The Kanji Tattoos

The Japanese tattoo.

In the West, the exotic look of a Japanese tattoo is the main allure that has caught on worldwide since the 1980's and has continued unabated ever since.

Japanese Tattoo History

While Japanese designs are now considered a cool fashion must-have, the practice of tattooing has been going on for thousands of years in Japan.

It's earliest beginnings can be traced back to Japanese prisoners who were identified with permanent tattoos, which evolved into more elaborate designs favored by a Japanese underground of prostitutes and gangsters.

From there, artisans and laborers adopted the tattoo among the working class, among them the colorful Edo firemen. They, in fact, were the first Japanese to adopt full body tattoos in a superstitious effort to protect them against danger.

By the 19th century, there was a widespread government crackdown on tattoos as "barbaric" - but the practice didn't end there. At the same time, Japan began opening up to a stream of foreigners (most notably navy men and officers) who were themselves more than willing to submit to a Japanese tattoo!

Kanji

Today, the American version of the Japanese tattoo can be generally classified into two groups - artwork and callligraphy - with the kanji letter form tatoo becoming by far the most popular. Characters can spell out a person's name phonetically or used as a representational symbol, and may be written both vertically and horizontally.

However, among those who know the language, kanji can become somewhat of an alphabet soup of jumbled phrases and meanings, such as when Britney Spears received her first kanji tattoo. It was supposed to mean "mysterious", but instead translated most often to the Japanese as "strange".

Little wonder, then, why experts always stress that a mere brush stroke can change the meaning of a tattoo, and strongly advise securing the services of an expert kanji tattoo studio, if only to avoid unintentionally funny gibberish!

Koi

In traditional Japanese artwork, the koi or carp is a classic fusion of design and meaning.

Generally regarded throughout the Far East as a symbol of struggle & triumph as the fish swims upstream, the koi (see illustration, above) remains popular among women for its delicate design, as well with men who are drawn to its "macho" symbol of strength against adversity.

Each year, the character-building message is also incorporated into the annual Children's Day celebrations in Japan with carp banners flying to mark the day.

On the Web

Elsewhere on the Web, learn more about what else is popular in Japanese tattoo design today at a growing number of Internet photo galleries devoted to the subject, along with personal stories and interviews, featured video clips, and a look at the long history of tattooing in Japan with related illustrations, pictures and clip art ...



Source : http://www.chiff.com/art/japanese-tattoos.htm

Japanese Tattoos Art and Design

Japanese tattoos have long been associated with the Yakuza, but Japanese tattoo traditions go way beyond criminality. Like many other world cultures the Japanese had a traditional and distinctive version of tattoo art.

The History of Japanese Tattoos

The history of Japanese tattoos goes back to 10,000 BCE. The woman of the Ainu people used tattoos to make themselves look like their goddess, so that demons (who caused diseases) would mistake them for the goddess and get scared. These tribal tattoos started at an early age with a small tattoo on the upper lip. When growing older this small tattoo was expanded.

From 300 BC to 300 AD tattoos were used for spiritual and social purposes. Just like in other tattoo cultures, they were an indicator of ones social status.

From 300 AD on, tattoos were used in Japan to mark criminals. This practice is called bokukei or bokkei. Japan was the last country to stop marking criminals with tattoos (in 1870). People started covering up these marks of shame with more decorative tattoos and that's how the art started.

Japanese Tattoo Art (1870)

Tattooing in Japan reached its zenith in the 1800s, during the Edo period, a time when the power and influence of the common people was very much on the rise. One way in which people chose to use their new-found wealth was to celebrate their art and culture with tattoos. The beauty of the images created was considered a reward for enduring what was, at the time, a long and painful process.

Around 1870 the Japanese government outlawed tattoos in order to make a good impression on the Western world. As a result, Japanese tattoos went underground and became affiliated with the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia.

Tattooing in Japan was legalized again in 1945 by the occupying forces, but never really lost its association with crime. Even today people with tattoos are still banned from businesses like fitness centers, in an attempt to restrict the yakuza from entering their place.

Tattoos in Modern Japan

Nowadays tattoos are gaining popularity amongst the Japanese youth. They are not primarily interested in traditional irezumi though, they prefer the American style of tattooing and tribals. They are more interested in one-point tattoos, smaller tattoos on one part of the body that are usually done in one sitting.

The Western style of tattoos (which they call yobori, as opposed to wabori) is popular in Japan, especially the old school style like heart, skull and rose tattoos. Tattooing in Japan is also getting more attention among females than among males, something that used to be the opposite. They have become a fashion object.

Although tattoos are getting more popular in Japan, they still face resistance by the Japanese cultural code. That's why temporary tattoos enjoy a wider popularity than permanent tattoos over there.

Horimono or Irezumi

Japanese art

• Horimono: the Japanese word for "carving".
• Irezumi: means "insert ink".

Both words refer to the art of tattooing.

