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

A 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 that are fashionable in the country of the Rising.

The meaning of Japanese tattoos

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

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

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

In the book, tattoos are divided into two types - those worn by the nobility and those that mark criminals. For example, "dog" was applied to the faces of traitors. The drawing said that the man was a hollow, capable of betraying any secret.

The beginning of the use of tattoos to brand the guilty 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 character tattoo on the forehead and hands. The limbs were circled with black hoops, as if. One line, one crime. So the rings painted on the wrists in Japan can still be misinterpreted today.

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

The Japanese writer also spoke about geishas. They began to wear japanese lettering tattoo. On the inside the names of regular customers were pricked up. So the beauties made a vow of dates, expressed their love.

Japanese tattoo the criminals stopped applying, but the drawings began to be used by professionals in various fields in order to be recognized in the crowd. Firefighters, doctors, palanquin carriers had their own signs. Some painted all the bodies in the technique of engravings. 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 the union of water and, a duet of heaven and earth, the sunny and shady sides of one mountain. The turtle was impaled 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 an untattooed person there was like seeing the eighth wonder of the world.

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

Japanese tattoos for men

Classic tattoo in Japanese style are usually colored. Men of the country of the Rising Sun often wear just such. Sketches for guys are called yakuze.

This is the name of the clan that brought into fashion large-scale paintings in full, passing 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. First, you need several sessions. The image is large-scale, it is difficult to complete it in one sitting.

Secondly, due to the size and complexity of the sketches, the work is expensive. Ladies are less inclined to give that kind of money for underwear painting, they are more likely to buy diamond earrings.

Men choose japanese tattoo sketches emphasize their strength, courage, power. Those striving for financial well-being and good luck stuff golden fish. They are considered a symbol of wealth in the country of the Rising Sun.

So, Japanese carp tattoo are often found on businessmen. The sketch is also used by travelers and athletes. For them japanese carp tattoo- an expression of the dynamics of life, constant movement.

Japanese tattoos for women

Girls often ask japanese tattoo masks. The most famous of them is Chania. This is the image of a girl full of 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 insidious ladies, all those who were offended by men.

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

In general, the hero of mythology resembles the character of a computer game-quest. Such an association naturally attracts many guys. They inflict They tend to on hand. Japanese tattoos here are the most "readable".

Japanese tattoos, photo which, usually laid out by girls, are distinguished by the grace of execution and, as a rule, small and medium sizes. 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. It is less mysterious and more romantic. Flowering branches are not included in japanese tattoo with translation. Sakura doesn't need decoding. It is clear to everyone that cherry is a symbol of beauty, transience and fragility of life. If you delve into the folklore of Japan, sakura is a sign of sadness.

There is a legend about a worker who could not stand the beating of the 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 a subordinate to the trunk of a cherry tree and screwed them to death.

Universal Japanese tattoos

It remains to consider Japanese hieroglyphs-tattoo and their meaning. Among the alphabet there are symbols for both men and women, and universal ones. For example, there are signs: love, kindness, freedom, respect, traditions. You can apply the hieroglyph of 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 pierced only by experts in the language, or those who have consulted with them. For fidelity, you can choose a quote from some Japanese book. In this case, the chance of making a mistake in writing is minimal.

Tattoo Japan is an ancient oriental style that has deep roots and a rich history. Japanese tattoo artists have long been held in high esteem not only in their homeland, but throughout the world. Influential people and even monarchs wore drawings 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 keep 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 mentioning Japan tattoos, people no longer mean the old classical school of ancient masters, but also new directions. Many masters around the world studied the art of Japanese tattooing and transformed the old style, adapted it to the present, 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 a few years.

Interesting Facts

AT Japanese tradition the tattoo is closely associated with the mafia. Modern authorities still have a negative attitude towards tattoos. People with tattoos often fall under the disgrace of the authorities, they can be kicked out of the pool or any other public place. Therefore, the Japanese do not make tattoos in prominent places and do not show them in society.

