One of the most common tattoo designs in the maritime theme today is the image of a carp. The history of this natal figure has its roots in the countries of the East and thanks to its numerous variations of performance enjoys considerable popularity among representatives of both sexes. Such a demand for the sketch with the image of carp is obliged to the total lack of restrictions on the choice of tattoo size. This fact allows fans of body art to translate into reality the most incredible ideas and apply the sketch to any part of the body.
Types of sketches
As we mentioned above, the carp tattoo allows you to choose any size, so it can adorn both a small area of the body and be part of a large-scale composition with many details. Carp can be depicted on the crest of a sea wave, on the background of river mud or seaweed. If previously it was considered an inconspicuous river fish, today this species is very diverse and sometimes resembles floating gems that can be used in the design of the tattoo.
Also, very often the fish is complemented by floral elements in the form of lotus leaves and flowers, water lily, peony buds or sakura branches. Sketches can be colorful, monochrome or decorated in the transition of one color from a darker shade to a lighter one.
Fans of fishing depict a carp caught on a hook. The tattoo in this case is supplemented by the image of various components of fishing tackle. Equally rare are natal drawings depicting a carp family duo, designed in the yin-yang style and a Japanese-themed natal such as koi carp or drawings with hieroglyphs.
Places and styles for carp tattoos
As a rule, carp are applied in Japanese style - which is due to the mythological perception of this fish in these countries. Often comes to see the tattoo on the shoulder, where the fish is surrounded by water or on the background of the seascape. It is worth noting that in compositions carp is very often complemented by lotus flowers, plants.
Tattoo black carp can be depicted together with the dragon - this is the embodiment of Chinese legend. There are also tattoos where the fish is depicted with the dragon's head.
As for places, more often give preference to the carp tattoo on the forearm. However, the area of application of the body art is not limited to anything. It is worth noting that you can add dynamics to the image if you choose the right area of the body. Styles can be almost any, but often they are associated with the cultural characteristics of China and Japan, so the picture looks more harmonious. In order not to resort to the removal of the tattoo later, it is important to take into account the styles of existing images - in this case, the composition will turn out spectacular.
The meaning of the tattoo
The meaning of the tattoo sketch with the image of a carp depends largely on the theme of the sketch and its additions. Drawings, designed in the Eastern style, are interpreted only with positive meanings. The Japanese see the carp and its image as a symbol of longevity and prosperity. The Chinese revere this creature as a powerful, wise leader and place it at the head of all fish.
In the modern world, the symbolism of the carp tattoo means strength of will, determination, striving for a better life, prosperity, the ability to overcome obstacles and contributes to the achievement of the desired. Also carp is considered a symbol of good luck, courage and in many variations is the amulet of its owner, his motivation for transformation and rebirth.
The meaning of the carp tattoo in different cultures
The meaning of the carp tattoo in the East has a positive meaning - for example, the Japanese are very supportive of the fish, as it is considered a symbol of longevity, prosperity, purposefulness. The fact that the carp is able to overcome impressive distances, even in a rough current. This is why in Japan and China it is considered to be an embodiment of masculinity - creative, purposeful and persistent.
It is interesting that the carp tattoo and the second meaning, according to the attitude of the Chinese. The koi carp is chief over the fish that reside in the depths of the waters of the world, and therefore it is considered a symbol of a leader, endowed with such characteristics as authority, wisdom, a higher position and a desire to be at the top of the hierarchy. Legend has it that the carp that swam across the river, resisting the current, becomes a dragon, so such a fish is also called a dragon. The designation tattoo carp for many owners is just related to this legend - the image serves as a stimulus for setting fairly elusive goals, tasks that require perseverance and discipline. The question of where best to do the tattoo in this case is not crucial - wherever it has been applied, it represents a kind of blessing on the case, the achievement of the task. However, it is believed that the larger the area of the skin occupied by the picture, the faster the person will come to his goal.
In order to determine what a carp tattoo means, it is worth noting the admiration for the longevity of the fish. Buddhists considered the carp the embodiment of courage and independence.
It is worth noting that until recently in Japan the carp was considered a true male symbolism. This view was reflected in the traditions - at the birth of a male infant in the family, tissues were placed on the outside of the house, which was marked with a picture of this fish. Subsequently, the carp came to signify the family hearth: the fish was given a meaning depending on the color, for example, black represented the head of the family, red represented the female half, etc.
For men.
Initially, the drawing with a carp was intended only for decorating men's bodies, so tattoos in this style prevail in number and popularity. A carp on a man's body emphasizes the independence and tenacity of its owner, and can also symbolize the continuation of the race. Men's tattoos with a representative of the carp family can be performed in monochrome or be colored, as desired by the customer. The owner of such a tattoo sketch is distinguished by the ability to approach tasks with cool reasoning and the ability to always achieve the goal.