Japanese tattoo art was an offshoot of the distinctive woodblock prints, called ukiyo-e. Some of the wood carvers turned to tattooing as an adjunct to their artistic careers, others exchanged their carving-blades for tattoo needles full time as tattooing grew more popular in the 19th century. One of the most famous Japanese tattoo artists of that time, was Horiuno.

Irezumi has got its share of supporters in the West. Some travel to Japan to be tattooed by a Horishi in the Tebori way (by hand), a time-intensive, painful and very expensive undertaking. The traditional Japanese tattoo style is very detailed, what makes getting a Japanese tattoo time-consuming and expensive.

Source : http://www.freetattoodesigns.org/japanese-tattoos.html

Cute Tattoos Designs for Women

The T-Spot On Gurl Tattoos

I’ve noticed, women I know are excited to experiment and explore with extrodianay tattoo art and are getting unbelieable tattoo designs and beautiful tattoos that can blow you away. AND in a minute I gonna share my big tattoo secret sure to make a gal rocket into tattoo bliss, with delight.

Women like pretty stuff, no surprise here. Tattooing is no exception.

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My gal insists on having tattoos on her lower back, stomach, breasts and other under exposed body parts. (so so, -Nice, too)

Yeah, the world of female tattoos is just Amazing...

Get this...blues great Janis Joplin had a wristlet and a small heart on her left boob, by the amazing tattoo artist Lyle Tuttle...- sweeeet.

Let’s take a deeper plunge into the subject and find out when and how the art of tattooing became an invigorating part of a Gurl’s life.

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Source : http://hubpages.com/hub/cute_tattoo_designs_for_women

Girls Tattoos

Girl tattoos will always be popular. Men choose them to show appreciation for the female form. Women choose them to demonstrate female strength and beauty. Girls in ink range from the sexy pin-up to the powerful warrior.

During the first half of the 20th century, "pinup girl" posters featured voluptuous women posing for the camera. By today's standards, these pictures are tame. The women's clothing was much less revealing than what you might see on the street these days, and the poses were more sweet than sexy.

It's exactly that low-key sexuality that seems to appeal to people now. Pinup girl tattoos are acceptable in mixed company: no exposed breasts, no lascivious looks. But they also let the world know that the wearer appreciates a pretty girl.

Here are some places to see pinup girl tattoos:

• TattooArtists.org. This artist-run site has some beautiful examples of pinup art.
• Avalon Tattoo. San Diego tattooist Fip Buchanan includes many 1950's style pinups among the photos of his work.
• Sailor Jerry.com. Sailor Jerry was a legendary tattooist known in part for his pinup girls. This site's galleries feature tats in the Sailor Jerry style.

Tats of fantasy girls adorn many backs, shoulders, and biceps. These girls ride motorcycles, sit astride horses, wield swords, or simply offer come-hither looks. They wear spike heels or steel-toed boots, flowing skirts or leather, whatever strikes the wearer as sexy. They're usually large-breasted and wasp-waisted, a not-quite-possible ideal of femininity.

Fantasy girl tattoos can also show more realistic women. A hula girl, a dancer with a lithe body and six-pack abs, or a traditional Geisha girl might look like their pictures were taken from photographs. But there is always something – a sexy pose, a submissive gaze, or a dominant glare – that makes it clear that the picture is a fantasy.

Some fantasy girl tats are about feminine power. Some reflect the wearer's wish to dominate a beautiful woman. Many people will admire a fantasy girl tattoo. But others may be offended by what they see as misogynistic.

You'll find examples of these girls at many online tattoo galleries, although they're usually mixed in among other styles. Try browsing at BMEzine.com or TattooArtists.org.

Angels

Feathered wings and flowing hair are the key features of classic angel tattoos, but angels can come in many forms. Dragon scales and bat wings are part of some people's angel visions. Girl angels are usually ethereally beautiful, but they can also be angry or vengeful.

Angel styles include the familiar Christian form in flowing robes and a sexier version with wings demurely covering the female body. Goth angels and heavy-metal angels are popular, too. And fallen angels – winged and demonic-looking – are another option. Fairy tattoos, showing pretty girls with insect-like wings, are also popular.

Check out ReligiousTattoos.net for some Judeo-Christian angel tattoos.

Mermaids

Mermaids continue to be a favorite legend. Almost always depicted as beautiful girls, mermaids grace the arms, legs, and torsos of many men and women.

Mermaids on the Web has a cornucopia of mermaid lore, including a gallery of mermaid tattoos in widely different styles.

Girlfriends

Getting a girlfriend's name tattooed over a heart is an age-old gesture of love. Bringing her photo to the tattoo artist for a personalized drawing is even more special. The tattoo can a simple re-creation of a favorite portrait. Or, it can be a creation reflecting her personality and the relationship. Some fantasy girl tats even begin with a real woman's face, body, and style.

