Japanese Tattoos 04:Soul Of Tattoo

Another thing to keep in mind is placement. For instance a hikae, or chest panel tattoo, is a classic placement. This tattoo starts at the chest and blends out into the shoulder, and often down the arm. A nagasode tattoo is considered a “sleeve” piece and starts under the shoulder and down to the wrist, while a shichibu is 7/10ths of the sleeve and gobu is 5/10ths.
Despite the fact that tattooing is still considered rather on the taboo side in Japan, those who seek out either rebellion or a sense of beauty will find themselves drawn to the mystical, unique and splendid style of Japanese tattoos. This style will continue to have a draw for its variety and its colorful nature.

Japanese Tattoos 04:Soul Of Tattoo

Many people take Japanese tattoos further than just covering large portions of their body. Instead, they opt to cover almost their entire body, from neck to mid-thigh. These are often seen with a multicolored pictorial tattoo of the Suikoden, which was, and still is a massively popular set of four novels in Chinese literature. It was originally translated in Japan in 1757 and woodcuts were created for these stories in 1827. Since then, many people enjoy these rich and colorful tattoos that tell classic and unmistakable stories.

Japanese Tattoos 03:Soul Of Tattoo

The beauty of Japanese tattoos is that you can go well beyond symbols or small, meaningful signs, and create masterful pieces that can cover large areas of your body. For instance, many images can portray beautiful outdoor scenes with large billowy clouds, wind or even fantastic, old fashioned scenes of a wavy ocean. These are often taken from the ukiyo-e or “pictures of the floating world”, which is a genre of Japanese woodcuts. These remarkable scenes can be mixed with many figures from either an outdoor scene, such as flowers or animals; folkloric characters, or something more meaningful to you personally.

Japanese Tattoos 02:Soul Of Tattoo

Other popular styles of Japanese tattoos are steeped in real life or fantasy. From dragons to koi fish, qilin — which are said to be a good omen, bringing serenity and prosperity — to romantic flora like cherry blossoms and lotuses.

Japanese Tattoos:Soul Of Tattoo

The remarkable history and style of the Japanese culture has always mystified the Western world. Signs of this are seen most commonly in tattoos. One of the most popular of these is the Kanji tattoo. Kanji is a calligraphy style writing used by the Japanese. The beauty of this particular style of tattoo is both its simplicity and its diversity. You can convey practically any message you wish with the simple and stylish characters.

Japanese Tattoos, Designs, Pictures

With the variety and skills of tattoo artists, one has to wonder why Japanese tattoos are still so popular today. But the truth is, it is not all that surprising. With the colorful history and vast array of designs, Japanese tattoos are not only aesthetically pleasing, but can carry a good deal of meaning.

Japanese Tattoos


Japanese Tattoos

geisha tattoos exotic 03

Although less frequently used, you may occasionally see wood block geisha tattoos. These usually show a more elongated version — both in body and face — and her clothing may appear long and flowing. The colors are normally more subdued, and show the geisha in a traditional setting; for example, she may be dancing, playing a shamisan, or simply fanning herself demurely. For something a bit different, you could create a fantasy piece in the wood block style; for instance, the geisha could rise from the ocean, her robes combining with the waves; or her pale, painted face and a white, or light blue kimono could meld with a snowy mountain, with only the shocks of dark black hair, sensual eyes and bright reds lips standing out.

Though there is no set definition to what geisha tattoos may symbolize, it is pretty easy to understand why some may see them as an emblem for elegance, striking beauty and hundreds of years of remarkable artistry.

geisha tattoos,designs,and pictures

The majority of geisha tattoos, however, take on the look of a pin up model. This style tends to exaggerate the feminine curves, red lips and vibrant trappings; it also plays off of the subtle sensuality that geisha are known for. For instance, it is not uncommon to see the geisha standing with her back turned to the on-looker, with a heavily painted face peering over her shoulder, neck partially painted and a shoulder exposed.

geisha tattoos exotic 02

Many people like to use geisha tattoos that utilize the entire splendor of a traditional geisha or maiko (an apprentice whose appearance differs slightly from a full-fledged geisha). These are generally done in a portrait style, and depict the elegant figure with a porcelain-white complexion; small, brightly colored and bow-like lips; brilliantly hued kimono and one of the four shimada hairstyles (most commonly a style called ‘momoware,’ which looks something like a divided peach, and bears a good deal of colorful ornamentation).

geisha tattoos exotic

Geisha can be translated into ‘artist’; geisha themselves are seen as some of the most exotic, graceful, sensual and talented artists in the world; and although they are one of many remarkable symbols, geisha tattoos have become one of the most popular pieces in Asian influenced body art.

