Japanese tattoos for men on the arm. Meanings of flowers and plants in Japanese Oriental tattoo. History of Japanese tattoos

The oldest mention of Japan is associated with. Both country and body painting are topics explored in the Gishiwajinden manuscript. It was created in the 3rd century. The author is a Chinese who has visited where the sun rises.

The wanderer from the Celestial Empire describes the inhabitants of the islands with surprise, mentioning that they make drawings on their faces and bodies. Let's figure out why the ancient Japanese decorated themselves and what is the modern meaning of the patterns fashionable in the land of the Ascendant.

The meaning of Japanese tattoos

The Gishiwajinden chronicle states that japanese tattoos serve as protection during hunting and fishing. By the way, indirect indications of body painting indicate that it was used long before the 3rd century.

Thus, during the Jomon era, which began 10,000 BC, clay figurines were mass-produced. They portrayed people. The bodies of all the surviving figurines are decorated with lines and dots, like tribal, or, as they are called, tribal tattoos.

By 700s AD Japanese tattoos and their meaning have changed. Tattoos became not so much protective symbols as indicators of social status. This is stated in the Kojiki. This is the first printed edition released in Japan.

In the book, tattoos are divided into two types - those worn by nobles and those used to mark criminals. For example, “dog” was painted on the faces of traitors. The drawing said that the man was an empty nester, capable of revealing any secret.

The beginning of the use of tattoos to brand offenders led to a negative attitude towards all tattoos. Respectable citizens stopped stuffing them by the end of the 18th century.

At the same time, the custom of punishment in the form of Japanese hieroglyph tattoo on the forehead and hands. The limbs were outlined with black hoops, like... One line - one crime. So rings painted on wrists in Japan can still be misinterpreted today.

A couple of decades after the abolition of stigma, tattoos in Japan began to be used again by pious people. Iharu Saikaku wrote, for example, about the drawings on the bodies of priests.

The Japanese writer also spoke about geishas. They began to wear Japanese lettering tattoos. The names of regular customers were tattooed on the inside of the arms. This is how the beauties made a vow of dating and expressed their love.

Japanese tattoo Criminals stopped making pictures, but professionals in various fields began to use drawings to be recognized in the crowd. Firemen, doctors, and palanquin bearers had their own signs. Some painted all over their bodies using the engraving technique. The main characters of the plots, as a rule, were symbols of the culture of the people.

Japanese dragon tattoo, meaning the union of opposites - yin and yang. Their merger can be interpreted in different ways, as a union of water and, a duet of sky and earth, the sunny and shadow sides of one mountain. The turtle was pricked as a sign of longevity, and the tiger served as the embodiment of courage and high birth.

Those who happened to visit 19th-century Tokyo (then Edo) ironically said that meeting a non-tattooed person there was like seeing the eighth wonder of the world.

At the turn of the century, Russian Tsar Nicholas II came to the country and... returned home with a tattoo. So the sovereign merged with the crowd in Japan and stood out from the crowd in his fatherland.

Japanese tattoos for men

Classic Japanese style tattoo, usually colored. Men from the Land of the Rising Sun often wear exactly these. Sketches for guys are called yakuza.

This is the name of the clan that brought into fashion large-scale paintings in full, extending to the arms, chest and hips. Such ensembles can be divided into several separate tattoos, for example, Japanese tattoo sleeves.

Women prick them several times less often than men. Firstly, several sessions are needed. The image is large-scale and difficult to complete in one sitting.

Secondly, due to the size and complexity of the sketches, the work is expensive. Ladies are less inclined to spend that kind of money for body painting; they are more likely to buy earrings with diamonds.

Men choose Japanese tattoos, sketches of which emphasize their strength, courage, power. Those who strive for financial well-being and good luck stuff golden fish. In the Land of the Rising Sun they are considered a symbol of wealth.

That's why, Japanese carp tattoo"are often found on businessmen. Travelers and athletes also use the sketch. For them Japanese carp tattoo– an expression of the dynamics of life, constant movement.

Japanese tattoos for women

Girls often ask Japanese mask tattoos. The most famous of them is Chania. This is the image of a girl filled with anger and indignation. According to legend, a Japanese woman fell in love with a monk, but he rejected her. Then, the woman turned into a vengeful demon, becoming a symbol of all treacherous ladies, all those who were offended by men.

