japanese tattoo

Dragon tattoos are one of the popular tattoo designs. The dragon tattoo is regarded as a classic tattoo which is popular among men and women. They are quite popular tattoo designs as they exhibit the influence of Japanese and Chinese culture on western tattooing culture for nearly two centuries. The dragon represents four elements which include Earth, Fire, Wind and Water and also the four points of the compass which is East, West, North and South.

Dragons have been also termed as a symbol of Earth, Water, Underworld and Sky. It is regarded as neither culturally far ranging character whose bad temper is interpreted as neither good nor evil. Even the forces of nature are not regarded as human hearted since they represent the cycle of life and death which is followed by birth and renewal. It is said that natures nurtures and nature destroys and so does the dragon.

One of the common images of dragon resembles some sort of reptilian creature with lizard like features which dominates the image. The dragon tattoo images features the forked tongue which is common to reptilian creatures. They are regarded as a symbol of mischief, wisdom, good, evil, adventure and strength. The type of images that are chosen depends upon the personal choice of the person which several men choosing tattoo designs that are either red or green and several women choosing tattoo designs which are either blue, purple or pink in color. The colors are as important as the design of the dragon tattoos.

If you consider the Chinese mythology then dragon tattoos are regarded as ancestors of the Chinese people since these creatures were symbols of supernatural and imperial power. Fire spitting dragons have been associated with lightning water dragons which were regarded as guardians of lakes, streams, rivers and individual pools. Chinese and Japanese folk stories are filled with stories of creatures with special quests at the end of their journeys which were transformed into dragons but the fact is that dragons have grown out of human imagination.

Dragons are a creature much revered. Whether protecting castles, fighting knights, parading in the Orient, or flying to a lair high atop a peak, this iconic figure has been heralded as a protector and feared as a monster. But regardless of the homage being paid, dragon tattoo designs are a part of mainstream tattoo repertoire because of the mystery that surrounds this oft fire-breathing beast.

Dragons have history and tradition in many societies, especially in those of Medieval Europe and those of ancient Oriental origins. In fact, both of these cultures have contributed much of the lore corresponding to the Eastern and Western dragon.

On one hand, the Eastern dragon is understood to represent the characteristics of courage, honor, and strength. Seen as divine protectors, Eastern dragons are also esteemed as bearers of essential life water and life sustainers. On the other hand, Western dragons are viewed as the evil counterpart of the Eastern dragon. Known for their savagery and brutality, the Western dragon is often associated with evil, and even the Devil.

The freedom of using dragon art for tattoo designs is beneficial for both the one who is getting a tattoo and the one who is inking the design. The sheer variety this beast offers is the primary reason its popularity has grown in recent years.

Dragons are a favorite design among tattoo artists because of the variety afforded to them. Design, detail, and coloration are all aesthetic liberties that the artist can take with dragon tattoos, and these tattoos also look great on the skin, wrapping around various parts of the body.

Dragon tattoos can be done as armbands, on the lower back, ankles, shoulders, chest, or just about anywhere else. Among the most requested dragon designs are tribal dragons, Japanese dragons, fire-breathing dragons, Jade dragons, Red dragons, and mythological dragons. Often these intricately created pieces of art become masterpieces of color and complexity.

Shrewd attention should be given by both the wearer and the tattooer to what type of dragon is being portrayed. Because of the literal and figurative differences between the Eastern and Western dragons, minute differences in detail of color, appearance, and motif can make huge differences in translation of meaning or portrayal of intention.

Among all the creatures and beasts tied to myth and fantastical belief, dragon tattoo designs are by far the greatest in demand. Winged or unwinged, Eastern or Western, feared or revered, dragon images faithfully adorn bodies all over the world.