Japanese Tattoos - Main Plots

Japanese Carp Tattooone of the most popular stories. The symbol of the carp became popular thanks to the legend of Makatsuge, a fish that, through its 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 current. 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 fingers on their paws. According to legend, the dragon is considered a sacred guardian spirit and is revered by people.

Tiger Tattoo- a symbol of courage, strength, courage and nobility. The Japanese believe that tigers are able 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 curled up at the hammer brings good luck, wealth and prosperity.

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

Men's Tattoos Japan - Japanese Style Tattoos for Men

The Japanese tattoo style is chosen by men more often than women. The first reason is the volume of the drawing. Japanese tattoos are almost always very large and bright, it is easier for a man to decide on 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. The Japanese Carp Tattoo is considered a traditional male tattoo.

Japan Women Tattoos - Japanese Style Tattoos for Girls

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

The origin and development of tattoo art in Japan

According to the most popular version, the tattoo came to Japan in the 5th century. BC. from China, where this art has been developed for 6 centuries. In the 3rd century AD travelers from the Celestial Empire who arrived in Japan noted that representatives of noble families can be distinguished from ordinary people because they have drawings on their faces. According to another version, tattoo traditions came to Japan from the most ancient times thanks to the Ainu people, who lived next to the Japanese from 7000 to 250 BC. In a very famous legend among the inhabitants of Japan, it is told that the mythological ruler of the Land of the Rising Sun, Jimmu (660-585 BC), had such beautiful tattoos that he struck 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. I must say that the first Japanese tattoo work was done not with needles, but with plant thorns.

Tattoo artists in Japan have always had a special relationship, as they were considered real artists. One version says that initially tattooists worked together with engravers, who made sketches on the body, and tattoo artists scored them. From the other, you can find out that the tattoo artists were the same engravers who changed the type of activity. But be that as it may, the training procedure was very similar: for 5 years, the student worked as an apprentice, was engaged in mopping, mixing ink and, most importantly, studying classical drawing.

The Kojiki, one of Japan's first written records, talks about two types of tattoos. The first kind was sign of representatives of the nobility, and tattoos of the second type marked criminals. At the beginning of the Kofun era (4-6 centuries AD), tattoos did not find public censure. But in the middle of this period, attitudes towards them changed dramatically. A number of studies report that tattoo designs were signs of social outcasts. The hieroglyph “dog” was painted on the forehead of traitors, and such a person was perceived by society as a complete outcast.

By the end of the 17th century, tattoos in Japan began decorate their bodies priests and geishas. One of the landmark innovations in 1720 was the practice of tattooing as punishment which replaced the chopping off of the nose and ears. At the same time, the samurai were free from this punishment. Tattoos were applied to such criminals as extortionists, scammers, as well as people involved in forging documents and banknotes. The attackers were tattooed on their arm in the form of a black ring for each atrocity. This practice was used for a century and a half - until 1870.

In the 18th century drawing beautiful tattoo becomes one of the ways attracting clients from courtesans. Oiran and tayu, with the help of tattoos, could circumvent the law, which forbade showing a naked body. Beautiful tattoo designs acted as a substitute for clothing, and the girl became even more desirable. In this case, only the face, feet and palms were free from tattoos. Sometimes a feeling flared up between the courtesan and her client, and then they made joint tattoos. For example, as proof of fidelity, tattoos were made on the arms in the form of moles. Lovers also applied each other's names along with the hieroglyph for the word "fate".

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

Time on the border of the 18th and 19th centuries is the 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 sakura and chrysanthemum, demonstrating that they are ready to die during the battle at any moment, as they have sufficient determination. Cherry and its short life symbolized the transience of human existence. And the life path of a samurai was comparable to cherry blossoms.

And just the samurai were the first to apply tattoos to the whole body. And such a tradition was born thanks to their outfit - jinbaori- a military sleeveless tunic. Therefore, instead of sleeves, tattoos were made, symbolizing heroism, valor and the fight against enemies.

Yakuza tattoos

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

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

"Kyumoryu Shishin"- a tattooed hero in a Chinese outfit, which symbolizes combat abilities.

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

Fudomyo- Buddhist mythical creature guarding treasures. Such a tattoo was received by the yakuza, who were engaged in smuggling.