Shark Tattoos

Shark tattoos have long been seen as the artistic expression of bravery, and an emblem for protection. The predatory nature of the shark makes it the perfect symbol for fortitude and a toughness of spirit. Many sailors wore shark tattoos to show their fearlessness towards the often menacing temper of the sea. This general emotion, alongside the sleek body and intimidating appearance that these creatures are known for, make this tattoo a unique and interesting piece.

When considering shark tattoos, it is interesting to know the varieties of shark available for your use. Two of the most favored are the great white (known for its enormous size and voracious appetite), and the hammerhead shark (not as commonly known for any particular viciousness, it is popular mainly due to its otherworldly, almost alien-like appearance). Although you may choose to use these very recognizable types, you may also go for a more unfamiliar variety of shark. One good example of this is the cookiecutter shark (also known as the cigar, or luminous shark). This creature, like the hammerhead, seems almost supernatural, and would make for a very different piece of art. They are relatively small in size, sport green pupils, a perfectly rounded and prominent lower jaw with sharp teeth, and an underbelly that glows with a blue and green luminescence.

Shark tattoos are not regularly seen by themselves, but are often placed with other undersea life, and a vast array of nautical themes. A shark chasing a small fish, using its large bite to free itself from the arms of an octopus, or prowling around the sides of a ship are all frequently displayed images. Shark tattoos may also depict some of the vast mythology that they carry. You could easily use the Australian aborigine’s myth of Bangudja (half man, half tiger shark) in battle with the dolphin man, leaving the rocks of the Gulf of Carpentaria red. You may also try a depiction of the myth from the indigenous people of Solomon; Dakuwanga, a shark god, was said to devour lost souls. This depiction could show translucent human figures swimming in a dark ocean, whilst being stalked by a large, impressive shark. One more example would be that of Lamia (a Greek daimon whose name means ‘lone shark’) floating in the sea, carrying her child Akheilos (or, ‘the Lipless One’, who was said to be transformed into a shark by Aphrodite).

Techniques of Tattoo Body Art

Japanese Technique

Samoan Technique

Japanese Technique

Western Technique

Ancient Thai Technique

The tattoo art is thousands of years old. In fact, man has been indulging in the body art since the prehistoric times. Today, each and every region of the world has its own tattooing technique. Most of these techniques have evolved over a long period of time, adapting to the diverse climatic conditions, cultures and ethos in each region. Though the techniques of tattooing differ in different parts of the world, the end result remains the same - formation of designs and marks on the body. In case you want to explore the main techniques of tattooing in the world, the following information will come handy.

Techniques of Tattoo Body Art

Western Technique
In the western countries, an electric machine is used for the purpose of tattooing. The machine was invented in England and patented in the late 1800s. However, till date, it has undergone a few changes only, with the basics remaining the same. In the western technique, a solid needle, placed in a metal tube dipped into a cup of ink, is moved up and down a body part. A foot pedal is used to control the on and off positions of the machine. While only one needle is needed to make the outline of the intended design, coloring and shading requires groups of needles, arranged into even numbered flat configurations.

Japanese Technique
Japan has its individual style of tattoo making, which has been, to a certain extent, derived from the traditional methods. A hand-based style of tattooing, the Japanese technique makes use of elaborate bamboo handles. The handles incorporate a bunch of needles within themselves and work in a way much similar to a hand-powered tattoo machine. While making the tattoo, the artist stretches the skin with one hand and making use of his spread fingers, dips the brush into black ink.

