Japan is an amazing country that is famous for its ancient history, many customs and traditions. An integral part of this history is also the Japanese tattoos, which in ancient times indicated the position in society and social status. At the moment such tattoos represent a separate style, which is distinguished by a bright range of colors and a variety of designs.
History of Japanese tattoos
The emergence of Japanese tattoos is complicated and quite intriguing. The Japanese style of body art came to us back in the days when the ruling authorities were against body art. But people still continued to develop the tattoo trend, which reached our social strata as well. These tattoos had quite an interesting character. They were dominated by flora and fauna. With the help of human imagination and skillful hands were born real works of art in the form of extensive tattoos. In a small time interval the given ornaments became a body decoration of firemen, and then have reached merchants, tradesmen, artists and other layers of the population.
Features
Volumetric tattoo sleeve in the oriental technique is a good opportunity for any master to demonstrate his exceptional degree of creativity and professionalism. And for the owner of the tattoo such a sleeve will be a good opportunity to emphasize his strong character traits, demonstrate charisma and brutality.
In the past, tattoos in the form of a sleeve were among the special privileges of Japanese men. Only emperors and the ruling elite were awarded such honors. Only the best craftsmen were allowed to do it. The sleeve starts from the hand and goes up to the shoulder area, the image goes through the elbow and forearm. Tattoo on a hand in a classical variant to a sleeve does not concern. The working surface is quite large, so the tattoo sleeve is performed as a single story composition, and separately - such drawings are collected from several, not interconnected sketches. However, the most widespread in Japanese culture was the first option, which makes it easy to recognize the semantic message of the tattoo.
Japanese tattoo technique
Japanese tattoos can be performed only by qualified professionals of elite tattoo salons. These specialists can easily feel any person and understand exactly what he or she needs. The tattoo master performs real works of art on the living body using a variety of color shades. These completely unique drawings have a certain meaning. Almost every tattoo enthusiast can choose not only the classic style of the body ornament, but also the realism of the Japanese style. The work of a professional is quite expensive. All this is due to the fact that the action takes a lot of time, for several days. To work with the Japanese style, dyes are used on a herbal basis. The body ornament requires special attention and the right combination of colors. Japanese tattoos are performed with the help of needles connected in a single bundle, the number of which is from 2 to 10 pieces. This gives the ornament a brightness and saturation.
The main distinguishing features of Japanese tattoos are
Japanese patterns are asymmetrical, but have smooth contours. Wear ornaments require the right dosage of shades, which is a particular advantage of this style. In our time, there are many innovations. One of which is a moving image. The drawing is applied to the muscles. The master calculates the movement of each muscle tissue in advance. When a person walks, the whole image of Japanese tattoos is transmitted.
Origins of origin
Applying a tattoo sleeve for men in Japan was considered a special privilege. Only the ruling elite or the emperor could be given such an honor. A special role was played by the person applying the tattoo. Before mastering the craft, it was necessary to take a long course of study. The design chosen was of paramount importance. Tattoo arm in Japan was applied with special equipment made of natural materials, pre-treating the skin with substances that make it pale.
The meaning and symbolism of Japanese tattoos
Japanese style tattoos carry a complicated meaning. The images of tattoos have deep meaning and a certain thought. To date, there are several of the most popular and popular designs of Japanese tattoos.
Japanese tattoos with flowers
Mainly Japanese tattoos use images of lotuses (eternity and purity), magnolia (strength of spirit and steadfastness), sakura (fleeting life).
Japanese tattoos with images of animals
Very often images of animals are used in tattoos. In the Japanese style, there are also certain types of animals. For example, the tiger, denoting strength, fearlessness and power. The dragon symbolizes immense good luck. The image of the snake is a symbol of evil. And drawings in the form of fish bear in themselves a symbol of calmness, wisdom and courage.
Japanese tattoos with divine themes
Various elements of religion are used in this depiction. Sometimes the drawings accommodate the formidable faces of deities, for example, the Buddha.
Tattoos with images of samurai and Yakuza
Most people associate this body ornament with a gangster group. Since such drawings are a real stigma for gang members. This tattoo is mainly applied in the chest area. Samurai and Yakuza symbolize fearlessness and special courage.
Japanese style tattoos depicting nature
Sea waves, landscapes are used in the natal drawings. All these natural phenomena symbolize mental balance, harmony and tranquility.
Japanese tattoos and the image of the skull
The image in the form of the skull is a symbol of quite significant changes in a person's life. Sometimes this picture marks the beginning of a new life, so to speak from scratch.
The concept of the tattoo
Sages believed that the tattoo influenced the wearer by developing certain qualities in him or her. The Japanese style tattoo arm has many complex elements and meanings. Initially, they were just images without clear outlines. Later in the culture, there were images of animals that were applied for:
- Good luck in the hunt and protection from enemies.
- Drawing attention to aristocratism, belonging to a noble family.
- Religious purposes. In the evolution of the meaning of the tattoo, the next step was to acquire a special theological meaning. It also gave importance to the exaltation of high human feelings: love, loyalty, honor.
- The designation of prohibition. Due to historical processes of power change, tattoos on visible parts of the body became forbidden. But the Japanese did not want to put up with such orders and continue to impose and wear tattoos on those parts of the body that are hidden from view.
Japanese tattoos in black shades
Tattoos in black shades are mostly preferred by men, thus trying to express their mood and character. In the Japanese style there are many variants of ornaments made exactly in black shades. The beautiful half of humanity uses black tattoos in the form of inscriptions to decorate their bodies. Also girls prefer a body decoration in the form of a black lotus, which denotes life and complete immortality. With the help of dark colors, any master will be able to convey the inner feelings of the future owner of the tattoo. All drawings, expressed in black tones, carry a deep and unique meaning. Only a real master can cope with such a task.
The subtleties of tattoo art
The source of inspiration when choosing a drawing is the mythology of Japan. Many people choose masks and faces of demons as tattoos. If you choose the right image, the picture can become the most powerful amulet and amulet for its owner. But it is worth remembering that the meaning of the tattoo is influenced by many factors: the position of even minor details, the general location on the body and color.
People, who deeply study the history and symbolism of the tattoo, add their abstract ideas to the ready sketches. Masters say that the tattoo arm in Japan is a competent combination of abstraction and concreteness and is truly suitable not for all comers, but only for strong and wise people.
Characteristic places for Japanese tattoos
Basically, the back, arms and chest are used for Japanese style tattoos. If the ornament is printed on the arm, it is a whole sleeve, requiring a lot of patience and time. This image carries a deep and subtle meaning that can dramatically affect the fate of the owner. The beautiful half of humanity often applies Japanese style tattoos to the waist area. Basically, these are inscriptions in Japanese that signify prosperity and a rich life.
Japanese style tattoos are quite original and beautiful. These images sometimes resemble the whole works of art. After all, not without reason, Japanese tattoos require a sensitive attitude to the work and special attention of the master himself.
Photo
Below you can consider photos of finished works, made in the Japanese theme. In the pictures you can find both female and male sketches.