Main motives

The Dragon

If we talk about the general theme of Japanese tattoos, then drawings depicting dragons are the most widespread. This mythological creature symbolizes strength and nobility. Such tattoos, due to their brightness, are most loved by young Japanese. Usually dragon tattoos are done in traditional style nukibori, in which the image is always outlined without transitions.

Tiger

As another popular hero of Japanese tattoos, 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

The inhabitants of Japan have always had a popular marine theme, for this reason one of the main characters of tattoo designs is carp, which symbolizes masculinity and steadfastness. Read more about carp.

Sakura

It is known that Japanese women decorated themselves with tattoos on a par with men. This allowed them to emphasize beauty, grace, meekness, femininity. Favorite theme female tattoos were various floral motifs, as well as sakura, symbolizing the value of every moment of life. In addition, drawing sakura allowed the fair sex to emphasize her fragility and, at the same time, female wisdom.

The Fu dog, which has also become known as the "Lion of Buddha", really looks more like a lion than a dog. This creature is considered a brave and staunch protector. Fu dog has a frightening appearance, as if preparing to attack his opponent in a jump. This tattoo means courage, justice and disinterestedness.

Fu dog is designed to protect family and home well-being. Such an image will save you from meeting bad people and will lead you away from getting into unpleasant situations. Fu dog has a subtle scent, and with this tattoo, luck will always be on your side.

Chania mask

Chania in the legends of Japan is a terrible demon with fangs and horns, under whose shell a vengeful girl is hiding. One of the most popular tattoo images, but, despite its appearance, it does not carry anything negative with it. There is a widespread version 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 a synonym for the word "prana" and means "wisdom". Often, next to the chanya 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 variety of physiognomic expressions. According to legend, the demon can take on human form. It is interesting that people themselves can become this creature if they often fall into anger. Despite its cruelty, the demon Oni sometimes becomes the 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 mistress of the seas and oceans.

Phoenix

This bird, with its spring appearance, symbolizes the fact that all phenomena and beings in the world do not disappear after death, but are reborn. That is, events are cyclical and constantly repeat. 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 presented to people by the sun.

A tattoo image of a phoenix allows our spirit to find peace and get rid of the fear of death. The Japanese consider 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 have symbolized prosperity, wealth and success. Therefore, there is nothing strange that among the Japanese, the peony is a symbol of prosperity and prosperity that will accompany the owner of this tattoo. But, if you plunge into history, it is easy to find out that the peony also symbolized feminine beauty and emotionality, as well as the ability to control their feelings. 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 interfered in battles.

Execution tools

As for the work tool, Japanese craftsmen use bamboo sticks with needles at the end. Up to 4 needles may be needed to apply the image, and to fill its surface - a set of 30 connected needles, which is called "hari".

How are things now

It must be said that modern Japan is one of the few states in which the topic of tattoos is taboo today. This is due to the fact that the long term tattoos were the privilege of the Japanese mafia circles, and the authorities still continue to consider this art to be near-criminal.
But, in spite of everything, Japanese tattoo artists continue to do their job, passing their skills and knowledge from generation to generation. Both individual masters and salons and even family clans gained worldwide fame. Tattoo artists from other countries are gradually improving the quality of their work, but only masters from Japan within clans own the truly classic way of applying a Japanese tattoo.

Recently, tattoos made in neo-Japanese style. "Neo-Japanese" work within the framework of traditional Japanese motives, but under a fairly strong influence of Western culture. Among the tattoo communities, the term "neo-Japanese style" is not generally accepted. It began to be used, first of all, in order to separate the Japanese style in tattooing before the Second World War and after. Today, the styles and techniques of tattoo art that were in use before the Second World War 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.

Video: the process of creating a neo-Japanese tattoo

Video: sketch development - Mask of Chania

Examples of tattoos and sketches in neo-Japanese style from Bloody wave studio

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Japanese style in tattoo: photo, sketches, meaning.