Daughters

Tattoos of daughters are a different kind of girl tattoo. Devoted dads who are also tattoo fans may choose to have tats created from photos of their children. Far from sexual, these girl tattoos represent a father's love, pride, and devotion. They usually show babies or toddlers at their best – and cutest. More permanent than a wallet photo, for tattoo aficionados they're far more meaningful as well.

Source : http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Girl_Tattoos

How To Choose A Beautiful Tattoos Design?

There are many people who start thinking about getting a tattoo. Some find them to be beautiful works of art, while others choose them because they are hip and cool. What many people do not think about ahead of time is what kind of design they want to have. While most people want to pick out a tattoo that will be a reflection of their personality, there are many to choose from, which can make the final decision a tough one. The following are a few things that can help you choose a beautiful tattoo design that you will be happy with.

Size of the Tattoo
When you are trying to pick out a beautiful tattoo design for yourself, one thing that you will want to consider is the size. Size is very important, and it can impact how the tattoo will look and the amount you will have to pay for the tattoo. If you want the tattoo to be something private or obscure, then you might want to pick out a small tattoo. On the other hand, if you want to show off your tattoo and you are more concerned about the work of art, then a larger tattoo might be just your style.

Look Online

While many people have found themselves limited in their choices to the designs that they find at the place they go to get their tattoo done, you can actually find many ideas online. There are a variety of online galleries that will let you browse and even print out designs that you really like. Going to an online gallery is very quick and easy, and will give you an amazingly large variety of designs to look at and choose from.

Color is Important

You will also want to consider the color of the design when you are trying to pick out one that is beautiful for you. Some people have skin tones that may not do well with some colors, and you want to make sure that the tattoo will look great on you. You may also have a favorite color that you want to have incorporated into your tattoo as well. Even if you find a design that you like in one color, you may want to consider having it done in a different color that is unique to you.

It is important to consider your tattoo design very carefully before you have it done. A tattoo is permanent, and while there are some newer technologies that can remove tattoos, they are very expensive and painful as well. If you carefully consider various designs and make the right decision about your tattoo design, no doubt you will be happy with the design for many years.



Source : http://ezinearticles.com/?How-To-Choose-A-Beautiful-Tattoo-Design?&id=557755

Online Tattoos Designs

Many new tattoo artist have been submitting their work to website owners who sell their work for them. With the Internet a tattoo artist can create a work of art and sell it without ever leaving their studio. There are many beautiful tattoo designs online, you just have to find them. Their work can be on hundreds if not thousands of individuals without them ever doing the tattoo themselves. Many of these services are online that you can find if you just did a little research, but not all of these services are the same. If you want quality tattoo designs, I have a website for you to take a look at. They have over 3,500 different designs in categories for you to search for. I have seen these tattoos and many of them are great works of art, beautiful tattoo designs. If you are looking for Celtic tattoo designs or even Celtic Cross tattoos, you can search for the design in their category. They make it easy to find the perfect tattoo.


Did you know that Tattoo Designs are becoming a popular searched item on the internet? If you are into this kind of body art you may have heard of the TV serier called Inked. Its been inspiring new artist and others to start searching for tattoo designs online. Some of the most popular looked for pieces of art are Celtic, Butterfly, Dragons, Tribal, Rose/Flower, Heart, Angel and Cross tattoo designs. Many of these new tattoo artist have been submitting their work to website owners who sale their work for them. With the Internet a tattoo artist can create a work of art and sell it without ever leaving their studio. The database has 40 categories for you to search through. If you are looking for Celtic tattoo designs or even a Celtic Cross tattoo, you can search for the design in their category. They make it easy to find the perfect tattoo.



Here is a list of their tattoo categories for your reference.

• Abstract
• Angel
• Belly Button
• Birds
• Butterflies
• Cartoon
• Celtic Tattoos
• Chinese
• Cross
• Devil Tattoos
• Dolphin
• Dragon
• Eagle
• Fairy
• Fantasy
• Flower
• Harley Davidson
• Heart
• Eagle
• insects
• Japanese
• Lizard
• Lower Back Tattoos
• Mermaid
• Monster
• Patriotic - American
• Religious
• Rose
• Scorpion
• Skull
• Snake
• Sports
• Stars
• Sun
• Symbols
• Tigers
• Tribal
• Various Animals
• Wolf
• Women
• Zodiac

Each of these categories have many different beautiful tattoo designs based on the category. You find the category that interest you the most and click on it, then view through the many different types of designs based on the category. Everything is pretty organized and easy to find. There are tattoos added as more artist submit their designs. Its a great way to keep in touch with some of the best artist, especially if you are an artist yourself and own a studio. You can use these tattoos for your studio and have your customers choose their own design.


Source : http://www.tattoodesignshop.com/

Liu Ming from Beijing maniac on tattoos in the body

This is actually known as a Maniac, not because he is mentally unstable but for his whole tatooed body. Check out ' Liu Ming from Beijing maniac on tattoos ' with 6 more pics after the jump.

Source : http://www.funlobby.com/index.php/20080710710/Liu-Ming-from-Beijing-maniac-on-tattoos.html