Japanese Tattoos

Japanese tattoo designs can be very powerful and have a wide range of meaning. We at Renegade would like to take you through some of the most popular images that are used for tattoo designs in our day and age. Traditionally Japanese tattooing is all about telling a story  The wearer would pick their favourite tale or theme and only have tattoos in that style this created a unity to the tattoos on the body. Tattoo artists were highly trained professionals so even in ancient days the tattoos were done beautifully and hygienically.

Dragon Tattoo Designs

At the turn of the last century tattoo artists especially Sutherland MacDonald started making their mark in the tattooing world by using the influences of the Japanese style but westernizing them. One of the main images that these artists used was the Japanese Dragon where is was found abundantly in their legends.

The Japanese dragon stood for the four elements; fire, water, air and earth or each standing on the four points of the compass. The dragon is widely used today to represent good fortune, goodwill, sagacity and strength.

The Japanese dragon was often part of stories where they held the great universal truth and guarded wisdom that was symbolised by a jewel especially a pearl.

If the dragon was pictured with a sword it would mean that there was going to be a battle of good verses evil.

(for more information about dragon tattoos see Chinese Animal Tattoos)

Geisha Girl Tattoo Designs

Geishas were young ladies who were trained in the art of entertainment. They were beautiful, intelligent and masters of Japanese culture and tradition. This has lead to them being iconic tattoo designs. They were experts in dance and their grace and pose was equal to none. Men and women through the ages have favoured these strong women to tell their own stories.

Koi Fish Tattoo Designs

Koi fish represents all that is graceful, strong and true. Many people love getting koi fish tattoo designs to show something that they have over come.  They can look good in either black and grey or colour and are often depicted with water or the Buddhist lotus flower.  As there are many koi designs it may be hard to find a style that is unique for you, so when you go to your tattoo artist make sure you go with plenty of ideas to create your own design.

Japanese Blossom Tree Tattoo Designs

There are few sights more incredible in Japan than a Japanese Blossom in full flower.  With the increasing popularity of Japanese style tattoo designs the blossom tree has featured in more and more designs.  The tree speaks of grace and strength and above all beauty.  However, above all the blossom represents life but only briefly as the blossom follows a dramatic fall.  Women especially will chose this designs, many will add a geisha to the artwork and create a truly stunning piece that is timeless in meaning and style.