soybeans over the threshold of their homes (it is believed that They hate soy) and shout: “ They go away! Blessings are coming! They symbolize illnesses and failures that should be disposed of. Actors in scary demon masks take part in the festivities - They. In theatrical productions They are defeated by heroes, or dragged away, as servants of the god of death, sinners to hell.
If we talk about tattoos, then here They have a protective function. In some legends, these demons serve as protectors of worthy people and punish the bad ones. So, for example, if we touch on the yakuza, such tattoos are made by those who carry out the murders of objectionable yakuza people, or are engaged in knocking out debts.
Radzin - god of thunder
In Japanese folklore, there are many varieties of demons, and sometimes it is quite difficult to say which demon this or that tattoo depicts. However, some are identifiable.
Radzin- the god of thunder. Very often mentioned with the wind god Fujin. Depicted as a ferocious horned demon, often tearing a scroll with his teeth. However, this is a positive deity, the protector of the Buddhist faith.
Ondeko man
Ondeko man. It is also called Oni-daiko ("drum-dancing demon"). He is portrayed as dancing a demonic dance, accompanying himself on the drums. You can recognize this demon by round mons (signs) with the image of three commas, symbolizing "heaven - earth - man" or maintaining the equality of yin and yang. Dancers - drummers in a costume and masks depicting this demon, often perform at various Japanese holidays. The ritual dance is designed to promote the fertility of the land, harvest and prosperity. There seems to be a connection between this demon and Radzin, and Ondeko-men may be one of the forms of this thunder deity.
Meaning of the Chania Mask Tattoo
Hanya or Hanna - in Japanese folklore, an ugly horned and fanged demon, into which a vengeful and jealous woman turned. This character is used in some Japanese Noh plays. The Hanya mask is also used in festivities and Shinto rituals, symbolizing vice. Very often depicted on tattoos, but obviously not in a negative sense. There is a version that the image of this demon is borrowed from Tibetan culture, from where many Japanese mythological creatures originate. In Tibet, it was the guardian - the guardian of Buddhism, and "hanna" means the same as "prana" - "wisdom". Often, cherry blossoms, a snake and a bell are depicted along with the Chania mask.
Japanese demon Yaksha
These tattoos show Yaksha as bloodthirsty spirits carrying severed heads. Yaksha - This demon was borrowed by the Japanese from Hindu mythology. There they were beautiful semi-divine beings, born from the foot of Brahma along with demons - rickshasas, but, unlike the first, they were servants of the gods. However, for people they were often dangerous. Yakshini, female varieties of yaksha, drank the blood of children and ate human flesh. Among the Japanese, the yaksha became a vampire - a cannibal, into which people who deserve the punishment of the gods turn. On the other hand, a yaksha can be a harmless "goblin" - "The owner of the forest."
Rokurokubi
Rokurokubi demon tattoo Japanese Fox Demon - Kitsune
Kitsune. The image of a fox - a werewolf penetrated into Japanese folklore from China, where it developed in ancient times. In China, these creatures are called huli-jing, and in Korea - gumiho. In Japanese folklore, a kitsune is a type of yokai (demonic creature). Kitsune have intelligence and knowledge, and can live for a very long time. The tail of this werewolf is a necessary attribute for creating illusions, and the older and stronger the fox, the more tails it has. Their number can reach up to nine.
According to the legends, these animals have magical powers and are able to turn into a person - usually they take the form of seductive beauties, but they can take the form of old people. They most often use these abilities to deceive people, and like vampires, they feed on human vitality and spiritual strength. They are also able to inhabit other people's bodies and create illusions that are indistinguishable from reality. However, kitsune often do good deeds, and, unlike the Chinese and Korean tradition, are not evil cannibal demons.
In the Shinto religion, kitsune are the messengers of the god of rice fields and entrepreneurship, Inari, who himself is depicted as a fox. When Shinto mythology was mixed with Buddhism, the fox received, in accordance with Chinese ideas, demonic functions, but in general, in the Buddhist tradition, the werewolf fox has a positive function, as an attribute of the god Dakini.
