Japanese tattoos on the female body. Guide to the culture of Japanese tattoos. Phoenix tattoo meaning

Tattoos are widespread throughout the world, including the Japanese islands. Here, with the help of wearable drawings, men convey their spirituality, principles and values in life, position in society and social status. But most often, Japanese tattoos for men are associated with the mafia.

Initially, in Japan, tattoos were applied to criminals as a punishment, so today many such sketches are distributed around the world among prisoners. In addition, Eastern culture is distinguished by its spirituality and wisdom, hence the demand for Japanese tattoos. The best sketches, tips for choosing and applying to the body, styles and mono colors can be found in the article below.

Japanese-style tattoos are a whole independent trend in tattoo culture, which has preserved its traditions and canons to this day. Each individual sketch, symbol, character and even pattern carries a certain meaning and sacred meaning. In 2018-2019, the following sketches were popular:

Turtle- a symbol of wisdom, deep knowledge, as well as the presence of supernatural abilities, the ability to predict the future.

The Dragon- the tattoo represents the energy of the sun and fire, good luck and longevity. In Japan, dragons were drawn with three fingers on their limbs, the mythical character acted as a sacred guardian spirit.

Snake- The Japanese believed that snakes had supernatural powers, protected from troubles and misfortunes. A tattoo with a snake coiled around a hammer was considered a talisman for good luck and success.

Tiger- tattoo speak of the nobility, honor, courage and masculinity of the owner. Also in Eastern culture, it was said that tigers drive away evil spirits from a person.

Chania mask- a drawing of an ancient spirit into which a jealous girl has turned. The tattoo reminds of what negative emotions and feelings can lead to, and also personifies wisdom and intelligence.

Carp- a tattoo that means courage, stamina and endurance of a male character.

Peony- in Eastern culture it is a sign of masculinity, as well as a symbol of prosperity and financial well-being.

Sakura- a symbol of humility and understanding of the transience of life, since the plant blooms for only a couple of days

Magnolia- a beautiful flower, personifying the steadfastness and fortitude in a man, a firm position in life.

Lotus- a symbol of spiritual purity, goodness, eternity of the human soul.

Yakuza- a symbol of a gangster group and the mafia, personifying fearlessness, courage and adventurism.

Samurai- the warrior personifies selfless devotion, moral and physical perfection, love of freedom, reverence for canons, laws and traditions.

Nature, landscapes, waves- such a background for a Japanese tattoo means balance, calmness, harmony and peace of mind.

Hieroglyphs- writing, which carries a clear and direct meaning, depending on the written words.

Kintaro- a character from Japanese folklore, representing the unity of the local deity of fertility and the real historical figure of the child. The tattoo usually depicts a naked child with red skin fighting a carp. The meaning of the tattoo is luck, courage and courage.

Maple leaves- Kintaro in a fight with a powerful carp, but dressed and older, armed with a dagger. The maple leaf symbolizes the autumn season in the tattoo, the love of a man and the stamina of his character.

ninja rat- in Eastern culture, the rat is compared with the deity of wealth (namely, with one of the seven gods of luck). Tattoo means fertility, harvest, prosperity and nepotism, and ninja, because he has the art of disguise and sabotage.

Phoenix- an eternal creature from mythology, reborn from the ashes. It means eternal love, the absence of fear of death, the hope for rebirth and renewal of the soul.

For reference! In Japanese culture today, the tattoo is associated with the mafia. The authorities of different cities often have a negative attitude towards tattoos among the Japanese, and people with tattoos on their bodies fall under their disfavor. For this reason, the Japanese hide tattoos with clothes and choose secluded places on the body.

What places do men often apply tattoos with a Japanese theme

Only by choosing the desired sketch for a tattoo, and understanding its meaning, a man can consider which area of the body can be tattooed. The Japanese style accepts large and spectacular drawings, which means that they most often choose spacious areas - arms, legs, back, chest.

Shoulder

On the shoulders of a man, you can visually assess his strength and reliability, so here you can place a medium-sized tattoo with animals or warriors, expressing strength and courage.

Forearm

There will be more space on the forearm, so here you can apply a whole composition from different sketches. But most often, yakuza tattoos are beaten here, as well as samurai and wild animals. The tattoo is demonstrative in nature, showing the environment the qualities and principles of the owner.

Wrist tattoo

It is difficult to place a large tattoo with the above sketch options on the wrist. As a rule, it can be the muzzle of a dragon, a tiger, a snake coiled into a ball, carps. Plant elements are also appropriate in a simple and concise design.

Tattoos on the palm, on the hand and fingers

On the hand, palm or fingers, only one version of the tattoo is appropriate - Japanese hieroglyphs, which carry a certain meaning and a clear subtext. Alternatively, a miniature dragon, snake or turtle in the style of minimalism or graphics will look original on the hand.

Tattoo sleeve

The sleeve is the most successful idea for the Japanese tattoo style. Here you can go beyond the size and scale of the tattoo, combine several animals, characters, and patterns at once. This is a whole artistic composition, covering the entire hand, and also providing for a demonstrative character.

Neck

It is rather difficult to draw a dragon or a samurai on the neck, since the space is extremely limited. Inscriptions in Japanese are usually beaten here, or only parts of animals are depicted - a paw, a footprint, a muzzle. Only tattoos with a deep sacred meaning will be appropriate.

Breast

It is customary to beat tattoos on the chest that protect against failures and dangers. Therefore, here you can apply a drawing of a dragon, a dragon and a tiger, other characters, supplementing the picture with plant elements, inscriptions.

Side

A large and spectacular drawing will fit on the side, but you need to choose tattoos of a non-trivial personal nature. For example, animals that I would like to imitate, warriors to cultivate wisdom and courage in themselves, and much more.

Hip

On the thigh, men rarely get tattoos, as their meaning will relate to the personal and intimate component of life. As an option, here you can apply a picture of carps, as a symbol of masculinity, a peony, as a sign of masculinity, a wild beast, as the personification of passion and a fiery temper.