Besides Chania, there are 43 more masks. Among them there are samples for men. One of them, for example, is They. This is a demon that is famous for its strength and vitality. It's almost impossible to kill him. The Oni's military weapon is a metal club with impressive spikes.

In general, the hero of mythology resembles a character in a computer quest game. This association naturally attracts many guys. They cause They usually on hand. Japanese tattoos are the most “readable” here.

Japanese tattoos, photo which are usually posted by girls, are distinguished by the grace of their execution and, as a rule, are small and medium in size. This also applies to masks. Demons, monsters and werewolves are selected that can fit on the shoulder blades, forearms, and thighs.

Instead of masks, ladies often vote for sakura. She is less mysterious and more romantic. Flowering branches are not included Japanese tattoos with translation. Sakura doesn't need deciphering. It is clear to everyone that cherry is a symbol of beauty, transience and fragility of life. If you go deeper into Japanese folklore, sakura is a sign of sadness.

There is a legend about a worker who could not stand the beating of his owner and complained about him to the prince. He punished the monster, but he did not remain in debt. Of course, he did not take revenge on the prince, but he tied the children of his subordinate to a cherry tree trunk and flogged them to death.

Universal Japanese tattoos

It remains to consider Japanese hieroglyphs tattoos and their meaning. Among the alphabet there are symbols for both men and women, and universal symbols. For example, there are signs: love, kindness, freedom, respect, traditions. You can apply the hieroglyph for peace of mind, or the beginning of autumn.

One “letter” carries a specific meaning. But, in a group of hieroglyphs, the meaning of some may change. Therefore, phrases are written only by language experts, or those who have consulted with them. To be sure, you can choose a quote from a Japanese book. In this case, the chance of a spelling mistake is minimal.

Japan tattoo is an ancient oriental style that has deep roots and a rich history. Since ancient times, Japanese tattoo artists have been held in high esteem not only in their homeland, but throughout the world. Influential people and even monarchs wore drawings by Japanese masters. Traditionally, tattoos from the Land of the Rising Sun depict dragons, fish, tigers, demon masks, flowers and ornaments.

The Japanese are considered a people who preserve their traditions. In the old days, each element of the picture carried a certain meaning. Any detail of the tattoo had to be done in accordance with the canon. Today, in times of globalization, when people mention Japanese tattoos, they no longer mean the old classical school of ancient masters, but also new trends. Many artists around the world have studied the art of Japanese tattooing and transformed the old style, adapted it to modern times, and introduced new creative elements into it.

History of Japanese Tattoo

Traditionally, Japanese tattoos were applied with a special bamboo tebori stick. The application process took many hours. Japanese tattoos in most cases are voluminous, these are large tattoo sleeves or a tattoo suit that covers most of the body. The process of training a tattoo artist in Japan was long and difficult. The master first of all had to learn patience, so he was allowed to work only after several years.

Interesting Facts
In Japanese tradition, tattooing is closely associated with the mafia. Modern authorities still have a negative attitude towards tattoos. People with tattoos often fall out of favor with the authorities and can be kicked out of a swimming pool or any other public place. That's why the Japanese don't get tattoos in visible places and don't show them off in public.

Japanese Tattoos - Main Stories

Japan Carp Tattoo- one of the most popular stories. The carp symbol became popular due to the legend of Makatsuge, a fish who, through his perseverance, reached the Dragon Gate and turned into a dragon fish. In the legend, this fish was a carp. Carps (or as they are called in their homeland - Koi) symbolize perseverance, the ability to swim against the tide. Traditionally, a carp tattoo is considered masculine and embodies masculine energy.

Turtle Tattooamong eastern peoples it symbolizes wisdom and the ability to predict the future.

Dragon Tattoo- a symbol of the sun, good luck and longevity. The Japanese depicted dragons with three toes. According to legend, the dragon is considered a sacred guardian spirit and is revered by people.

Tiger Tattoo- a symbol of courage, strength, bravery and nobility. The Japanese believe that tigers have the ability to ward off evil spirits.

Snake Tattoo- protection from misfortunes and failures, snakes have superpowers that help people avoid troubles. The image of a snake coiled around a hammer brings good luck, wealth and prosperity.

Chania mask tattoo- This is an image of an ancient spirit into which a jealous girl turned. This image, according to one version, symbolizes the embodiment of wisdom, and according to another, it reminds people of how destructive it is to succumb to negative feelings.