According to the most common version in the 5th c. BC e. The tattoo was borrowed from China, where it has been used since the 11th century. BC e. In the III century. n. e. Chinese travelers who visited Japan noted in the chronicle of San Kuochi that people of noble origin here differ from the common people in that they wear drawings on their faces. According to another theory, the tattoo entered Japan in ancient times thanks to the Ainu who lived next door to the Japanese in the period from 7000 to 250 BC. The most common legend among the Japanese themselves says that the mythical ruler of Japan, Jimmu (660-585 BC), wore tattoos so effective that he delighted Queen Senoyatatara who composed a poem in their honor. Therefore, in Japan until 500, decorating the body with a tattoo was the privilege of emperors, later it turned into a decorative art.

The favorable climate for the rapid development of the arts, created by the historical events of the 17th century, contributed to the emergence of a beautiful artistic tattoo as a separate branch of art. Over time, tattoo fashion has become mandatory in certain social circles. At the beginning of the XIX century. in the largest Japanese city of Edo (now Tokyo), body tattooing has taken root so much that an artisan who does not have skin drawings would certainly be on the list of the seven wonders of the capital.

To attract the attention of customers, they begin to decorate their bodies with beautiful courtesan tattoos. With the help of tattoos, oiran and tayu bypassed the ban on showing a naked body. Covered with multi-colored patterns, the skin seemed to be a kind of imitation of clothing, while making the woman even more seductive. In this case, only the face, palms and feet remained untattooed. Often strong feelings arose between the oiran and her partner, and then they got tattooed together. For example, as a sign of fidelity to each other, moles were applied to the hands, so that when the palms were clasped, the marks were mutually covered thumbs hands The names of lovers were pricked, accompanied by the hieroglyph inoti - fate, which in Russian can be interpreted as love to the grave.

Part of the Japanese tradition are flower tattoos: peony symbolizes wealth and good luck, chrysanthemum - determination and self-control, sakura - "we are just guests on this earth".
Samurai were tattooed with cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums, thus making it clear that they could die on the battlefield at any moment and for this they had enough determination. The short life cycle of the Japanese cherry is the transience of life. And the life of a samurai was like cherry blossoms.
Tattoo in the form pink flowers cherry blossom has become famous far beyond the borders of Japan, especially among women.

The popularity of the tattoo also grew thanks to famous dramatic actors who saw in it a new way to achieve expression on stage. At the end of the XVIII century. one of the most beautiful tattoos could boast of the outstanding actor Nakamura Utaemon IV. Following the example of actors, the fashion for tattoos gradually began to take hold in some circles of the Japanese aristocracy. The period at the turn of the 18th - 19th centuries is considered golden in the history of Japanese tattoos. Painting motifs have become not only an adornment of the body, but also a subject for reflection. As a rule, tattoos depict legendary heroes or religious subjects, which can be interspersed with flowers, landscapes, symbolic animals such as dragons and tigers, against the background of waves, clouds or rays, and in motion, which makes their perception three-dimensional, since the main motives of Japanese tattoos were ancient fairy tales and legends associated with the sea. A large group of saints, samurai and monks, courtesans, geishas, ​​kabuki theater actors, sumo wrestlers, etc. also found a place in Japanese tattooing.
The most common tattoo motifs were dragon and carp. The popularity of tattooing and its elevation to the rank of art led to the high prestige of the most popular Japanese tattooists, who were called hori. This name comes from the main "horu", which means the action of "engraving" or "digging", while the concept of "hori-mono" corresponds to the word "tattoo". Even today in Japan, the names of famous tattoo artists of the Edo period are remembered. Among them are: Hori Iyuua, Karakusa-Gonta, Kon Konjiro, Nakamon, Kaneto, Yakkozei, Darumakin, Iku. To this day, the eminent modern hori-mono practitioners refuse to use an electric tattoo machine.

While working, tattoo artists use bamboo sticks with needles attached to them. From one to four needles are used to apply the pattern, and a set of thirty needles in the form of a bundle is used to fill the surface of the pattern. This bunch of needles is called "hari".

