Japanese demonology is quite an interesting subject to study. At first glance it seems that no other mythology has so many deities, demons, spirits and other other otherworldly entities.
Kitsune is a very interesting, multifaceted and contradictory character. The power of this being aroused fear, envy, and respect. No wonder that so popular are kitsune tattoos, the meaning of which we will reveal today.
The meaning of the tattoo Kitsune and the mask of a nine-tailed fox
In the mythology of Japan, the beast with werewolf skills moved from the Chinese legends, on the basis of which was formed the cultural heritage of the Japanese nation. However, the Japanese softened the image of the willful character by making the fox the messenger of the god Inari, the protector of the rice fields. The deity patronized the family hearth, and prayers to him ensured fertility.
Secrets of the mythical fox
The image of the fox is present in the folk tales of many countries, associated with guile and cunning. The Japanese added wisdom and the ability to reincarnate to these qualities of a unique creature. In Eastern folklore, the fox became a nine-tailed fox and was nicknamed Kitsune.
According to legends, the fairy-tale hero lives for several decades in the image of the beast. With 50 years, the cunning fox can turn into a mature woman, and upon reaching the age of 100 - is able to turn into a young girl or a man, but only for contact with a woman.
The series of transformations lasts up to a millennium, at which point the mythical creature reaches the highest rank and is already capable of transforming into a human of any age. Kitsune is easily recognized by her nine tails and golden-colored fur. Its howls resemble those of an infant when the dodgy creature transforms into a vicious hunter of men. In Japanese beliefs, the fox is endowed with sacred status; eating its meat protects against curses and evil spells.
Despite the insidiousness of the shapeshifter of legends, a tattooed mask of a nine-tailed fox symbolizes the arrival of prosperity after the end of the dark streak in life. This is explained by the fact that the number 9 completes a series of single-digit numbers. That is why the presence of the 9 tails is interpreted as a symbol of happiness to come, the advent of golden time.
Meaning of the tattoo Kitsune
The general interpretation of the tattooed fox is associated with wisdom, cunning temperament, as well as charm and wealth of the owner of the tattoo. The degree to which these qualities are expressed depends on the number of tails.
In terms of Japanese mythology, foxes can be of two types:
- Zenko - Good-natured helpers of Inari, protectors of innocent people from the cunning of evil forces.
- Yako - both mischievous rogues and vicious demons hostile to humans.
Japanese Kitsune fox mask
The Japanese fox mask in the image of the tattooed Kitsune is a controversial sketch of ambiguous meaning, as the worn image has several common interpretations:
- The arrival of a lucky streak in the tattoo bearer's life;
- shows a cunning disposition, the dodginess of the wearer;
- Indicates a wise man with a wealth of life experience;
- Symbolizes attractiveness and charm;
- Informs about the financial well-being of the owner.
Focusing on the features of the image of the mysterious animal, the meaning of the tattooed sign may vary depending on the nature of the demonic image:
- The mask with a fox's grin is chosen by aggressive fans of body art;
- the image of the animal curled up in a ball suits caring and vulnerable natures;
- sly fox eyes indicate a sly nature of the malicious owner of the tattoo;
- gracefully curved fox shows sexuality and the ability to seduce;
- A mask without emotion and a grin is interpreted as a sign of a two-faced nature of the wearer;
- A fox's muzzle is used by natural-born leaders (men) or cunning girls.
In what turns a sly fox - in a good-natured defender or a sly cheater, it depends on the intentions of the owner of the tattoo. In this case, the number of tails of the animal enhances encrypted in its image quality, and nine-tailed character indicates the highest degree of available characteristics.
What does the nine-tailed fox mask mean?
Demon masks have been popular among the Japanese for centuries, and the Kitsune fox is considered a death knell for men, driving them to madness. According to Japanese legends, a demon in the form of an animal with a fantastically keen ear is able to capture the human mind. A nimble character can turn into a seductive beauty or an attractive young man, turn into a wise soothsayer, appear suddenly and just as suddenly disappear.