Back

On the back, you can place the largest and most complex sketch, for example, a combination of animals symbolizing different energies, drawings of flowers and trees, a Japanese samurai. The drawing on the back is always a spectacular, bright and rich option.

shoulder blade

Between the shoulder blades is an energy center responsible for the ego of a man. Therefore, it is customary to get tattoos here that bring wisdom, humility, tolerance, balance to life. A vivid example of this is a turtle or plant sketches.

Leg

Any animal in the Japanese style will look original on the leg - a dragon, a tiger or a snake. Often drawings of warriors are applied here, and the composition is supplemented with plant elements. The meaning of the tattoo should motivate a man to do the right thing and move forward.

Remember that Japanese-style tattoos are always bright, large and complex sketches that require long application, high-quality paints and high pay. To choose a tattoo, decide on a few points:

the purpose and task of the tattoo- what exactly do you expect from a tattoo, what changes in life and in yourself do you want;
sketch- make your own drawing, other people's ideas can only be a source of inspiration;
location- if it is a demonstrative tattoo, it can be placed in a conspicuous place, if it is of a personal nature, it must be hidden in a secluded place;
style and colors- designate for yourself which style of execution is closer to the meaning of the tattoo and your tastes, and also decide whether it will be a color or black and white tattoo;
additional characters- the scale and cohesion of the sketch is possible due to the filling of empty gaps with floral elements or ornaments, the choice is up to you.
How to choose a sketch of a tattoo in relation to a place on the body?

There are several important tips on which you can predetermine the place on the body and the sketch of the tattoo that suits it. Namely:
- tattoos with a deep sacred meaning are placed on areas close to the head;
- in areas hidden from the gaze of the environment, personal non-trivial tattoo options are performed;
- on large areas of the body (back, chest, shoulders, sides, arms and legs), large-scale and complex tattoo compositions are appropriate;
- small and concise sketches are suitable for small areas of the body (hands, wrists, fingers, neck, shoulder blades);
- talismans, amulets, magic symbols are forbidden to be applied to the lower part of the body.
Remember that the emotional and sacred meaning of a tattoo must match the character, image, lifestyle and interests of the owner.

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Styles and colors of Japanese tattoos

The main and distinctive rule for the performance of Japanese tattoos is the asymmetry of the elements in the composition. The master must complete the outline of the drawing with smooth and thinnest lines, enhancing the brightness and saturation of colors from the center to the edges. Japanese sketches are most often performed in several styles:

trash polka- the use of contrasting colors, some aggression in the execution of the picture;

realism– the most realistic execution of the drawing;

watercolor- positive and color drawing without contour and borders;

minimalism- concise execution of a tattoo for a small area on the body;

black work- use only black and white colors.

The master pays special attention to the color scheme of the Japanese sketch, preferring the use of saturated colors - red, blue, green, yellow, etc.

Symbols that can be combined with a Japanese tattoo

What symbols and additional elements to decorate a tattoo, the man himself decides, starting from the meaning of the tattoo. Most often, the following are attached to the Japanese theme:

nature- mountains, rivers, moon, sun;

vegetable elements- flowers, sakura, trees;

wild animals- tiger, snake, turtle, dragon;

hieroglyphs- inscriptions or numbers in Japanese;

Chania mask- a frightening and magical element.

When choosing additional elements, a man must understand what exactly he wants to focus on, what mood to bring into the overall composition of the tattoo. For men, masters are often recommended to supplement the sketch with animals, fantastic characters from Japanese culture and mythology, inscriptions and flowers.

Where is the best place to get a tattoo?

You need to get a tattoo done in a reliable tattoo parlor, where experienced and qualified tattoo artists work. Most modern institutions and professionals have personal websites and social media accounts on the Internet. There you can see catalogs of work done and reviews from previous clients.

Conclusion

The traditions and heroes of Japanese culture have always been interesting and relevant among Europeans. Almost every good master can find Japanese tattoos with animals, mythical characters, plants, as well as samurai warriors in the catalog of works. The sketch of the desired tattoo must be selected taking into account the place on the body, the style of execution, the sacred meaning and character of the owner.

According to the most common version in the 5th c. BC e. The tattoo was borrowed from China, where it has been used since the 11th century. BC e. In the III century. n. e. Chinese travelers who visited Japan noted in the chronicle of San Kuochi that people of noble origin here differ from the common people in that they wear drawings on their faces. According to another theory, the tattoo entered Japan in ancient times thanks to the Ainu who lived next door to the Japanese in the period from 7000 to 250 BC. The most common legend among the Japanese themselves says that the mythical ruler of Japan, Jimmu (660-585 BC), wore tattoos so effective that he delighted Queen Senoyatatara who composed a poem in their honor. Therefore, in Japan until 500, decorating the body with a tattoo was the privilege of emperors, later it turned into a decorative art.

The favorable climate for the rapid development of the arts, created by the historical events of the 17th century, contributed to the emergence of a beautiful artistic tattoo as a separate branch of art. Over time, tattoo fashion has become mandatory in certain social circles. At the beginning of the XIX century. in the largest Japanese city of Edo (now Tokyo), body tattooing has taken root so much that an artisan who does not have skin drawings would certainly be on the list of the seven wonders of the capital.

To attract the attention of customers, they begin to decorate their bodies with beautiful courtesan tattoos. With the help of tattoos, oiran and tayu bypassed the ban on showing a naked body. Covered with multi-colored patterns, the skin seemed to be a kind of imitation of clothing, while making the woman even more seductive. In this case, only the face, palms and feet remained untattooed. Often strong feelings arose between the oiran and her partner, and then they got tattooed together. For example, as a sign of fidelity to each other, moles were applied to the hands, so that when the palms were clasped, the marks were mutually covered by the thumbs. The names of lovers were pricked, accompanied by the hieroglyph inoti - fate, which in Russian can be interpreted as love to the grave.

Part of the Japanese tradition are flower tattoos: peony symbolizes wealth and good luck, chrysanthemum - determination and self-control, sakura - "we are just guests on this earth".
Samurai were tattooed with cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums, thus making it clear that they could die on the battlefield at any moment and for this they had enough determination. The short life cycle of the Japanese cherry is the transience of life. And the life of a samurai was like cherry blossoms.
The tattoo in the form of pink cherry blossoms has become famous far beyond Japan, especially among women.

