Japanese tattoo

How to Understand Japanese Tattoo Designs
Articles By Dylan Douglass

Ancient relics such as clay pottery and statues showed images of Japanese people who were intricately tattooed. Even more fascinating, the first Japanese tattoo designs were found on people of high social standing. Many Japanese historians now agree that the earliest Japanese tattoo designs were utilized in rituals to signify the positions of people in society, as well as to provide ways to protect one's self from evil spirits.

The Japanese people are one of the first great civilizations to incorporate tattooing into their culture. While in China the art of tattooing began as a way to mark off the prisoners and the other outcasts of society, the Japanese tattoos were valued in a different manner from the start.

Japanese tattoos are rich in inspiration. Like all arts, the Japanese learned to incorporate their most important values into their skin through tattoos. This is the reason why one of the cherished values of the early Japanese people, religion and love, is often the primary motifs of the people's tattoos. The courtesans, artists, and even the geishas of Japan were all acquainted with tattooing and used it as personal markers of their religious backgrounds and who they love.

An example of how Japanese tattoo designs were used to symbolize love was in the vow tattoo. Some geishas will have their lover's names imprinted in their arms in order to show their promises of lasting love. Aside from being used for making promises about love, the tattoo in Japanese society also evolved aesthetically.

During some periods, the design of these tattoos were rendered with intricate detail. On the other hand, during some other times the Japanese had tattoos were less like pictures and more like moles. These dot tattoos were symbolic and were also often used by lovers to indicate the places where their loved ones had touched them, such as the hand.

Eventually, the Japanese tattoos came to posses not only a cultural note, but also a social and political one. From the late seventeenth century up to the latter half of the nineteenth century, many middle class people used tattoos to express their social and political sentiments.

Everyone from the office workers of that time, to the farm hands and the street merchants began placing high value on the political statements that were expressed through Japanese tattoo designs. Even the upper class members of society looked upon tattoos with high regard, and many shows were conducted to showcase the craftsmanship of many tattoo artists.

In general, Japanese tattoo designs are intricately linked to the cultural values of the people. Before full body tattoos developed, the back was the sole place where these skin art works were rendered. Often the themes were the epics and folktales of the Japanese people themselves, which mean that in the past, a Japanese body filled with tattoos can actually contain the history of the people itself. Eventually, full body tattoos became popular and Japanese tattoo designs began to be used to show another aspect of the values that were important to the Japanese, aesthetics itself. Today, Japanese inspired tattoo designs are popular because of the designs that are distinct to Japanese artists or those that have been heavily influenced by the Japanese, seen by such motifs as the carp and other water elements.

Female tattoo designs

Creative Female Tattoo Designs - Jump on the Female Tattoo Gallery Bandwagon
Articles By Steve Wong

Female tattoo designs are in high demand over the past decade. Although there are countless artworks available on the internet, how to find an out-of-this-world feminine design comprises of cute, beautiful and fashionable elements?

Where to find amazing tattoos?

It may be a waste of time if you're still trying to search tattoo web sites that carry decent pictures and not jumping on the bandwagon of an online female tattoo gallery fast enough. Otherwise in a single location you'll expose to unlimited quality and wonderful motifs where you can quickly and easily pick up a sky-inspired design to attach to your body for life. A comprehensive gallery will ensure you have all tattoo options for selection.

Which body part to ink?

A tattoo gallery will offer enough inspirations and choices to make each inking on your body an awesome art. The popular body parts to attach female tattoo designs are the lower back, thighs, neck, upper back, hips and wrists. If you want your body arts to be able to cover up from time to time, you may want to avoid the wrist or the neck. Inking on other parts of the body can be hid by your clothes. The lower back tattoos portray attractive curvature of a female body, and the hip, neck and thigh are the incredibly sensuous parts of the female body with great flirty and feminine inspiration.

What design to place?

What are the famous female tattoo designs? Are there any motifs you should avoid? Probably you need to be aware of tattoo trend. If you follow the crowd, it can be either too many people around wearing the same designs or the particular artwork is just popular for a short while. You may want to avoid following the trend, but the choice is yours. Usually females love beautiful floras, cool fairies, amazing angel wings, hearts and stars. You can have very beautiful and creative artwork variations if you search inside a female tattoo gallery with these categories.