The tattooed mask in the modern art of tattooing has the same meaning regardless of the sex of the wearer, hiding his character traits:
| Facets of Character. | What the drawing on the body symbolizes |
| The secretiveness of nature. | Tattoo choose people who seek to hide the qualities of his soul from others. It is a barrier, shielding from strangers, the unwillingness to hurt their loved ones. |
| Protective function | The tattoo becomes a talisman from the evil environment, from any undesirable events, external factors. It is a protection from doubts, from the views of unkind people. |
| Duality | With the tattooed mask, the owner of the tattoo hides the ambivalence of his own nature. People around you should be on their guard - you can expect from a person both positive and negative. |
| Ability to adapt | The image on any part of the body manifests a chameleon - the bearer perfectly adapts in any conditions. The picture informs about the ability to settle beneficially for oneself. |
The Japanese fox mask, skillfully embodied on the body, sometimes looks intimidating. In this case, the on-wear picture can be called a symbol of the temptations with which one is faced in life. The drawing does not proclaim the power of evil, but implies the presence of weaknesses in the tattoo's owner.
An unusual tattoo with a mysterious mask of a cunning fox indicates the sharp mind of the wearer, for which there is no hopeless situation. Native composition symbolizes the thirst for knowledge and discovery. This is a sign of a cunning man, capable of cheating to achieve their own goals. Under the tattooed mask of a fox can also hide a charming personality with intuition, a sign of the dual nature of the host.
Japanese mythology.
The fabulous fox had the ability to turn human - the Japanese depicted it as either a beautiful lady or a gray-haired old man. And according to some beliefs, the fox could stop a man in the middle of a bamboo field at night and make him fight her. As a reward, it will take all the food the peasant had. Sometimes the fox acts as an evil ghost, waging a vendetta for his murder.
There is a suggestion that the notion of foxes as werewolves came to China from India. The Hindus revered and feared their monsters: the nagas are demigods with human and serpent hypostasis. The stories of the Chinese and Hindus were similar.
The fox or snake, having turned woman, seduces a rich man and then stays with him under one perhaps foolish condition. According to the law of the story, the man, of course, violates this condition, and the female werewolf acquires her animal essence without the possibility of becoming human and leaves the man forever.
The Japanese adopted fox legends with literature from China. After all, Chinese literature and writing had a great influence on the formation of the Japanese nation. The Japanese gave the image of the willful fox a little softness: they made it a messenger of the goddess Inari, who was known as the deity of fertility, family hearth.
Even an ordinary fox who lived a certain amount of time could gain the ability to transform. The Japanese believed that when a fox reached fifty years of age, it could turn into a woman. If the fox lives to be a hundred years old, she can take the form of a beautiful girl or man.As she ages, the kitsune acquires the ability to know, occur thousands of miles away, and can inhabit people for a time. But if the fox lives to be a thousand years old, she may ascend to heaven and become a heavenly fox - a full-fledged god.
Appropriate styles
The meaning of the sketch in the form of a mask is closely related to the nine-tailed animal from the legends, so it does not change its meaning because of the technique of application.
Tattoo artists use several styles to embody the insidious fox-werewolf on the body:
- Fae-design fans prefer small images of the rascal;
- in the choice of tribal style fox mask or the whole animal is woven into an ethnic pattern;
- in the spirit of figures of geometric design more attractive looks exactly mask;
- for large body panels masters advise the stylistics of ornamental technique.
A colorful tattoo, even with a full-scale depiction of a nine-tailed demon, does not carry bad omens. According to Japanese legends, the mystical animal can be both evil and sacred, appearing just at the moment when people or animals are experiencing the highest degree of oppression. However, the distinctive image looks best in the style of Japan with the inclusion of bright accents and additional fragments.