The popularity of the tattoo also grew thanks to famous dramatic actors who saw in it a new way to achieve expression on stage. At the end of the XVIII century. one of the most beautiful tattoos could boast of the outstanding actor Nakamura Utaemon IV. Following the example of actors, the fashion for tattoos gradually began to take hold in some circles of the Japanese aristocracy. The period at the turn of the 18th - 19th centuries is considered golden in the history of Japanese tattoos. Painting motifs have become not only an adornment of the body, but also a subject for reflection. As a rule, tattoos depict legendary heroes or religious subjects, which can be interspersed with flowers, landscapes, symbolic animals such as dragons and tigers, against the background of waves, clouds or rays, and in motion, which makes their perception three-dimensional, since the main motives of Japanese tattoos were ancient fairy tales and legends associated with the sea. A large group of saints, samurai and monks, courtesans, geishas, kabuki theater actors, sumo wrestlers, etc. also found a place in Japanese tattooing.
The most common tattoo motifs were dragon and carp. The popularity of tattooing and its elevation to the rank of art led to the high prestige of the most popular Japanese tattooists, who were called hori. This name comes from the main "horu", which means the action of "engraving" or "digging", while the concept of "hori-mono" corresponds to the word "tattoo". Even today in Japan, the names of famous tattoo artists of the Edo period are remembered. Among them are: Hori Iyuua, Karakusa-Gonta, Kon Konjiro, Nakamon, Kaneto, Yakkozei, Darumakin, Iku. To this day, the eminent modern hori-mono practitioners refuse to use an electric tattoo machine.

While working, tattoo artists use bamboo sticks with needles attached to them. From one to four needles are used to apply the pattern, and a set of thirty needles in the form of a bundle is used to fill the surface of the pattern. This bunch of needles is called "hari".

In the process of performing a Japanese tattoo distinguish five phases.
The first phase (“suji”) is based on applying a sketch of the motif and the whole composition to the skin using black ink or a special dye that is firmly held on the skin. One session is enough to complete this work.
The second phase is the selection and fixing of the contour with an instrument with one to four needles fixed on it, which are immersed in very thick black ink.
The third phase is based on pricking the skin with a large number of needles collected in a bundle. This allows you to achieve the desired filling of the composition with color and tone.
The fourth phase, called “tsuki-hari” (“tsuki” - to punch and “hari” - a bunch of needles), consists in a shallow pricking of significant fragments of the body surface with a small number of needles without shading it. The needles are driven into the skin with light strokes with the base of the palm, after which the needles are additionally pressed into the body.
The fifth phase consists in the fact that during the pricking of the skin, a slight swing is given to the hand. The piercing depth is precisely controlled. The use of this technique allows you to achieve the best effects when shading the surface of the composition. This procedure is the least painful, because it is carefully controlled, and at the same time the most difficult technically.

Japanese tattooists use predominantly black and red pigments, less often bronze and very rarely green and yellow. After each tattooing procedure, the client is required to take a bath. This improves well-being and makes the tattoo more effective. People with a fresh tattoo are warned against drinking alcohol, since alcohol combined with a freshly pricked skin can lead to poisoning of the body.

However, over time, tattoo art has become a symbol of the underworld. In ancient Japan, a person with a tattoo was persona non grata: he was expelled from his family and society, doomed to complete isolation.
There is evidence that already in the 8th century in the land of the rising sun, punishment tattoos were used. One of the conspirators who decided to overthrow the existing government was tattooed right near his eyes so that everyone would know what a terrible crime he had planned. Four centuries later, the separation of criminals from the law-abiding population through tattooing became widespread. Moreover, in different principalities and provinces they were stigmatized in the form of punishment in different ways.
In the town of Chukuzen, those who were guilty of the first crime were inflicted on their foreheads with a horizontal line, for the second - an arcuate line, for the third - another line. the scariest). Also, the criminals were marked with a circle on the left shoulder, and a double line around the biceps of the left hand (each new crime added along the line), and the hieroglyph "aku", which means "villain".
Therefore, initially, yakuza tattoos carried the meaning of hiding punishment tattoos - on the body of criminals, tattoos were usually done in a conspicuous place and could even tell in which prison they were serving their sentence. Irezumi is an attempt to "hide" the criminal's mark by stylization and the introduction of additional motives.
The yakuza have been using extensive tattoos for centuries as a sign of belonging to a group, as well as to indicate their position in a group.
In addition, when joining the yakuza, peasants and artisans received new, militant-sounding names, such as Tiger and Crane, Nine Dragons, Roaring Storm, etc., which were then applied in the form of paintings on the back or chest. The Japanese classic tattoo, inherited by the yakuza, is distinguished by beauty, a variety of plots and colors, and carries a hidden meaning that is incomprehensible to the uninitiated.

The Dragon- symbolizes power and strength, and at the same time uniting fire and water.
The dragon has always been a powerful and beautiful animal for the Japanese. According to mythological beliefs, tatsu, as dragons are called in Japan, who live near bodies of water, have close ties with the gods. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of dragon tattoos. For the Japanese, the image of a dragon is supposed to bring good luck. The size, style, location of the tattoo can change the meaning. For example, a dragon wrapped around a sword and glaring at you with bright red eyes demonstrates the power and strength of its owner. A dragon soaring above the clouds is the determination to do everything for the sake of freedom and independence.

Carp- symbolizes courage, bravery, stoicism. A special place is occupied by a variety of sea and water motifs in general, which is simply explained: the life of many Japanese is closely connected with the sea. For this reason, in a Japanese tattoo, a wave motif often appears next to water creatures, which serves as a background and reveals the texture of the body. Sometimes he dictates stylistic originality.

Tiger - fearlessness symbol. Although the tiger is extremely rare in Japan, tattoo artists have depicted it frequently since the late Edo period. To a greater extent, thanks to one of the heroes of the Suikoden novel, who had a tiger tattoo on his back. Most often, the image is somewhat distorted, since a tiger could only be seen in Chinese paintings. Persistence, power, dominance - the symbolism associated with the tiger. A tiger that has released its claws or pounces on prey will tell about the aggressive disposition of the owner of the tattoo.

snakes, which are associated with many religious rites in Japan in the distant past, symbolizes the regenerative nature of life itself. In the Japanese tradition, the snake is associated with the divine feminine - wisdom and cunning.