For women
Women's tattoo options do not differ much from men's, which undoubtedly makes this sketch more and more in demand. Images can also be colorful or monochrome, large or small, contain a duo of fish in a yin-yang composition or show a single image of a river dweller. Most female tattoo sketches and photos of finished works are complemented by a variety of blooms. In ancient times, the fair sex preferred to depict red carp on their bodies. Chaste young ladies chose light pink shades for the drawing. In general, modern tattoos with carp serve for women or girls as a symbol of well-being, family happiness and characterize their mistress as the ideal keeper of the hearth.
Koi fish tattoo: photo
Below are pictures of the best works of masters from all over the world. In the gallery you will find feminine motifs for girls and brutal sketches for men. We hope that this selection will help you decide on the design of the future drawing.
Koi Carp.
With its rich cultural history, the koi carp tattoo is characterized by many associations and symbolic meanings. The main meaning is associated with the fish's ability to overcome the current and climb up waterfalls, which speaks of the courage and perseverance of this creature. Since the koi carp tattoo has Japanese roots, the interpretation of the sketch largely depends on the choice of color performance. A white koi, Kohaku, means success in your career. The combination of white and red color symbolizes courage, energy, represents love and readiness of the owner for a long relationship. Kumonryu, a black-colored fish, will tell about life changes and transformations. The silver-colored carp, or Obon, demonstrates the success of the owner. Golden koi - Yamabuki, symbolizes prosperity and wealth. A drawing with two fish is the guardian of a strong, happy and long-lasting marriage. A sketch in which a koi carp is depicted with the head of a dragon is considered a powerful amulet that can protect the owner from problems and misfortune.
Cultural significance of koi fish
Koi belong to the carp family, a common freshwater fish. They were originally bred as a source of food, but later they became a noble hobby that was considered a symbol of high social status.
Japanese carps have a special cultural significance for Asian people.
Koi carps, in addition to their extraordinary beauty, have a special ability to swim against the current. According to legend, if a Japanese carp could ascend the Dragon Gate waterfall along the Yellow River, it would turn into a dragon at the end.
There is an opinion that the yin yang element is represented by images of two koi fish, a male and a female, with dots in each half being their eyes.
Where to apply
The main advantage of the carp tattoo is its versatility, which allows you to place the sketch on any part of the body and thereby vary the size of the figure at your discretion. The most common places "inhabited" by carp, which are equally popular with representatives of both sexes, refers to the back, shoulder blades, chest or arms. Bold young ladies emphasize their individuality, placing the sketch on the thigh. On the back it is customary to depict large-scale drawings, resembling the appearance of real colorful paintings. The tattoo of this nature is accompanied by many additions and is characterized by maximum detail. To design a tattoo on the arm, it is customary to place the carp in the shoulder or forearm area. Men and young guys not infrequently score the image of the whole arm, decorating the tattoo in the form of a sleeve. The compositions in the style of yin-yang with a rounded shape, harmoniously decorate any part of the body. Vertical images look impressive on the sides.
What are the fish hiding underneath?
The silence of the lake can hide dangerous marine creatures that appear only under the cover of the night. So with tattoos of fish: they are calm and beautiful, but can be dangerous and cruel. Today depict almost all representatives of fauna.
Therefore, you should not be afraid to envision an unusual representative. Popular images act:
- carp;
- dolphins;
- goldfish;
- piranhas;
- sharks.
The meaning of a tattoo in this style is quite complex. For some, it is a symbol of peace and quiet, while others see the fish as the riot of the sea and water. They are all right in their own way.
The mysterious symbol of fish is quite simple to explain. In the beliefs of Buddhists they were spiritual enlighteners, for Christians they were a symbol of faith, Ancient China saw fish as wealth. Each belief has evolved into an entire mythical underpinning of the symbol and drawing. None of this matters much, though, if you believe in something of your own. For others, such a drawing can tell a lot about its owner. For starters, fish are applied to the body quite dreamy natures, especially the representatives of the sign of the fish.
Another quality of the person with such a tattoo, stands quite a rational calculation. Dreamy ideas in the mind of the owner of the image of fish appear almost every day. After all, this sign is also a symbol of fertility.
The choice of technique
When choosing the style of the sketch should be guided by the variation of the picture itself. Japanese tattoos are performed in the technique of the same name with an abundance of bright colors and thematic additions, such as hieroglyphs, sakura branches or lotus flowers. No less effective looks thrash-polka, which is able to impress anyone with its unconventionality. Tattoos in the technique of realism as possible convey the natural characteristics of fish. The direction of the baroque will demonstrate the mass of the decorative elements, and allow a more pronounced expression of some details of the figure. No less interesting and original look natal drawings in the style of old skool, Dotwork or watercolor.
As you could see, the carp tattoo can be safely attributed to the category of universal and positive natal drawings. Depending on the minor details, the sketch is able to emphasize the individuality of everyone who decides to opt for such a sketch. In this example, every lover of body jewelry can find their "goldfish.