In the process of performing a Japanese tattoo distinguish five phases.
The first phase (“suji”) is based on applying a sketch of the motif and the whole composition to the skin using black ink or a special dye that is firmly held on the skin. One session is enough to complete this work.
The second phase is the selection and fixing of the contour with an instrument with one to four needles fixed on it, which are immersed in very thick black ink.
The third phase is based on pricking the skin with a large number of needles collected in a bundle. This allows you to achieve the desired filling of the composition with color and tone.
The fourth phase, called “tsuki-hari” (“tsuki” - to punch and “hari” - a bunch of needles), consists in a shallow pricking of significant fragments of the body surface with a small number of needles without shading it. The needles are driven into the skin with light strokes with the base of the palm, after which the needles are additionally pressed into the body.
The fifth phase consists in the fact that during the pricking of the skin, a slight swing is given to the hand. The piercing depth is precisely controlled. The use of this technique allows you to achieve the best effects when shading the surface of the composition. This procedure is the least painful, because it is carefully controlled, and at the same time the most difficult technically.

Japanese tattooists use predominantly black and red pigments, less often bronze and very rarely green and yellow. After each tattooing procedure, the client is required to take a bath. This improves well-being and makes the tattoo more effective. People with a fresh tattoo are warned against drinking alcohol, since alcohol combined with a freshly pricked skin can lead to poisoning of the body.

However, over time, tattoo art has become a symbol of the underworld. In ancient Japan, a person with a tattoo was persona non grata: he was expelled from his family and society, doomed to complete isolation.
There is evidence that already in the 8th century in the land of the rising sun, punishment tattoos were used. One of the conspirators who decided to overthrow the existing government was tattooed right near his eyes so that everyone would know what a terrible crime he had planned. Four centuries later, the separation of criminals from the law-abiding population through tattooing became widespread. Moreover, in different principalities and provinces they were stigmatized in the form of punishment in different ways.
In the town of Chukuzen, the guilty for the first crime were applied to the forehead horizontal line, for the second - an arcuate, for the third - another line. These 3 features made up the hieroglyph "inu", which means "dog" (in a poor dictionary of Japanese curses given word is one of the scariest). Also, the criminals were marked with a circle on the left shoulder, and with a double line around the biceps of the left hand (each new crime was added along the line), and the hieroglyph "aku", which means "villain".
Therefore, initially, yakuza tattoos carried the meaning of hiding punishment tattoos - on the body of criminals, tattoos were usually done in a conspicuous place and could even tell in which prison they were serving their sentences. Irezumi is an attempt to "hide" the criminal's mark with stylization and the introduction of additional motives.
The yakuza have been using extensive tattoos for centuries as a sign of belonging to a group, as well as to indicate their position in the group.
In addition, when joining the yakuza, peasants and artisans received new, militant-sounding names, such as Tiger and Crane, Nine Dragons, Roaring Storm, etc., which were then applied in the form of paintings on the back or chest. Japanese classic tattoo, inherited by the yakuza, is distinguished by beauty, a variety of plots and colors, and carries hidden meaning incomprehensible to the uninitiated.

The Dragon- symbolizes power and strength, and at the same time uniting fire and water.
The dragon has always been a powerful and beautiful animal for the Japanese. According to mythological beliefs, tatsu, as dragons are called in Japan, who live near bodies of water, have close ties with the gods. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of dragon tattoos. For the Japanese, the image of a dragon should bring good luck. The size, style, location of the tattoo can change the meaning. For example, a dragon wrapped around a sword and glaring at you with bright red eyes demonstrates the power and strength of its owner. A dragon soaring above the clouds is the determination to do everything for the sake of freedom and independence.

Carp- symbolizes courage, bravery, stoicism. A special place is occupied by a variety of sea and water motifs in general, which is simply explained: the life of many Japanese is closely connected with the sea. For this reason, in a Japanese tattoo, a wave motif often appears next to water creatures, which serves as a background and reveals the texture of the body. Sometimes he dictates stylistic originality.