Probably the most famous Japanese tattoo han demon mask although it has nothing to do with the devil. The mask, on the other hand, can ward off evil. Once upon a time there lived a young woman who fell in love with a monk. But love remained unrequited, rage distorted her beautiful face and she turned into an oni (demon). The Han mask is used in Noh theater performances, depicting women who turn into monsters out of jealousy and anger. A tattoo in the form of a Han mask was made by samurai, believing that the fallen angels would keep them.

Demons, monsters, one can say a revered theme in Japanese culture, especially in tattooing. According to the Japanese, tattoos of this kind, on the contrary, will protect and protect. Demon dog (Inuyasha), centipede demon, foxes, tanuki are common characters in Japanese-style tattoos. The most striking feature of a Japanese tattoo is its vastness. A tattoo that was consistently performed on a person for several years could lead to the emergence of a composition in the form of a “kimono” or “open cloak”. Such a tattoo is called full and tightly covers the torso, leaving the space in the center of the chest and abdomen unfilled. In the upper part, it reaches the elbows, filling the forearms, in the lower part it ends on the hips. Also, the distinctive features are the presence of pronounced motifs:
- usually one stands out - the main one, and a large number of small ones, with the help of which the entire surface of the skin is filled. They often weave and create a backdrop for the presenter. Ornaments (usually geometric) and inscriptions can also be used as secondary ones. - multicolor, intensity, contrast of colors (black and red colors are most common),
- expressiveness and expression, achieved by using the knowledge of human anatomy, primarily muscle tissue (the image is applied in such a way that the effect of movement during muscle work is created), weaving into the motif of the drawing of body parts (the navel, collarbone, nipples became elements of a common motif),
- emphasizing the contours: the edges of the main motifs were shaded or highlighted with a decorative outline.
symbolism - almost any motif of a Japanese tattoo is a symbol.
Japanese tattoo masters continue to fulfill orders, passing on the skill from generation to generation, along with a unique way of tattooing (traditional tattoo art implies a canonical method of making using bamboo and family dye recipes)
Schools of Japanese tattoo artists, studios and family clans (Horitoshi, Horitama, Irezumi and others) are widely known. Masters of other continents also offer “Japanese tattoo” services, however, despite the quality work, the truly traditional way of making a Japanese tattoo remains only in Japan itself within the clans.

The article is based on photographs and a translation of Sandi Fellman's book "The Japanese Tattoo", with additions.

Irezumi is not just a bright picture tattooed on the skin. This is a kind of human shield, his guardian. The tattoo can also serve as a warning - "Beware of the one who wears it!" She is like the snake-haired Gorgon Medusa from Greek mythology, or the snake woman Lamia from Keats' poem...

Coiled in a ring, scaly shine leah -
The sparkle of crimson, azure, gold:
The snake was like a zebra, striped,
Like a spotted leopard; the peacock himself
I would fade next to her in a moment.
And, with silver moons are similar,
Glare played on wonderful skin.

The skin covered with irezumi, after suffering the fiery pain from the needle, becomes the cool skin of a reptile. Images of writhing dragons, lightning in numerous zigzags, fish scales, and ripples from a moving body that photography is not able to capture, increase the defensive and enclosing effect. Do irezumi wearers shield themselves from their emotions? Are they people protesting against the morality, technology, consumerism and conformism inherent in modern Japan? All that can be said about irezumi is Secrecy and Remoteness. Secrecy is provided by a strict business suit that completely hides a tattoo, and Remoteness is a state of mind of a person wearing it, remote from many norms and prohibitions of modern society.

Japanese carp tattoo meaning

Carp (鯉), referred to in Japan as "Koi" - was brought during the Middle Ages to the Land of the Rising Sun by settlers from China - a country where it was grown and bred for many centuries. The carp immediately fell in love with the locals, who continued to work on its appearance through careful selection. In Chinese and Japanese cuisine, carp is given the place of the king of freshwater fish. It's hard to believe that this bright and bizarre fish, sparkling with gold, red and orange hues of scales, comes from an ordinary freshwater carp. The magnificence of the Koi carp has long made it a popular subject for attractive tattoos for both men and women. Images of carp are distinguished by dynamism, rich colors and high decorativeness.
An ancient Chinese legend, which has become popular in Japan, says that the brave Koi carp was not afraid to climb up the waterfall to the Dragon Gate, and, as a reward for this feat, was turned into a dragon. This act made the carp a symbol of courage, strength and perseverance in achieving the goal. It is believed that the caught carp, without flinching, takes the blow of the carving knife. So, the image of a carp can be both a symbol of fearlessness and composure in the face of an inevitable fate - qualities inherent in a real warrior - a samurai. Generally speaking, the meaning of a tattoo can be defined as the desire of its owner to become like a carp in determination, strength and luck, and to increase their well-being thanks to these qualities.

Japanese dragon tattoo meaning

In Japan, of all the mythological creatures, the most popular is the dragon. The image of a dragon as a decoration or ornament can be found in all aspects of everyday life. In the mythology of the East, the dragon is a symbol of strength, loyalty, perseverance, nobility, magic, the power of imagination and transformation, a symbol of the ability to go beyond the ordinary, and much more. Imperial clothing in Japan is solemnly called "Dragon Robes", which is decorated with images of dragons, indicating the power of the monarch and the patronage of dragons. Being the lord of the water and air elements, the dragon was also considered a protector from fire, so firefighters revered him. The dragon in its appearance combines parts of other animals, and thus can extract the necessary properties and powers from each creature that is part of it. In this lies its omnipotence and universalism. The dragon is a serpent with deer antlers, carp scales and whiskers, eagle's four-fingered feet, camel's nose, and flame-shaped protrusions on the shoulders and hips.

This fragment of a dragon tattoo shows its head. Indulging youthful tastes, master Horiyoshi III performed this tattoo in the cartoon style of manga (European-style comic books), however, leaving traditional oriental features - a furry muzzle, fanged mouth, mustache, horns and flame-shaped protrusions on the body. The dragon and its background form the elements of yin-yang - different aspects of a single reality or the interaction and struggle of opposite principles.