Samoan Technique
Yet another tattoo technique that is related to the Pacific culture comprises of the Samoan one. In this tattoo technique, wooden hand tools are made use of. The tattoo artists works with the help of two basic tools, namely a bone-tipped rake and a striking stick. The rake is dipped in ink and placed against the skin. Thereafter, it is struck with the stick, resulting in the puncturing of the skin. As the artist moves the rake, a pattern is formed on the skin. In this method, a group of assistants help keep the skin taut, while the artist forms the designs.

Ancient Thai Technique
The tool that is used for making tattoo, as per the ancient Thai technique, is quite similar to the one used by the westerners. The tattooing tool comprises of a long brass tube, along with a sliding pointed rod that runs down the centre of the rube. The artist makes use one of his hands to steady the skin of the client, while the other is used to dip the tool in ink and pierce the skin with it, just like the needle of a sewing machine. The ancient Thai tattoos revolve around Buddhism and have religious symbols as the main designs.

Tattoo Books:Soul Of Tattoo

When it comes to body art, how can one not talk about tattoos? A craze that dates back to the prehistoric times, but has come back in vogue forcefully since the past few years, tattooing serves the purposes of decorative body modification. In the present times, tattoos are often known as tattoos as Ink, Tats, Art and even Work, while the tattooists are referred to as Artists. Are you interested in exploring the body art further? Do you want to know about the various designs as well as genres of tattoos? If yes, then browsing through the tattoo books, also known as tattoo readings, will be the best bet. Go through the following lines and get a list of some of the most popular books on the body art of tattooing.

Tattoo Literature

* 1000 Tattoos (by Henk Schiffmacher)
* A to Z of Tattooing (by Huck Spaulding)
* Advanced Tattoo Art: How-To Secrets From the Masters (by Doug Mitchel)
* American Tattoo - As Ancient As Time, As Modern As Tomorrow (by Alan Govenar)
* Bad Boys and Tough Tattoos - A Social History of the Tattoo with Gangs, Sailors and Street-Corner Punks (by Samuel M. Steward)
* Bodies of Subversion - A Secret History of Women and Tattoo (by Margot Mifflin)
* Bushido: Legacies of the Japanese Tattoo (by Takahiro Kitamura)
* Expose - The Art Of Tattoo (by Tim O Sullivan)
* Great Book of Tattoo Designs (by Lora S. Irish)
* Henna Floral Tattoos (by Anna Pomaska)
* Russian Prison Tattoos: Codes of Authority, Domination and Struggle (by Alix Lambert)
* Ink: The Not-Just-Skin-Deep Guide to Getting a Tattoo (by Terisa Green)
* Japanese Tattoo (by Sandi Fellman)
* The Total Tattoo Book (by Amy Krakow)
* New York City Tattoo - The Oral History of an Urban Art (by Michael McCabe, Hubert, Jr. Selby)
* Tattoo: Secrets of a Strange Art (by Albert Parry)
* Return of the Tribal - A Celebration of Body Adornment: Piercing, Tattooing, Scarification, Body Painting (by Rufus C. Camphausen)
* The Tattoo History Source Book (by Steve Gilbert)
* Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia Volume II (by Danzig Baldaev and Sergei Vasiliev)
* Sailor Jerry's Tattoo Stencils (by Kate Hellenbrand)
* Stewed Screwed and Tattooed (by Madame Chinchilla)
* Tattoo: From Idea To Ink (By Joy Surles)
* The Art of Tattooing (by Joshua Andrews)
* The Body Art Book - A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercing, and Other Body Modifications (by Jean-Chris Miller)
* Tattoos (by Mitch O'Connell)
* The Mammoth Book of Tattoos (by Lal Hardy)
* The Tattoo Encyclopedia: A Guide to Choosing Your Tattoo (by Terisa Green)
* Vintage Tattoos (by Carol Clerk)
* Customizing the Body: The Art and Culture of Tattooing‎ (by Clinton Sanders, D. Angus Vail )
* Tattooing the World: Pacific Designs in Print & Skin‎ (by Juniper Ellis)