The fox in the cultures of the world
Despite the fact that most peoples' image of the fox is associated with cunning and resourcefulness, as well as a willingness to do anything to save his life, there is a positive attitude to it. Thus, in China this animal is a symbol of longevity. In Japan A white fox is a symbol of prosperity and great wealth, both financial and spiritual. In Japan today, the image of the fox is associated with business and is believed to help increase entrepreneurial ability. In ancient Rome The animal was perceived as a messenger of the devil as well as a dangerous fire demon. The Scandinavian god Loki, the Scandinavian god of disobedience and deceit, had the guise of a fox.
Deciding to score a tattoo depicting a fox, it is worth evaluating how this image will be combined with the personality of the owner.
Additional symbols
Sketches for the original tattoo with the sly-wise character of Japanese folklore can be performed in black and white style, but much more spectacular looks colorful image of a demonic creature surrounded by mysterious symbols.
To turn a tattoo with Kitsune in a full-fledged amulet, fox-turned-demon is placed on any background: scatterings of flowers or leaves, scattered skulls. Figure demoness, complemented with a sacred symbol "dream catcher", will be for the owner protection from evil spirits, magical influences and sorcery.
The classic version of the masters of tattooing called the sketch of a fox with flowers, the drawing is recognized as a symbol of immortality. If the animal's muzzle is framed, it is considered a sign of the aristocratic nature of the owner of the tattoo. In this mockingly humorous Kitsune stories reveal a humorous side to the character, and the image of the head of the shapeshifter alone is considered a sign of rebirth of the owner's soul.
Japanese sly demon mask, stuffed on the body, or the image only one muzzle fox acts as the main element of the tattoo, surrounded by a scattering of secondary figures. In addition to additional symbols, it is no less important to consider how the mystical hero is depicted - in statics or dynamics.
To create multisimple figures choose sketches with a muzzle or mask of a Japanese demon, placing the main element in the center.
Depending on the features of the image personal guardian, tattoo foxes acquires a certain meaning:
- The animal in motion is a sign of purposefulness;
- sitting pose - a sign of prudence;
- a fox with a curved back - desire for seduction;
- an animal hidden inside the skull - mysticism of rebirth;
- a fox above the skull or a paw on the skull - dominance over life and death;
- a severed fox's head (namakubi) - symbol of protection from enemies.
In detention facilities, the fox tattoo is interpreted not by its external features and additions, but by the abbreviation of the animal's name. LIS is the phrase "Love and Death". Such an inscription marks insidious liars who have caused bodily harm to a loved one. It happens, experienced cheaters adorn their bodies crouching fox, the task of such a tattoo - to induce fear in others when dealing with inveterate gambler.
Features of the fox tattoo: how to apply, in what style and with what to combine
About what the meaning of the fox tattoo, we spoke above. Once again we emphasize your attention that it can be quite different, opposite, so you have the right to choose which meaning to put into the image. Now let's talk about what options for tattooing exist. They are not too few.
For example, a fox tattoo for a girl can be done in monochrome - that is, either in black, or simply in gray colors. Although, of course, the peculiarity of this predator is such that it is better to depict it in bright colors:
- orange;
- reddish;
- reddish;
- yellow.
Where best to place the drawing of a fox mask
Seeing a tattoo with a fox mask on a person's body, you can count on the wisdom and cunning of its owner, but its qualities the bearer hides. If it is a worn drawing of an animal with red fur, the tattoo can signal hypocrisy and the ability to betray. At the same time, the tattooed face of a fox shows femininity and sexuality of the owner of the picture.
There are no strict definitions of where to get a tattoo with a fox. Japanese legend has it that the insidious character will share his qualities with the owner of a permanent figure on the body.
Classic places to place two-faced demon considered the back, arms or shoulders:
- on the back looks spectacularly a large panel in color with a full image of a nine-tailed fox in the dynamics of running;
- Small pictures are better to score on the scapula or forearm, wrist, very small - you can do it on a finger;
- tattoo with a fox mask framed with additional symbols can be placed below or above the elbow, in the calf muscle area or on the hip;
- if the hand is chosen as a natal canvas, this is the ideal place for the sleeve, where the figure of the beast will be key.