The Japanese master Horikin is known for designing and making a Japanese-style tattoo on the entire body of the customer. However, the client pictured asked for only one dragon, perhaps to indicate that he was born in the year of the Dragon, the fifth year of the eastern zodiac, or perhaps to “strengthen” right hand. In addition, he asked for this tattoo in the western style, called "nukibori" by the Japanese, which has recently become popular among Japanese youth. The difference between this method and the traditional Japanese one is that the contour of the picture is filled with a uniform color, without retouching, color transitions and shadows.

The Meaning of Kintaro's Tattoo

Kintaro ("Golden Boy") (金太郎) is one of the most popular characters in Japanese folklore, and is actually a combination of a local fertility deity (kami) with a real historical figure. According to Japanese folk tales and heroic legends, Kintaro, as a child, possessed remarkable physical strength. His amazing feats and perseverance served as an example for the Japanese for a thousand years as an example of an ideal warrior. In Japanese art, Kintaro is often depicted as a small, naked, red-skinned child who fights and defeats a huge carp. The legend of Kintaro is central to the celebration of Boy's Day, which is celebrated on May 5th. Families with sons set up high poles outside their houses, at the ends of which kites made of paper or fabric, depicting carps, flutter. In this way, they want to show that perhaps a new Kintaro lives here. Parents give children toys in the form of this legendary hero, hoping that they will become as strong and brave as Kintaro.
This tattoo symbolizes strength, courage and bravery. The tattoo is popular with people involved in any kind of martial arts.

This photo shows the work of tattoo artist Horikin. When this photograph was taken, the person with this image was very sick, and therefore Khorikin suggested that his customer bequeath the tattooed skin to the University Museum. The man himself was not opposed to this, but his relatives strongly objected. According to Japanese law, parts of a person's body, including skin, after his death cannot be used without the permission of his family. Therefore, this photograph will be the only surviving evidence of this work of art by master Horikin.

Another tattoo artist, Horiyoshi II, completely covered the customer's back with the image of Kintaro in the form of a boy of angelic appearance, who fights with a mighty carp. Kintaro wears a blue haramaki (a wide fabric belt, an apron) covering his hara (stomach), which the Japanese consider to be the source of thought and intentions, the source of feelings. In the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, the location of the soul and the center of human life was not considered the head or heart, but the belly, which occupies a kind of middle position in relation to the whole body, contributing to a more balanced and harmonious development of a person. Particular importance was attached to the navel, because through it, as they believed in Japan, the thunder god sends diseases. Therefore, he was covered with a protective warm sash.

The meaning of the Japanese lion tattoo

Japanese lion tattoo. Master Horigoro III.

Guardian Lion or Koma Inu (Korean Dog).
This tattoo was done by Horigoro III and depicts a koma inu. There is a legend that when the Japanese Empress Jingo in 200 AD. undertook a campaign in Korea, the Korean wang (king) vowed to forever protect the palace of the Japanese emperors. The mythical Korean dog (koma-inu - a dog with a lion's head), which corresponds to the Chinese lion - guardian (kara shishi or jishi), also called the "Lion of the Buddha", was supposed to protect the owner's house from evil spirits. It was believed that the skin from the head of a Korean dog was unusually durable, and helmets were allegedly made from it, which an arrow could not pierce. The statues of these creatures, made of stone or porcelain, are installed in front of the entrance to Buddhist shrines, government residences, administrative buildings, tombs of the rulers of the past in China, Japan and some other countries of the Far East. The guardian lion or the Korean dog symbolizes protection, power, success and strength. In order to tame their unbridled rage (which is symbolized by the symbol "yang"), for aesthetic balance, a beautiful peony flower (symbol "yin") is always depicted next to the lion. The dog, as such, is considered in Japan to be a faithful guardian of babies and young children.

Peony Flower Meaning in Japanese Tattoo

Japanese peony flower tattoo

The symbolic meaning of the peony flower in Japanese culture and art - in this case, in the art of tattooing, like the meaning of many other images, suggests that there are many options. In China, where the peony comes from, it is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, which ultimately leads to prosperity. One of the meanings that the peony received in Japan also characterizes it as a flower of wealth and good luck. For card players, a peony tattoo indicates courage and the ability to take risks. In the same sense, in the old days, this flower was very popular among the samurai, second only to sakura in popularity. The warriors in their bright armor themselves resembled blooming peonies, and the battle was divided into many one-on-one duels, where everyone tried to stand out, to show himself in all its glory. Then the saying appeared “during the war, look for a big flower”, that is, to find a worthy opponent, to take risks. Therefore, the peony symbolizes a desperately brave person.
But there is also the opposite meaning of this beautiful flower. It can be a symbol of harmony, feminine beauty and spring. In a tattoo, it is designed to soften the too rigid, straightforward meaning of some other images, giving them a different symbolic focus. For example, in the case of the Korean dog and lion, images of peonies turn these ferocious guardians into faithful adherents of beauty and gallant treatment, but only if the tattoo wearer is treated properly. Otherwise, the peony becomes an additional warlike sign.

The meaning of cherry blossoms in a tattoo

Horyoshi III for this tattoo turned to the plots of a series of ukiyo-e (engravings) made by Utamaro depicting beautiful women from the "fun quarters" of Yoshiwara in some Japanese cities of the 18th century. Many of these women themselves had tattoos on their bodies. Japanese cherry blossoms - sakura are one of the most famous symbols of Japan, and are very popular as a tattoo. Cherries bloom in early spring and lose their flower petals very quickly. The brevity of this delicate beauty inevitably made the sakura a symbol of the short life of a warrior and the short period of youth and attractiveness of a courtesan. The depicted courtesan, to give a hint of eroticism, made cherry-colored shadows around passionate eyes.

The meaning of maple leaves

KINTARO AND MAPLE LEAVES. This tattoo once again shows Kintaro in a deadly fight with a powerful carp. This time, Kintaro is older in age, fully clothed and armed with a dagger. The maple leaf in China and Japan has many meanings - it can symbolize love, autumn, stamina (since maple is not afraid of winter cold). In this case, the leaves can also denote a long stubborn struggle. On the left, in the upper part of the back, the signature of Master Horichi is visible.