Japan Tattoos for Men - Japanese Style Tattoos for Men

Men choose the Japanese tattoo style more often than women. The first reason is the volume of the drawing. Japanese tattoos are almost always very large and bright, making it easier for a man to decide to take such a bold step. Tattoo - a suit or sleeves in the Japanese style is a sign of reverence for Eastern culture, their ancient traditions and symbols. Japanese Carp tattoo is considered a traditional men's tattoo.

Women's Tattoos Japan - Japanese Style Tattoos for Girls

Girls do not often decide to get a Japanese-style tattoo, but there are also brave lovers of the bright, symbolic oriental style. Tattoos with chrysanthemums, peonies and can often be found among women. Girls cannot always decide on sleeves or a large pattern on the back, but even a small tattoo stylized as a traditional Japanese tattoo adds a special style and flavor to a girl’s image.

Peony is undoubtedly considered the king of flowers. And thanks to the large number of petals that elegantly curl around the edges, Peony is also called “a rose without thorns.”

Several plants and flowers are used in Japanese tattooing, and among them Peony takes its rightful and honorable place.

Peony is considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity and good luck. Traditionally, Peony is performed in red, but today other colors are used, such as blue and purple.

Japanese MAPLE (Momiji)

One of the most popular subjects for the background in an Oriental tattoo is the Japanese Maple - a symbol of wind and time.

Maple leaves also represent rebirth, their changes throughout the year - a vivid reminder of the cycle of life and death of all living things.

Often in Japanese tattoo designs, maple leaves are depicted floating in water or flying in gusts of wind.

The Japanese consider the Chrysanthemum to be the “sun flower” of the imperial family.

CHRYSANTHEMUM (Kiku)

The Japanese consider the Chrysanthemum to be the “sun flower” of the imperial family. This flower with petals resembling the rays of the sun is a symbol of perfection, longevity and joy, as well as an attribute of a worthy ruler.

Japan has a national festival of happiness called “Chrysanthemum Day”.

In China, Chrysanthemum is considered a mediator between heaven and earth, that is, between life and death.

Chrysanthemum is identified with autumn, anticipation and contemplation. It is a flower of prosperity, tranquility and a long and full life.

In Japan, Sakura, with its beautiful bloom and rapid decline, symbolizes life itself.

SAKURA

In Japan, Sakura, with its beautiful bloom and rapid decline, symbolizes life itself. The fragility of this cherry represents the fragility and transience of our existence.

Sakura can be the image of ideal death for a warrior or innocence and beauty for a girl.

The Sakura cherry tree is held in high esteem in Japan, with thousands of people gathering to watch the Sakura blossoms. This holiday is called “Hanami” and is a national event and a welcome to spring.

In tattooing, Sakura is often used with other images that can overwhelm the beauty and sophistication of this flower. However, when used correctly, Sakura flower or flying petals can be a good background for Oriental style tattoos.

Amazingly beautiful Lotus flowers have become a symbol of the awakening of the meaning of life in many Eastern religions, especially in India

LOTUS (Hasu)

Amazingly beautiful Lotus flowers have become a symbol of the awakening of the meaning of life in many Eastern religions, especially in India.

The origin and development of tattoo art in Japan

According to the most popular version, tattooing came to Japan in the 5th century. BC. from China, where this art has been developing for 6 centuries. In the 3rd century AD travelers from the Middle Kingdom who arrived in Japan noted that representatives of noble families can be distinguished from ordinary people by the fact that they have drawings on their faces. According to another version, tattoo traditions came to Japan from the most ancient times thanks to the Aina people, who lived next to the Japanese from 7000 to 250 BC. A very well-known legend among the inhabitants of Japan tells that the mythological ruler of the Land of the Rising Sun Jimmu (660-585 BC) had such beautiful tattoos that he amazed the famous beautiful queen Senoyatatara, who composed a poem in their honor. For this reason, in Japan until the 6th century BC. Only emperors could decorate their bodies with tattoo designs, and only some time later tattoos began to appear on representatives of other social groups. It must be said that the first Japanese tattoo work was done not with needles, but with plant thorns.

There has always been a special attitude towards tattoo artists in Japan, as they were considered real artists. One version says that initially tattoo artists worked together with engravers, who made sketches on the body, and tattoo artists filled them in. From another you can find out that tattoo artists were the same engravers who changed their type of activity. But be that as it may, the training procedure was very similar: for 5 years the student worked as an apprentice, washed floors, mixed ink and, most importantly, studied classical drawing.