An interesting look is a fox on the body painting that continues from the top of the chest to the arm, descending below the elbow. No less spectacular is the tattooed image of Kitsune in a full-length Japanese kimono. The colorful subject, located on the left side of the male torso from shoulder to waist with a transition to the hip, when moved, creates the impression of a revived demon.
The Japanese large-sized fox mask, displayed in color, requires meticulous and time-consuming work by the tattooist to embody the subject on the body. Therefore, the neck, as well as the lower back is rarely decorated with such a drawing. If the tattoo with a red rascal or her mask will play the role of a talisman, the picture is placed on a closed place from public view. Then amulet with a demon, stuffed mostly on the left side, becomes the most powerful.
Features .
Nine-tailed fox or Kitsune - Is a fictional creature. It is often found in Japanese mythology and resembles a fox, which has magical powers, is famous for its golden fur and often hunts people, periodically feeding on the energy of the person with whom it communicates.
In Japan, the image of this creature has a special meaning. There, it is believed that Kitsune is a shapeshifter fox that can take human form and lives for many years. As a rule, this creature most often takes the form of a beautiful girl, but sometimes it becomes an attractive young man or a wise soothsayer, which is much rarer. Kitsune does not reincarnate as soon as she is born, but when she grows older, her powers and abilities increase.
The reincarnation abilities of Kitsune are believed by many to be limited to those over a hundred years of age.
Kitsune is believed to represent demons who help the Shinto deity of abundance, Inari, to provide full protection for the fields where rice grows. They also symbolize the fertility of the land. The image of Kitsune in Japanese mythology has something mysterious, mystical and even demonic about it. It is believed that this creature is dangerous to man, because it can freely penetrate into his mind, put him under illusions that are hard to distinguish from reality, as well as dreams. The creature is able to summon "fox" fire, suddenly dissolve into thin air and reappear. In addition, it has a good ear and is distinguished by its attentiveness.
The color of the tattoo
In the tradition of Japanese mask-making art, it is customary to use two color categories for the image of Kitsune:
- White is traditionally considered a symbol of nothingness;
- Shades of red are associated with fire or the sun.
The color duality corresponds to the two hypostases of the insidious image - warmth and protection from magical influences or insidiousness and destruction with fire. With regard to the chosen design, the Japanese fox tattoo can be colorful or black and white. In this case, the white color is associated with wealth not only material, but also spiritual. Monochrome black tattoo is a sign of independence and determination not to make concessions to a male tattoo fan.
For the color image of the personal guardian choose red-orange shades, in the color palette of the background is found blue, green, yellow. The rules for the preparation of sketches do not provide for strict restrictions on the image of the nine-tailed beastie.
Ideas for compositions
- With a skull and flowers - symbolizes a calm attitude to death.
- With peonies - it symbolizes confusion of feelings, uncertainty.
- With beads - it demonstrates the dodginess of character, female cunning.
The images adorn women and men of different ages who want to emphasize personal qualities. Monochrome drawings can be diluted by the inclusion of elements in different techniques.
Masters studio Art of Pain individually develop a sketch of male or female kitsune tattoo, taking into account anatomical features to the image produced the desired effect. Mastery of different techniques allows us to create compositions of any complexity.
Kitsune mask sketches
The Japanese have long been fond of tattoos, surprising Europeans with a variety of natal subjects. Later sketches were divided into tattoos for nobles and members of the underworld. Modern tattoo fans, regardless of gender, often give the tattoo its own meaning, focusing on the emotional perception of the image of a fox.
For girls.
Women usually decorate their bodies with the Japanese Kitsune mask to proclaim their own attractiveness and guile, hiding their ability to get out of difficult situations. It is not uncommon for girls to choose bright sketches, not thinking at all about their semantic load.
