Tattoo from japan - oriental motif in contemporary art

Japanese culture continues to influence an increasing number of people. Tradition, architecture, nature of the land of the rising sun - all this attracts and fascinates. The business card of Japan is a special individual style in many areas of life, ranging from national cuisine to clothing items. For those who like to decorate their bodies with bright tattoos, tattoo Japan will be especially interesting. These images are large, colorful and filled with the deepest meaning.

Tattoo in the history of Japan

The pads came to the Asian continent in ancient times. Each epoch in the land of the rising sun was accompanied by a certain role of tattoos, because the new coming rulers dictated their conditions. That is why the meanings of images are constantly changing.

• Ancient wars, fishermen and hunters decorated the body with peculiar talisman drawings, which, according to legends, created ritual protection and saved from troubles during a campaign in the sea, hunting or battle.
• The third century is known for "tattoos japan" applied to the skin and areas of the body as an indicator of noble origin.

• At the early medieval stage, the population of the empire was divided into estates. Tattoo Japan acted as a “tag” of a certain social status, and was also used as a stamp for violators of the law. Each province had its own distinctive signs of punishment. The hieroglyph “dog” was considered the most shameful symbol. The carrier of such a stigma became a complete outcast. Everybody turned away from him: both family and society.
• To hide the tags and somehow change their lives, criminals began to add to them various elements. This gave rise to a new tattoo in the style of Japan - iredzumi. It is believed that they originated from the Japanese mafia - Yakuza.

• The appearance of samurai brought new tattoos in the style of Japan, which were made like a tattoo sleeve from shoulder to palm. Clothing warriors assumed open hands, so they were decorated with protective symbols and images that personify deeds, determination, courage. Chrysanthemum, lotus, sakura branch - favorite paintings on the bodies of heroes. Pink cherry blossoms symbolized the transience of life. It is from those times that Japan's sakura tattoo has gained popularity and has become known in the west. She enjoys special demand among women.
• Samurai is one of the most time-consuming and expensive images among the Japanese-style tattoo. Often it is done using a variety of colors and various elements. This tattoo is suitable for strong-willed people with an unbending will.

• Tattoos gradually began to go "to the masses." Images began to decorate the body of people from different social backgrounds. Faces of heroes, plots from religion, flowers, animals, landscapes - all this overnight gained immense popularity.
• But with the coming to power of dictators, the situation has changed. Pads have become "outside the law." Then the Japanese began to apply the scheme by which tattoos were made along the contours of clothing. Also left space on the body from the chest to the abdomen, so that you can quickly open the robe, while leaving the image unnoticed.
• The application of drawings among firefighters was popularized.

• Geisha took direct part in the revival of tattoo art in the style of Japan. High status allowed girls to decorate their bodies with imitations of festive kimonos. Also during this period, new “invisible” drawings appeared, created by rubbing rice powder into cuts. After healing, such tattoos were invisible and appeared only after blood flow to the capillaries.

Gradually, tattoos began to return to Japan, but they were made mostly by foreigners visiting the country. Locals still considered wearable images as criminal symbols. It has survived to the present time. Because tattoos in the style of Japan are more popular in the west. But the Japanese youth is no longer as categorical as headaches as older people.

Features of Japanese tattoos

Each style has its own features. Japanese tattoos also have some differences:

• The brightness and beauty of the compositions. Red and black - leading colors in almost all images;
• The deep meaning invested in each picture. All constituent elements are thought out to the smallest detail;
• Most of the tattoos of this style are large. Basically they are stuffed in stages in several sessions. It takes quite a long time;

• The variety of plots in this direction;
• “Living” drawing - the image starts to move along with the body.

Choosing a place for a Japanese tattoo

In the land of the rising sun, they usually do not put pictures on visible places: hands, neck, feet, area for the “opened” robe. But foreigners can impale images on any part of the body. Depending on the location, the tattoo of this style has a certain meaning:

• On the hand - the carrier is distinguished by determination, strength of spirit and character;
• On the back - an indicator of great opportunities and potential, dominance;

• On the chest - a challenge to society;
• On the leg - moving forward and achieving your goals;
• On the forearm - tattoo stuffed mostly men, strong and decisive.

Sketches of Japanese tattoos

Sketches of a tattoo Japan differ in special variety. They look very colorful and volumetric. From the many photos on the Internet, you can choose a composition for every taste. We give the most popular images and their values. The choice depends only on your imagination and favorite colors. You can also come up with your own unique sketch.

• Hieroglyphs have always been and will be one of the most popular options for Japanese tattoos. Before applying, you need to carefully examine the selected symbol and determine the translation. To do this, contact your language specialist. It is also better to find a qualified master who will not make mistakes when transferring a sketch to the body. Otherwise, the hieroglyph may acquire a completely different meaning. It is better to dwell on the most popular symbols: happiness, love, family and many others.

• The dragon personifies strength, power, power and combines the elements of water and fire. For the Japanese, this mythical character was sacred at all times. They believe that it attracts good luck. Usually it pushes in the western way: with homogeneous contours without transitions and retouching. The meaning of the image depends on the location on the body, size and style. A red-eyed dragon wrapped around a sword is an indicator of strength and determination, soaring in the clouds - freedom.
• Carp - no less popular tattoo in the Japanese style. Punched with bright red and orange shades. Accompanied by an element such as water. Symbolizes resilience, courage, courage. Golden inclusions help attract luck and finances.
• Tiger - an indicator of fearlessness, courage and other strong qualities. Often depicted a little distorted, as tigers are not found in Japan, and the images used to be nagged exclusively through pictures. Predator with claws released - a signal to the aggressive disposition of the owner of the tattoo.

• The snake is a symbol of wisdom and cunning in Japanese culture. Such tattoos are rare because of the negative nature of this animal.
• Kintaro's red-skinned baby - often shown naked and beating with carp. In Japanese mythology, he personified strength and courage.
• Flowers - perhaps the most popular sketch among girls for Japanese tattoos. Each lady will be able to pick a flower just for her character. Men use this element for inclusion in the overall composition.

Almost all Japanese tattoos are very voluminous, therefore complex in execution. They can be staggered in steps for a very long time, sometimes even several years. Therefore, it is strongly recommended not to try to apply Japan tattoo yourself. It is better to find an experienced master and a good salon, and if you can, then visit the tattooed homeland - the land of the rising sun, Japan and visit tattooists who are descendants of true masters of the past and put a tattoo on a special instruction.

What is the attitude to tattoos in Japan?