The Meaning of the Japanese Rat Tattoo

Irezumi. Rat. Tattoo master Horikin.

RAT - NINJA.
The customer was born in the year of the Rat, which opens the 12 year cycle of the Eastern Calendar. He chose this beast as a tattoo on his back, which was done by the master Horikin. It is difficult to explain why the rat, this rodent pest, was glorified in Japanese mythology. However, the rat is associated with the deity of wealth, one of the seven gods of fortune, and is depicted snooping around the rice bales. She is also a symbol of fertility, as seen in this humorous tattoo where a huge parent rat is surrounded by squeaking hungry rats.
But in addition, the rat also symbolizes the ancient Japanese art of ninjutsu - the art of disguise, espionage and sabotage. Ninja - secret agents, like rats, could sneak into enemy castles unnoticed in order to steal, find out, or commit murder. The ninja were very cautious and preferred to operate at night, where, under the cover of darkness, it was easier to remain invisible. It was believed that the most skilled ninja were able to change their shape through magical spells. The same ability was attributed to the rat itself. The character of the Kabuki theater, the sorcerer Nikki Danjo, turns into a huge rat or trees during the performance in order to turn his unseemly deeds.

Phoenix tattoo meaning

For the tattoo on his wife's back, Horiyoshi III chose the image of the legendary phoenix bird - a mythical eternal creature that can be reborn from the ashes again and again after it burns itself in a fire. In this case, the phoenix symbolizes eternal love and the hope of rebirth after death.

The meaning of the Japanese tattoo is a web, a spider.

The client asked for a “thin and detailed image” on his armpit, one of the most painful areas to tattoo and also one of the most dangerous. There are many sweat glands here, and from needle pricks in this place, profuse sweating begins. The hair on the armpits prompted Horikin the idea to depict a spider web in this place. In Japan, a spider has a dual meaning: if you see a spider during the day, it promises good luck, and if you meet it at night, it is a bad omen. The web, as an outstanding natural phenomenon, clearly arouses respect among the Japanese, but, nevertheless, the image of a spider as a symbol of the inconsistency of nature - it creates beauty only in order to grab and kill - causes fear among Japanese tattoo artists and their customers.

Kabuki Benten Character - Kozo

Benten - Kozo was one of the most popular and beloved characters from the repertoire of the Kabuki theater. He was a noble robber, and his beauty allowed him, in order to carry out his crimes, to impersonate a woman. In one of the scenes, after he robs a jewelry store, a modest and noble girl suddenly tears her kimono and shows the audience a male tattooed body. It is this moment that Master Horijin depicts on the tattoo. The customer's back is divided by a tattoo - if on the left Benten is still in women's clothing, then on the right he shows a tattoo on his body. The swirling swirls around Benten are not just a decoration of the composition, they indicate the character's exuberant and chaotic lifestyle.

wind and lightning

In this unfinished tattoo by Horiyoshi III, a round solar plexus medallion shown between two nipple-wrapped dragon tails is likely the emblem of a yakuza bandit group (a similar group of like-minded people is called "nakama"). The emblem is a stylized image of a rice cauldron, and has a hidden meaning: "he who eats from the same cauldron is a brother." On the right side of the chest is depicted the god of the winds Fujin, one of the twelve bodhisattvas - the kings of Buddhism, who is always depicted as a terrible demon, which he was before he went over to the side of the Buddha. Here he fights a comical, laughing rain dragon.

Moderation

This tattoo was made by master Horijin. One of the oldest styles in Japanese tattooing, which remains popular even today, is the “river” (“kawa”) style, since a strip of clean skin runs down the center of the body, from top to bottom, like a river. The tattoo was done in such a way that the traditional everyday Japanese clothing - happi (jacket with short narrow sleeves) and mompei (short knee-length pants) completely hid it. Now she allows you to wear a shirt with short sleeves and shorts. Such a "river" or "quarter of the body" was supposed to prevent the removal of the skin after the death of a person, since it did not allow the irezumi composition to be preserved intact.
The left nipple is decorated in the form of a peony flower, while from the right nipple a waterfall rushes down, in the jets of which a carp is shown persistently making its way to the top to be reborn into a dragon. A horned dragon is depicted on the right bicep, as if illustrating the ultimate goal of a stubborn carp. The tail of the dragon ends on the left hand, where it is shown among the clouds. The man wears traditional Japanese underwear called a fundoshi (loincloth).

perseverance

On this tattoo, master Horijin depicted an episode of a famous Chinese parable about how a lioness mother carried her beloved little cub down into the gorge. She herself climbed the mountain, and from there she called him to her, encouraging him to make a difficult ascent. Thus, the lioness tried to teach him perseverance and endurance. This parable of the survival of the fittest symbolized the Confucian view of ideal parents who sacrifice their feelings so that their children grow up hardy and resilient.

Excerpt

This tattoo by Horijin shows Kurikara Kengoro, one of the noble bandits from the novel Suikoden. A scene is shown where the hero twists a bamboo stalk, trying to relieve anger and fighting the temptation to commit an evil deed. Next to him, the Buddhist deity Fudo, who patronizes him, is shown.

Jealousy

The tattoo was done, not without European influence, by Horiyoshi III, and shows the traditional appearance of the Japanese two-horned demon (oni), in this case the demon of jealousy. Japanese folklore often mentions jealous women who grow similar horns on their heads. During the wedding ceremony, they hide them under the bride's headdress. Nowadays, many young Japanese people prefer to get similar terrifying and outright hooligan tattoos to themselves, rather than stick to traditional plots.

Heikuro and snakes

For this tattoo, Master Horikin chose the image of Sagi-no-ike Heikuro, one of the 108 tattooed characters in the adventurous Chinese novel Suikoden, translated into Japanese by Kyokutei Bakin in 1805. The heroes of this work were glorified thanks to numerous engravings in the style of "ukiyo-e" (the direction of the fine arts of Japan during the Edo period) in the middle. XIX century, made by such famous artists as Utagawa, Kuniyoshi, Toyokuni and Kunisada. The tattoo shows Heikuro's deadly fight with a giant snake. The tattoo is done so skillfully that you feel the power of the writhing snake and the strength of the valiant Heikuro with every movement of the tattooed body.