Dolphin tattoo designs

Looking For Unique and Sexy Dolphin Tattoo Designs? Get the Charm of Dolphin Tattoo Designs!


Dolphin tattoo designs are sexy and they are liked by both men and women. They are adaptable not only in terms of its location on the body but also in terms of variety of tattoo art.

You can draw a dolphin of Celtic or tribal influenced design or any stylized variation. A dolphin jumping of the water could be emphasized by splashes of water that could be added on the sides. Perhaps a dolphin head bobbing gaily could be attractive too.

There seems to be some kind of mystic about dolphins because they are believed to salvage drowning sailors. To fishermen, dolphins suggest a bountiful fishing expedition. Greek mythology portrays the dolphin as the carrier of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and loyal subjects of Poseidon, the sea god.

The advent of sea parks exhibiting the prowess of the dolphin proves that they are intelligent and could be trained to do tricks and interact with human beings. We are captivated by how dolphins do some synchronized acrobatics, carry their trainers, respond to commands and be simply playful with anybody.

Thus, a person who is sporting a dolphin tattoo may project the spirit of freedom, frolic, creativity, and intelligence. It could also mean that one has conquered or mastered the water element and suggests an adventurous and courageous character.

Dolphins are always sketched in a poise that shows that they are moving, like leaping out of the water or tossing a ball on its nose. They are also portrayed to be smiling or laughing as shown by their open mouth and wide open eyes.

Relish the charm that dolphin exudes through a dolphin tattoo on your shoulder, forearm, ankles, back or anywhere on your body. You will be surprised that having a dolphin tattoo generates interest the moment somebody sees it on you because most people are captivated by the dolphin's unique charm.

( Articles By Amy Johns )

Fairy Tattoo Designs

Fairy Tattoo Designs For Girls

Give a thought to have a fairy tattoo designs while choosing a tattoo design for you. There are many people who get a tattoo design according to the popularity but they regret afterwards for their decision. You can pick up a style and make it customized into infinite number of ways according to your wish. Customized fairy tattoos are very much in vogue. Basically these fairy tattoos are no different from other tattoos. Alteration of a basic fairy is also possible in various ways. Here are just a few of the things you can do with your own tattoo design.

A cute version is another version of a fairy tattoo. By different version I mean about the positioning of the fairy and the expression on the face. The actual design of the cuter version of fairy tattoo is made to look the design sexy, feminine and shy. There are numerous examples like the one which have long legs wearing a short little skirt will produce a different impression than the fairy that is shy and is hiding her face. Therefore to get a stupendous fairy tattoo spend some time how your fairy is to pose and about her expression of the face. It is you who will decide that you want to reflect your shy nature or are open to show your sexy side by the medium of cute tattoo designs.

Nature can never be avoided. It has been supposed that all fairies live in beautiful natural surroundings along with other woodland creatures. So you can select a natural fairy design in your tattoo. Of course this narrates a very bold statement. These mystical and mysterious designs depend upon the placement of the elements of the design and yes on the colours used. For example suppose a natural ambience is full of twinkling stars and fog. Then this appearance looks more magical than the natural environment full of trees.

Butterfly fairy mix can also work well like other tattoos. Just visualize one: A cute fairy sitting on top of a magical mushroom and a beautiful butterfly landing on her hand. You can call this as a fairy with butterfly wings.

( Articles By David A Kay )

Angel Wings Tattoo Designs

Choosing the Appropriate Angel Wings Tattoo Design Articles By Patricia F. Morris


Wings project an inspirational and spiritual symbol as well as stand for flight. On the other hand, if you wear angel wings tattoo design it expresses romantic gesture. It may signify the bond between the earthly existence and the limitless freedom of our spirit. Moreover, the angel wings have other significance between the divine and the human.

Make A Smart Decision

It is important to keep in mind that the tattoo would remain for a long time in your life. That is why it is right to make a smart decision on the design of tattoo that you want to possess. As much as possible, you select a design that represents your personality and you can carry well without hesitation. An angel tattoo fits to almost all characteristics and that makes this design more popular.

