Body art has been used by the Japanese people for centuries as it can be dated back to more than 5000BC and was first used by the Ainu people. Tattoo art was widely used during the Edo period and was especially popular among prostitutes, firemen and laborers. The realism of Japanese tattoo designs originates in traditional watercolor, landscape and detailed wood-cut art.
The exquisite rendition of culture and history through tattoo design is both intricate and detailed and for this reason may be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is called horimono which means "carving" or irezumi which means "insert ink". Body art was only accepted by the government in the middle of the twentieth century.
Artists make use of dazzling colourful illustrations which include cultural and historical images such as animals including the koi or carp (both fish symbolic of perseverance), flowers, legendary symbols of demons and dragons. Large, bold and colourful drawings are mainly put on the back, shoulder or arm of a person as these places may be covered under clothing and not cause a problem in social situations such as work.
The practice of marking criminals with tattoos as punishment was called bokukei or bokkei this practice was stopped in 1870 by the new Meiji government of the Japanese Emperor and has left a negative connotation for most Japanese people as it can also be related to the Japanese mafia otherwise known as Yakuza. Today Japanese tattoos are considered to be fashionable.
There are different dragon sketches to pick from which represent the wood element and male forces, these are listed as west and Asian dragons as the western culture has had an influence on designs. Westerners like the idea of samurai's or warriors and enjoy the exotic Asian culture and history.
Kanji is very popular form of calligraphy which refers to characters that translate into various things such as love, life or the name of somebody such as "Joy". The Phoenix is a popular design of a bird that symbolizes justice and fidelity she represents the element of fire and female forces. Clouds, waves and water are often in the background.
The designs reflect the love and respect for nature and life that is rich in Japanese culture. Tattoo events and expo's are frequently held in Japan today so the public is able to enjoy and use the exotic Japanese tattoo designs which are full of richness and fantasy.
The exquisite rendition of culture and history through tattoo design is both intricate and detailed and for this reason may be expensive. Traditional Japanese tattoo design is called horimono which means "carving" or irezumi which means "insert ink". Body art was only accepted by the government in the middle of the twentieth century.
Artists make use of dazzling colourful illustrations which include cultural and historical images such as animals including the koi or carp (both fish symbolic of perseverance), flowers, legendary symbols of demons and dragons. Large, bold and colourful drawings are mainly put on the back, shoulder or arm of a person as these places may be covered under clothing and not cause a problem in social situations such as work.
The practice of marking criminals with tattoos as punishment was called bokukei or bokkei this practice was stopped in 1870 by the new Meiji government of the Japanese Emperor and has left a negative connotation for most Japanese people as it can also be related to the Japanese mafia otherwise known as Yakuza. Today Japanese tattoos are considered to be fashionable.
There are different dragon sketches to pick from which represent the wood element and male forces, these are listed as west and Asian dragons as the western culture has had an influence on designs. Westerners like the idea of samurai's or warriors and enjoy the exotic Asian culture and history.
Kanji is very popular form of calligraphy which refers to characters that translate into various things such as love, life or the name of somebody such as "Joy". The Phoenix is a popular design of a bird that symbolizes justice and fidelity she represents the element of fire and female forces. Clouds, waves and water are often in the background.
The designs reflect the love and respect for nature and life that is rich in Japanese culture. Tattoo events and expo's are frequently held in Japan today so the public is able to enjoy and use the exotic Japanese tattoo designs which are full of richness and fantasy.
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