Endurance

Peonies tattooed around the nipples and navel attract the butterfly, just as the waves running off the rocks attract the fearless carp. Above the solar plexus, Master Horijin placed the characters "shinobu", which means "endurance". This word has another meaning when applied to the secret symbolism of irezumi: "to be secretive, to live a secretive life."

transcendence

Horikin developed this design for his head ("the abode of all the senses"), which was then tattooed by Horigoro III, Horikin II (his brother and student), and Horyoshi III. Here the art of tattooing is combined with the art of calligraphy. The large red symbols are a form of the name of the deity Akala in Sanskrit. In small black characters, the name of the deity is repeated a hundred times, and the image itself resembles a seated Buddha. This is the second head tattoo in Japanese history. The first belonged to Horikama, who died in 1932.

Characters from the Kabuki theater

This photo shows the tattoos of two people combined to show one of the scenes of a Kabuki performance, a traditional Japanese theatre. On the left, one of the heroic characters of the 17th century is shown trying to tear the mouth of a mythological snake-like monster (actually a sorcerer), while a frightened courtesan looks on (this character can be recognized by the belt - obi, tied in front, which is a comic allusion to that she spends a lot of time lying on her back due to her profession).

Vortex

Horikin is arguably the most skilled and knowledgeable tattoo artist in modern Japan, and one of his finest work is featured here. In addition to being highly complex, the work shown uses unusual colors - a combination of purples, whites and yellows in addition to the more traditional blacks, greens, reds and blues. This extensive tattoo covers the entire body of the customer, except for the face, hands and feet. Among the many images on the belly of the customer, one can see a dragon, a Buddhist prayer and two symbolic opposing images of whirling currents.

Trophy

In this case, another side of irezumi is shown - an image of a grotesque character, that is, an image of something strange, eccentric and even ugly. These tattoos by Master Horiyoshi show severed heads, reflecting the ancient samurai tradition of collecting the heads of slain enemies as trophies as proof of prowess. In combination with a Buddhist prayer going diagonally across the hips, this image can also be regarded as an oath to adhere to one's faith until death, and if necessary, lay down one's head for it. Both the artist and his client belong to the Horiyoshi clan, whose tattoos are often sadomasochistic in nature.

Eden (Paradise).

An even more grotesque image than the previous one. Young Japanese often get tattoos depicting something ugly and terrifying in their cruelty, as seen in this tattoo by Horiyoshi III. Cherry blossoms and petals are again shown here - sakura - the national flower of Japan, symbolizing the transience of life. In addition, the tattoo shows a snake - a tempter. Probably, here it was not without the influence of the Christian legend about the Garden of Eden, only in the Japanese vision. The composition is complemented by severed bloodied heads.

Seppuku

Seppuku. Tattoo by an unknown artist.

The tattoo shows a man after he committed ritual hara-kiri (suicide by cutting open the abdomen). This terrible rite is often called seppuku by the Japanese themselves.
It is believed that the rite of seppuku, like many other aspects of their culture and life, the ancestors of the Japanese borrowed from the practice of the aboriginal population of Japan - the Ainu. The rite was cultivated among the samurai class, and thus, the warrior could prove the strength of his spirit and purity of thoughts, or be rehabilitated before society and the gods in case of a serious misconduct. Usually, seppuku was committed by the verdict of the Court of Honor, and in the case of a voluntary death, due to a serious injury or illness, the danger of captivity, an unfulfilled order, or the impossibility of achieving the goal. Sometimes this suicide was committed by warriors who had lost their leader and patron, as a sign of devotion. The reason for suicide could be the most insignificant from the point of view of Europeans - the military class often flaunted their ability to accept a painful death at any moment in order to demonstrate to others their incredible fearlessness and achieve posthumous glory.

Taboo

Irezumi. Tattoos - prayer "Nam yoho renge kyo".

These people were tattooed by two artists - Horikin for the one on the left and Horigoro II for the one on the right. The prayer "Nam yoho renge kyo" ("Glory to the Lotus Sutra of good Dharma!") comes from the fanatical Buddhist sect Nichiren, founded in 1253, and now has about six million followers who are fond of singing and drumming. The followers of this teaching believe that the constant, sincere repetition of this prayer will help everyone achieve Nirvana. On the left is a man on whom the prayer is tattooed in red diagonally, from the right shoulder to the left thigh, and from the bottom up from the right thigh is the same prayer, executed in gold and upside down. The tattoo is done in this way, perhaps in order to show that the mercy of the Buddha extends in all directions and for everyone who believes in his power, no matter how vicious the person is. The special eccentricity of both tattoos lies in the fact that they even extend to the genitals. The penis is the last part of the human body that can be tattooed, as it is the most painful procedure of all. Two assistants have to keep the skin taut while the tattooist applies the design to tiny areas. Many customers at the same time lose consciousness from severe pain.

Water

The works of master Horikin delight with the skill of depicting living beings. It also slightly changes the traditional subject matter of the image. In this tattoo, young Kintaro is riding a slippery huge catfish, and a red goldfish makes its way to spawn up a falling stream on the other thigh. The Lotus Sutra runs obliquely along the left thigh. Another catfish is shown there, wedged into the inscription.

Fire and Water

Shown below are various tattoos done on the legs. Images as a whole fall under the definition of "the connection of two principles - yin and yang" - the eternal struggle of two opposite principles, due to which all changes occur in the world we observe. Shown are flames and waves, dragon claws and carp, autumn leaves and clouds, turtles and gods of fortune with bags overflowing with worldly goods, which they generously bestow on worthy people.

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FURFUR continues to tell its readers about the current state of affairs in tattoo culture. This time we will talk about one of the most ancient traditions - the Japanese tattoo.

The Japanese tradition in tattooing is considered one of the oldest and most influential. Its history dates back thousands of years, and its influence is evidenced even by the fact that tattoos from Japanese masters were worn by monarchs - King Frederick IX of Denmark, Edward VII of England and, according to legend, even Nicholas II.