The Kojiki, one of the first written monuments in Japan, talks about two types of tattoos. The first type was sign of representatives of the nobility, and were marked with tattoos of the second type criminals. At the beginning of the Kofun era (4th-6th centuries AD), tattoos were not publicly disapproved. But in the middle of this period, attitudes towards them changed greatly. A number of studies report that tattoo designs were signs of social outcasts. Traitors had the hieroglyph “dog” painted on their foreheads, and such a person was perceived by society as a complete outcast.

By the end of the 17th century, tattoos in Japan began priests and geishas decorate their bodies. One of the significant innovations in 1720 was the practice of tattooing as punishment, which replaced cutting off the nose and ears. However, the samurai were free from this punishment. Tattoos were applied to such criminals as extortionists, fraudsters, as well as people involved in forgery of documents and banknotes. The perpetrators were given a tattoo on their arm in the form of a black ring for each crime. This practice was used for a century and a half - until 1870.

In the 18th century, applying a beautiful tattoo became one of the ways attracting clients from courtesans. Oiran and Tayu, with the help of tattoos, could circumvent the law that prohibited showing naked bodies. Beautiful tattoo designs acted as a substitute for clothing, and at the same time the girl became even more desirable. In this case, only the face, feet and palms were free from tattoos. Sometimes feelings would flare up between the courtesan and her client, and then they would get tattoos together. For example, as a proof of fidelity, tattoos were made on the hands in the form of moles. The lovers also wrote each other's names along with a hieroglyph meaning the word "fate."

The art of tattooing also spread thanks to famous theater actors, who saw in it an unusual method of achieving expression during the performance process. In the second half of the 18th century, one of the most luxurious tattoos belonged to the cult actor Nakamura Utaemon IV. Over time, some representatives of the nobility began to follow the example of the actors.

The time on the border of the 18th and 19th centuries is an era heyday of Japanese style in tattooing. The works of the masters were no longer just decoration, but carried with them a deep meaning.
Samurai tattooed cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums, demonstrating that they were ready to die during battle at any time, as they had sufficient determination. The cherry and its short life symbolized the transience of human existence. And the life path of a samurai was comparable to cherry blossoms.

And it was the samurai who first began to apply tattoos to the entire body. And such a tradition was born thanks to their outfit - Jinbaori- military sleeveless jacket. Therefore, instead of sleeves, tattoos were made, symbolizing heroism, valor and the fight against enemies.

Yakuza tattoos

The first yakuza used tattoos to demonstrate status. The Yakuza perceived getting a tattoo as a test of fortitude, since this procedure in those days was very lengthy and quite painful. In addition, the Yakuza in the Edo era began to treat tattoos as an element of their attire. The yakuza who became the owner of a tattoo was subjected to a ritual of exclusion from members of civil society and automatic entry into a separate community. After which the yakuza could no longer marry a girl from a “normal” family, he was not hired to work in the institution, of course, if he was not controlled by a criminal group.
The most popular tattoos among the Yakuza were:

"Kintaro"- a drawing of a mythical character, a soach, fighting with a huge carp.

"Kyumoryu shishin"- a tattooed hero in Chinese attire, which symbolizes fighting abilities.

"Chou Jun"- a drawing of a hero with a knife in his teeth, symbolizing fortitude and perfect mastery of edged weapons.

"Fudomyo"- a Buddhist mythical creature that guards treasures. This tattoo was given to the yakuza who were involved in smuggling.

Main motives

The Dragon

If we talk about the general theme of Japanese tattoos, then the most widely used designs are those depicting dragons. This mythological creature symbolizes strength and nobility. Such tattoos, due to their brightness, are most loved by young Japanese. Typically, dragon tattoos are done in the traditional nukibori style, in which the image is always outlined with no transitions.

Tiger

Another popular hero of Japanese tattoos is tiger. Tigers have never been found in the Land of the Rising Sun, but the Japanese are very fond of this animal. This tattoo symbolizes strength, courage and power.

Koi carp

Marine themes have always been popular among the people of Japan, for this reason one of the main characters in tattoo designs is carp, which symbolizes masculinity and steadfastness. Read more about carp.

Sakura

It is known that Japanese women decorated themselves with tattoos just like men. This allowed them to emphasize beauty, grace, meekness, and femininity. The favorite theme of women's tattoos were various floral motifs, as well as sakura, which symbolized the value of every moment of life. In addition, the drawing sakura allowed the fair sex to emphasize her fragility and, at the same time, feminine wisdom.