Fans of tattoo art are attracted by the scale of colorful images of a sitting or standing trickster with fluffy tails. The back or shoulder blade is the most suitable for such pictures, no less effective look catchy tattoos on the arm or shoulder. Depending on the accent of the picture changes its meaning, but in general it is a sign of the destroyer of stereotypes. Especially if the tattooed picture of a girl with a fox mask on her face.
The presence of the fabulous animal with three eyes hides not only the wisdom of the owner, but also the ability to predict the future. Among the additions to the demonic image girls choose not only flowers or phrases with meaning, but also adorn the fox with a crown. A demon topped with a symbol of power indicates a confident girl, a cold-blooded nature with a subtle mind.
A Japanese fox mask, placed on the body of a young girl, signals her sexuality, cunning and secretive nature. For a mature woman, it is a sign of wisdom, rich experience, readiness to overcome adversity.
Men's sketches
The male representatives rarely choose a tattoo with a fox. If guys stop at the picture of a demon-werewolf, the meaning of the image for them is associated with the meaning of the wolf tattoo. For men, a Japanese tattoo with a fox becomes a mark of fidelity to the chosen one, by analogy with wild predators in nature. It is important that the picture in harmony with the appearance and nature of the host.
A characteristic choice of young guys is the sketch of a fox in the spirit of minimalism, which requires a high skill of application. Such a choice emphasizes resourcefulness and a high level of self-esteem right at the beginning of life's road. Mature men are attracted to the image of the head of the animal in glasses, such a variant indicates the wisdom and sharpness of the mind of the owner of the tattoo. The mask of a personal guardian, printed in geometric graphics, reveals the favorite of fate with a mathematical warehouse mind.
If a fan of tattooing stops at the sketch of Kitsune in the image of a female geisha with a mask on her face, it is a sign of a man passionate about female beauty. Such a variant of the Japanese tattoo hides the addiction of the owner to secret amusement.
Choice of design
Among the masters, the fox tattoo is considered quite an original sketch, and its embodiment on the body allows a flight of fancy. Therefore, for the drawing tattoo artists sometimes use an unusual way of padding - origami. The essence of the technique is to construct an image from the individual blocks of the mask, filled with geometric symbols.
In the style of Japan
Tattoos, stuffed in the techniques of this technique, are distinguished by the mystery of oriental motifs that hide deep meaning. For the image Kitsune or demonic mask using austere black pigment, warm and juicy gold and red palette.
The rascal with nine tails will look more effective in a jump, and the mask looks hovering in the air.
Old School.
Old school techniques are easily recognized by the rich hues of the Japanese subject, imprinted in a well-drawn black outline.
Old school drawings are deeply symbolic, but lack a three-dimensional effect. A female Kitsune or a fox mask surrounded by additions looks like a bright medallion on her body, which could become an amulet.
Graphics
Monochrome clarity of graphic concreteness allows you to turn the tattoo with a fox mask in the likeness of an engraving, drawn on the body with a simple pencil.
The play of shadows, made by the methods of distinct shading with black lines, does not give a softness to the image of the animal. However, the mask in the style of the engraving looks the most realistic.
Watercolor
The technique of tattooing opens up opportunities for creativity, and the colorful image of the fox is squeaked with tenderness.
It is the embodiment on the body of a romantic gust of the soul, so even the mask of the sly Kitsune in this style looks mysterious and attractive. However, the Japanese watercolor style tattoo requires special skill from the tattooist.
Ornamental
The intricate ornaments of the Polynesian style appeal to the clarity of the lines. The imprint of a personal guardian's mask or the demonic creature itself is harmoniously incorporated into the intertwining of spirals, knots, and geometric figures. Therefore, the meaning of the background elements is added to the meaning of the main image, and the body art turns into a personal totem.
The symbol of Japanese mythology cannot be called solely a bad or a good sign. The demonic image of cunning Kitsune symbolizes the struggle of man with a variety of vices. At the same time, the mask of the wily fox is not considered an evil demon, but only a screen that hides the secret skills of the owner of the tattoo. Sketches with the hero of eastern legends choose people who associate themselves with the image of a controversial creature.