In tattoos, it can mean dexterity, sharpness of mind, the ability to find a way out in seemingly hopeless situations. In addition, a tattoo makes it possible to charm people and inspire love, as kitsune does in fairy tales.
In the photograph, the kitsune is shown in the guise of an evil demon - a cannibal, which is more in line with the Korean tradition. However, here he acts as a Buddhist guardian, and holds a rosary with the skulls of apostates in his teeth, so the tattoo should not be considered as an indication of the aggressiveness of its owner - it is more an indication of the strength of religious beliefs and a request to protect from troubles and enemies .
Bakeneko - "monster cat"
Japanese bakeneko tattoo
Bakeneko (Japanese "monster cat").
In addition to kitsune (foxes - werewolves) and tanuki (werewolves in the form of raccoon dogs), in Japanese folklore there is another kind of werewolves - cats that can turn into people. An ordinary cat, in order to turn into a werewolf, needed to reach a certain age or size. The strongest backeneko have a forked tail and are called nekomata. As with other representatives of evil spirits, werewolves in Japan have an ambivalent attitude. On the one hand, they could help people with their magic, which is mentioned in many Japanese fairy tales and legends, but on the other hand, there are examples when this image was associated with revenge and death. According to Japanese folk beliefs, a cat can kill its owner in order to take on his appearance, or move into the body of the deceased (until now, the Japanese are trying not to allow cats to the dead). They can revive the dead by jumping over it, or raise skeletons and manipulate them like puppets. Cats can take revenge on their offenders. Kabuki theater has a number of plays featuring werewolves, cats that have turned into humans, usually women. They either take revenge on those who offended them, or the souls of wives killed by husbands are infused into werewolves. But in general, the attitude towards cats in Japan is positive, and they like to be depicted in scenes where they copy the behavior of people, and even in the form of monks.
Tengu. Karasu is tengu and Yamabushi is tengu.
Karasu-tengu are similar to ravens. These are evil creatures that kidnap children and adults, set fires in houses, and kill those who deliberately harm the forest. In the traditional Japanese religion of Shinto, there are many deities - kami, among which six are awarded the title "Okami" ("Great Kami"). Five of them are Izanagi, Izanami, Mitikaesi, Sashikuni and the sun goddess Amaterasu are "amatsukami" (heavenly kami), and Sarutahiko is the guardian of roads, the spirit of crossroads and the remover of obstacles - "kunitsukami" (earthly deity). He is depicted as an old man with a red face and a very long nose. It is believed that the image of Sarutahiko-no-Okami served as a prototype of demonic creatures - tengu (in Japanese, literally "Heavenly Dog").
The Japanese believed in the existence of two varieties of tengu: karasu-tengu (tengu-raven) and yamabushi-tengu.
Yamabushi - tengu - is a creature that looks more like a person. Yamabushi tengu is a creature that looks more like a human. He has a red face and a very long nose, and sometimes wears wings behind his back. He was nicknamed yamabushi (the so-called monks - hermits who chose mountains for their solitude), because this tengu likes to turn into such monks. Like goblin, they can play a trick on a person who met them, and can even kill someone who harms the forest. However, in fairy tales, they often help good people.
tengu masks Tengu are depicted wearing strange little hats - "tokin" and have a fan of feathers or leaves, which can cause a strong wind.
In Japan, tengu masks are very popular, used in various festivals and in performances of the Kabuki theater.
In tattoos, Japanese theatrical masks are additional elements that indicate the character of a person, or serve as a substitute for the full image of the creature whose patronage is expected to be received.
Kama-itachi
Japanese kama itachi tattoo
Kama-itachi refers to demons - youkai from Japanese folklore. In ancient times, the Japanese had a belief about malicious whirlwinds - kamaetachi ("attack"). Toriyama Sekien, an artist who studied Japanese demonology, who left images and descriptions of demons - yokai, gave this supernatural phenomenon the appearance of three weasels with claws - razors that, whirling in a whirlwind, cut the skin on the legs of people they meet on the way. He changed the original sound of the word to "kama-itachi" ("weasel sickle") - creating a pun that is very typical of him. These creatures are depicted as a spinning weasel, whose paws end in sickle-shaped blades.