Tiger - fearlessness symbol. Although the tiger is extremely rare in Japan, tattoo artists have depicted it frequently since the late Edo period. To a greater extent, thanks to one of the heroes of the Suikoden novel, who had a tiger tattoo on his back. Most often, the image is somewhat distorted, since a tiger could only be seen in Chinese paintings. Persistence, power, dominance - the symbolism associated with the tiger. A tiger that has released its claws or pounces on prey will tell about the aggressive disposition of the owner of the tattoo.

snakes, which are associated with many religious rites in Japan in the distant past, symbolizes the regenerative nature of life itself. In Japanese tradition, the snake is associated with the divine feminine- wisdom and cunning.

Probably the most famous Japanese tattoo han demon mask although it has nothing to do with the devil. The mask, on the other hand, can ward off evil. Once upon a time there lived a young woman who fell in love with a monk. But love remained unrequited, rage distorted it. Beautiful face and she turned into an oni (demon). The Han mask is used in Noh theater performances, depicting women who turn into monsters out of jealousy and anger. A tattoo in the form of a Han mask was made by samurai, believing that the fallen angels would keep them.

Demons, monsters, one can say a revered theme in Japanese culture, especially in tattooing. According to the Japanese, tattoos of this kind, on the contrary, will protect and protect. Demon dog (Inuyasha), centipede demon, foxes, tanuki are common characters in Japanese-style tattoos. The most striking feature of a Japanese tattoo is its vastness. A tattoo that was consistently performed on a person for several years could lead to the emergence of a composition in the form of a “kimono” or “open cloak”. Such a tattoo is called full and tightly covers the torso, leaving the space in the center of the chest and abdomen unfilled. In the upper part, it reaches the elbows, filling the forearms, in the lower part it ends on the hips. Also, the distinctive features are the presence of pronounced motifs:
- usually one stands out - the main one, and a large number of small ones, with the help of which the entire surface of the skin is filled. They often weave and create a backdrop for the presenter. Ornaments (usually geometric) and inscriptions can also be used as secondary ones. - multicolor, intensity, contrast of colors (black and red colors are most common),
- expressiveness and expression, achieved using the knowledge of human anatomy, primarily muscle tissue (the image is applied in such a way that the effect of movement during muscle work is created), weaving into the motif of the pattern of body parts (the navel, collarbone, nipples became elements of a common motif),
- emphasizing the contours: the edges of the main motifs were shaded or highlighted with a decorative outline.
symbolism - almost any motif of a Japanese tattoo is a symbol.
Japanese tattoo masters continue to fulfill orders, passing on the skill from generation to generation, along with a unique way of tattooing (traditional tattoo art implies a canonical method of making using bamboo and family dye recipes)
Schools of Japanese tattoo masters, studios and family clans (Horitoshi, Horitama, Irezumi and others) are widely known. Masters of other continents also offer “Japanese tattoo” services, however, despite the quality work, it is true traditional way the manufacture of Japanese tattoos remains only in Japan itself within the clans.

It is proven that Japanese-style tattoos originated thousands of years ago, but during this time they have not squandered their popularity. In addition, such tattoos were considered especially influential, they were worn by high-ranking people such as the King of Denmark, Frederick IX and, according to unofficial data, Nicholas II.

By the way, there is currently an unwritten ban on tattoos in Japan. At least the authorities don't accept tattoos as art. It's all about stereotypes, according to which a person with a tattoo is considered a member of the mafia, doing dirty business.

Japan is a country with unusual traditions and symbols, completely different from what we are used to. The local culture fascinates us, which is why, by painting our body in this style, we try to partially touch its mysteries.

The Japanese style cannot be overlooked, just one look at the stunning sketches is mesmerizing. The most popular tattoos of the Japanese dragon, painted bright colors. According to legend, the tattoo of a mythological creature is able to protect a person from fire. Often in this style you can see unusual combinations that combine the aggressiveness of animals and the serenity of colors in the pattern. This shows a person that everything in the world must be balanced.

The image of sakura on the body is also very symbolic. This gives an understanding that life is short, like a blossoming and suddenly falling sakura flower.

Masters of Japanese tattoo are real experts in their field. Before picking up a needle, you need to study every detail of the sketch, delve into the bottomless history of this culture.