Fu the dog, which also became known as the "Lion of Buddha", actually resembles a lion more than a dog. This creature is considered a brave and staunch protector. Fu Dog has a terrifying appearance, as if he is preparing to attack his opponent in a jump. This tattoo means courage, justice and selflessness.

Fu Dog is designed to protect family and home well-being. Such an image will protect you from meeting bad people and will keep you from getting into unpleasant situations. Foo Dog has a keen sense of smell, and with this tattoo, luck will always be on your side.

Hanya mask

Hanya in Japanese legends is a terrible demon with fangs and horns, under whose shell hides a vengeful girl. One of the most popular tattoo images, but, despite its appearance, it does not carry anything negative with it. A common version is that this character came to Japan from Tibetan culture, like many other mythical creatures of the Land of the Rising Sun. It was originally the guardian of Buddhism, and "hanya" is synonymous with the word "prana" and means "wisdom". Often, next to the hanya mask, images of sakura flowers, a snake and a bell are made.

The Oni demon is considered one of the most popular mythological characters in Japanese cosmology and usually has a frightening and cruel appearance. Most often this is a horned creature, but at the same time Oni can have a wide variety of physiognomic expressions. According to legend, the demon can take human form. It is interesting that people themselves can become this creature if they often get angry. Despite his cruelty, the Oni demon sometimes becomes a protector of people. And his tattoo image also plays the role of a talisman, which can bring its owner a lot of health and physical strength.

Turtle

The turtle in the East Asian region in general, and in Japan in particular, is a truly legendary creature. At its core, the wise turtle, which also has the gift of healing, is a noble and positive talisman. In addition, the turtle symbolizes longevity, which increases its value as a tattoo image. The lifespan of these creatures can reach a hundred years. This quality is especially revered in the Land of the Rising Sun, where the turtle is perceived as the ruler of the seas and oceans.

Phoenix

This bird, with its spring appearance, symbolizes the fact that all phenomena and creatures in the world do not disappear after death, but are reborn. That is, events are cyclical in nature and constantly repeat themselves. Therefore, you need to understand that everything in the world is interchangeable. The moment will come and the person will disappear to be reborn again. Maybe he will return to this earth in the form of his descendants, or maybe he will be reincarnated. This talisman was given to people by the sun.

A phoenix tattoo allows our spirit to find peace and get rid of the fear of death. The Japanese view the phoenix as a spiritual symbol and use it as a kind of amulet.

Peonies

These flowers were brought to Japan from China, where for many centuries they symbolized prosperity, wealth and success. Therefore, there is nothing strange that among the Japanese, the peony is a symbol of wealth and prosperity that will accompany the owner of this tattoo. But, if you plunge into history, it is not difficult to find out that the peony also symbolized female beauty and emotionality, as well as the ability to keep one’s feelings under control. The owners of this tattoo could be not only the fair sex, but also men. This tattoo made it possible to suppress aggressiveness and anger, which only got in the way in battles.

Execution Tools

As for the tools of work, Japanese craftsmen use bamboo sticks with needles at the end. To apply an image, you may need up to 4 needles, and to fill its surface - a set of 30 connected needles, called “hari”.

How are things now?

It must be said that modern Japan is one of the few countries in which the topic of tattoos is currently taboo. This is explained by the fact that for a long time tattoos were the privilege of Japanese mafia circles, and the authorities still continue to consider this art as semi-criminal.
But, despite everything, Japanese tattooists continue to do their work, passing on their skills and knowledge from generation to generation. Both individual masters, salons and even family clans have gained worldwide fame. Tattooists from other countries are gradually improving the quality of their work, but only masters from Japan within clans master the truly classic method of applying Japanese tattoos.

Recently, tattoos made in neo-Japanese style. “Neo-Japanese” works within the framework of traditional Japanese motifs, but under the rather strong influence of Western culture. Among the tattoo community, the term "neo-Japanese style" is not generally accepted. It began to be used primarily to differentiate the Japanese style of tattooing before and after World War II. Today, the styles and techniques of tattoo art that were in use before World War II are still alive. However, after the decriminalization of tattooing in 1948, Japanese tattoo culture began to develop under the influence of Western trends. This allowed the Japanese style to spread throughout the world.