Nure-onna - "Water Woman"
Japanese Nure-onna tattoo
Nure-onna ("Water or wet woman") is one of the most ancient demons - youkai of Japanese folklore. This is a demon with a female head (often very beautiful) and the body of a giant snake that lives either near the river or in the river itself. In some legends, she has hands with sharp claws. She has beautiful long hair that she likes to wash in the river, round shiny eyes like a snake, sharp fangs and a long, strong tongue - a sting with which she sucks blood or life energy from careless travelers. In order to prevent the intended victim from leaving, nure-onna embarks on a trick. She invites the person she meets to hold her child while she washes her hair, but as soon as he takes him in his hands, the child sticks to them and bends the person to the ground with his enormous weight. It is difficult to say what tattoos depicting this demon symbolize, perhaps disappointment in love and comparison of women with this insidious creature.
Kappa
Kappa Tattoo Sketch and Tattoo Design If tengu can be considered a kind of goblin, then the Japanese variety of water is called "kappa" ("river child"). It is a cross between a frog and a turtle, and has a beak instead of a nose. At the top of the kappa there is a saucer filled with water, which gives it great strength. However, she does not harm a person, although she loves pranks. Sometimes she even helps goodies in fairy tales and legends.
Jankui - "Demon Slayer"
Antique Engraving and Tattoo of Demon Slayer - Jankuy Jankui or Soki - "Demon Slayer". Ghost, according to legend, the protector of the Chinese emperor Huan-son. Jankui committed suicide, and thus became a Gui demon himself. However, he vowed to help people in the fight against their evil brethren. In Japan, this protector spirit has become very popular as it fights against They. This spirit is always depicted in Chinese clothes and with a sword, with which he defeats evil forces.
Yuki-onna - snow woman
Japanese yuki-onna tattoo
Yuki-onna (jap. "snow woman"). So in Japanese folklore they call one of the varieties of yokai - that is, spirits. She can also be called Yuki-musume ("snow girl"), Yukijoro ("snow harlot"), Yuki-omba ("snow grandmother or nanny") and many other names. Yuki-onna is a very popular figure in Japanese literature, manga and anime.
Yuki-onna is a snowy night in the form of a tall, beautiful woman with long black hair and blue lips. Her inhumanly pale or even ice-clear skin makes her part of the snowy landscape. She sometimes wears a white kimono, but other legends describe her naked. Despite her amazing beauty and grace, her eyes are capable of inspiring fear. It seems to be floating above the snow, leaving no traces behind it, and at any moment it can turn into a cloud of fog or crumble into snowflakes. Some legends say that the souls of those who are frozen in the snow turn into Yuki-onna. For a long time, this spirit was considered an undoubted evil, killing careless travelers, but over time, Yuki-onna began to give more human features. In some works, she even becomes the wife of the person she loves, and only an accidental discovery of her essence makes Yuki-onno forever leave her beloved and her children, leaving for the Underworld.
However, there are other ideas about this ghost. He may look like an ugly old woman - a witch, freezing travelers, or drinking blood or life force from them.
A sketch of a tattoo depicting Yuki-onna and a tattoo where Yuki-onna is shown as an ugly old woman - a witch. Hatsuhana - pious ghost
Japanese Hatsuhana ghost tattoo
Hatsuhana or Hatsuna is a pious ghost. The character of the play of the Kabuki theater "The phenomenon of a miracle in the mountains of Hakone, or Revenge of the legless" ("Hakone reigen Izari no Adauchi"). A scene from the play is shown where the spirit of the villainously murdered woman Hatsuhana, being under the icy jets of a waterfall, prays to Buddha Amid to heal her infirm husband, and he could take revenge on her killer. Prayer under a waterfall was an ancient Japanese custom that did not change even after the adoption of Buddhism. It was believed that such a prayer has a special power - a person proves his determination, self-sacrifice and great faith, and without fear enters the freezing, whipping streams of the waterfall. The image of Hatsuhana is for those who wish happiness and well-being for their loved ones and are ready to make any sacrifices for this.
Engraving by Utagawa Kuniyoshi and sketch of a tattoo with the ghost of Hatsuhana 4.5 / 5 ( 2 votes)