First of all, they went to study with the masters in order to understand all the elements of traditional design, their meaning and the rules for their combination. In a traditional Japanese tattoo, some elements are often placed together. For example, peonies are traditionally paired with a Japanese lion. All these nuances are the main difficulty of the Japanese tattoo: to draw a dragon, you need to clearly know what kind of dragon it is, because this will determine not only its shape and color, but also its location on the back. The Japanese believe that just this aspect is inaccessible to foreigners - it is impossible to study all the nuances and rules from books alone. And the most orthodox tattoo artists believe that today even among Japanese tattoo artists there is not a single tattoo artist who fully understands this art.

The traditions of Japanese tattooing were preserved not only in the strict rules of drawing, but also in matters of technology. Many old masters continue to use special bamboo tebori sticks instead of a typewriter and claim that with a typewriter the result is completely different - the typewriter paints the skin more densely, and the sticks allow you to achieve a different level of tonal gradation.

On the other hand, the machine allows you to save a lot of time - traditional tebori tattoos were stuffed by hand, and the classic form of a tattoo - a “suit” that covers the entire body from shoulders to hips - takes a lot of time, sometimes about 200 hours. Although for some this is its own specificity - the legendary master Horyoshi III, for example, says that in the West people get tattoos too quickly and thoughtlessly, and continues to be surprised that you can start and finish a tattoo in one day.

It is necessary to make an allowance for the fact that the strict canon in Japanese tattooing is gradually losing ground: the great masters are living out their lives. The same Horioshi replaced bamboo sticks with metal knitting needles, and his admirers followed him, and since the 1990s, many have completely changed the knitting needles to a typewriter. Traditional training is increasingly giving in to internships in the world's best tattoo parlors, and the postmodernism that has come on allows some liberties in the interpretation of classic plots.

In Europe and America, they are trying to make their own kind of oriental, which, in search of individuality, leads to curiosities like a cubic geisha. Oriental tattoo artist Oliver Peck says of this phenomenon: “Before, everything was different: America, Europe and Japan had their own style. Now everything is about the same everywhere, and in America there are more Japanese-style tattoos than in Japan itself.

What's going on now

A story about a Japanese tattoo would be incomplete without a story about how this tattoo is treated in Japan. The fact is that Japan is one of the few countries in which tattooing is still taboo today. The reasons for this, in general, are clear: for a long time, the tattoo was strongly associated with the Japanese mafia and, unfortunately, continues to be considered a symbol of the mafia, at least by the authorities.

Most gyms and swimming pools won't let people in even with tiny tattoos on the inside of their forearms, and larger tattoos that are visible on their arms and legs can even be asked to leave a bar or store. One of the latest sensational stories was the campaign of the mayor of Osaka, Toru Hashimoto, who, under the threat of dismissal, forced all civil servants in the city to report on their tattoos: where they are and what they represent.

It is difficult to say whether the situation will change over time by itself. On the one hand, every year there are more and more people covered with tattoos, on the other hand, tattooed Japanese continue to hide their tattoos. Tattoo artist John Mack says most Japanese people think their neighbors don't have tattoos, but the truth is they just don't show them.

John came to Japan to get a tattoo with Horioshi and liked to have a drink in the local pub in the evening. When it came to tattoos, he boasted about his work from Horioshi - and every time he was asked to show this work. If the situation was right, John would take off his T-shirt, and sometimes the amazing thing happened: after him, the rest of the pub visitors, both men and women, took off their T-shirts. And it turned out that they were all tattooed.

Japanese tattoo masters

Rumor has it that in the past, Horioshi was a real gangster. Horyoshi III has been tattooing for over 40 years, and at one time he studied in accordance with all traditions with the master Horyoshi II. It is no longer possible to sign up with him - he does not start new tattoos, he only completes the old ones.

At 65, he remains one of the best specialists in "costumes" and one of the central figures of the direction, which influenced the entire culture. At this point, he is the author of 11 books and the founder of the tattoo museum in the port of Yokohama.

Shige

One of the best young Japanese tattoo artists. Shige is known for his own style. Of course, he draws on the Japanese tradition, but he gives it his own interpretation, mixing in Western influences - these are the works of Paul Rogers, Ed Hardy and Jerry the sailor.

In tattooing, Shige remained self-taught for a long time, until on one of his travels he met Philip Liu, from whom he decided to make a suit for himself. Despite outright neo-traditionalism, Shige's work is highly appreciated by Horioshi himself, who even agreed to write an introduction to his book and noted in it that Shige's work goes beyond traditional tattooing and has already become art.

Another modern Japanese tattoo artist who is attentive to traditions, but at the same time has his own handwriting and a very unusual style. And, although Miyazo received classical training from master Horitsune II from Osaka, he is quite progressive - for example, he began using a typewriter ten years ago.

Miyazo is one of the most influential Japanese tattooists of today, having influenced Chris Brand and Drew Flors, for example. The importance of Miyazo is evidenced by the fact that, together with Shige, he will represent Japan in the Gipsy Gentleman documentary series dedicated to the world of tattoos.

New York tattoo artist to sign up for a year in advance. Mike is famous for his respect for Japanese style and for making tattoos for tattoo artists. And once he even tattooed a corpse (Mike did not specify the details of this event). He began to work with realism and oriental, including Tibetan and Chinese, and came to the traditional Japanese style. Mike is also a notable moralizer: in all his interviews, he advises tattoo artists who are associated with the Oriental to read more books and do everything according to the rules.

A third-generation artist, Philip Liu loves the Japanese style and has a rare freedom of thought. So, he believes that the use of a particular style should not make a tattoo artist a conformist.

Philip has been tattooing since he was a child. His father was born in Japan and together with his wife (and later children) traveled for almost 30 years around the world - India, Africa, Polynesia, America, to learn national tattoo styles. Philippe is famous for his interpretation of the costume Japanese tattoo - he took it to another level, and it's hard to imagine what neo-traditionalism would be like without him.

The article is based on photographs and a translation of Sandi Fellman's book "The Japanese Tattoo", with additions.

Coiled in a ring, scaly shine leah -
The sparkle of crimson, azure, gold:
The snake was like a zebra, striped,
Like a spotted leopard; the peacock himself
I would fade next to her in a moment.
And, with silver moons are similar,
Glare played on wonderful skin.