Although angels are religious symbol but some people use angel wings tattoo design simply because they like it. We should think that angels also have separate representation from religion. There are various styles of wings and are uniquely designed that you can choose. It depends on your preference which one you will choose that suits your character.

Many people are having angel wing tattoos on their back. This art makes the person looks like having the real thing that grow on their back. You can choose the size of it that would look beautiful on your back. However, you can place the wing tattoo covering your entire back or you can just place it on the upper part of your back.

If you do not have any idea about angel wing tattoo design, you can scan tattoo catalog as there are wide array of designs that you can find. In this way you would have a better idea on what tattoo design would suit on your back. Likewise, you can also place the wing tattoo in your upper arm or in any part of your body that you wish. You can also visit tattoo shops and seek assistance from experienced tattoo artists in choosing the appropriate design.

Different Styles of Angel Wing

It is your personal choice where to place the angel wing tattoo designs. Choosing the right location and style is very important because you will be wearing the tattoo as long as you want it. Make sure that you place it on a location where you can flaunt it without hesitation. Here are some of the styles that you can choose from:

1. Traditional Feather
2. Tribal

Piercings

How to Get Safe Belly Button Piercings

Once considered unusual, belly button piercing has become fashionable. From being novelties, they are now used by people to express themselves artistically. To avoid potential health problems, you should only go to a qualified piercer.

How to Spot a Qualified Piercer

First of all, the piercer will have a clean office. Do not get piercings if the workplace is unsanitary. Their hollow needles should be all disposable. Check their tools; they should be sterilized. Unsterilized equipment can be very dangerous.

A professional piercer will always don latex gloves during the operation. Also, a professional piercer will not rush into the process. They will perform an analysis to see if your belly button can handle piercing. Whenever possible, ask for recommendations from people you know.

How Do I Prepare?

Put on loose fitting clothes. Tight apparel will irritate the belly button. Take it easy and relax. Often, it is nervousness that causes discomfort. Breathe in a controlled manner. Focus on inhaling and exhaling. Concentrating on your breath (or other objects) will sooth your muscles. This will reduce the pain.

After getting pierced, you will have your choice of jewelry. For now, you can only select from titanium, niobum or stainless steel. Unlike other precious metals, you will not get infected from these metals.

You can try the others later when the piercing is fully healed. Needless to say, you should never wear dirty jewelry on your belly button even if it is healed.

Taking Care of Your Belly Button Piercings

You should avoid taking a bath for a few weeks after the operation. Ask the piercer for a more specific time period. In the meantime, keep wearing clothing with soft and smooth textures. Do not let the ring get entangled with clothes; it may hurt.

Total healing time varies from 4 to 6 months. Try not to get involved in strenuous activities like aerobics. This may prolong the healing process. The pierced section will appear reddish. Whitish discharges may come up. That is normal after the operation. Go to your doctor if the reddish color does not disappear or if the discharge is yellow.

How to Clean the Piercing

Wash your hands with soap first. Clean the piercing with lukewarm water. You can also use soap with anti-bacterial properties and a saline mix. If there is dirt on the ring, scrub it off with a clean brush. Dry the jewelry with a towel. Avoid scrubbing it too harshly.

Tips and Other Information

You can also put on some lavender oil during the healing stage. This can help speed up the healing. Keep contact with the piercing to a minimum at this stage. You should only move it when it has to be cleaned.

There are many types of navel rings you can choose from. Among the most widely used designs are navel barbells with pendants and chains.

Provided you go to a qualified belly button piercings expert, there is nothing for you to worry about. You just need to keep yourself relaxed during the process. Afterwards, the piercing will heal naturally.

( Articles By Kenny Leones )

Flower tattoo designs

The Best Flower Tattoo Designs

Modern flower tattoo design is almost as popular as flowers themselves, but the highly detailed images depicted today are relatively new. And unlike the time honored practice of tattooing, today's intricate flower tattoo design has been around only for a hundred years or so. The reason for this lack of history is simple and easily understood. Before the creation of the tattoo machine it was impossible to duplicate the elaborate image of the flower, and the color choices were limited to only a few.

There is documentation of the flower tattoo design dating as far back as the Aztec culture, but they were restricted to straightforward drawings of the Poinsettia. These early tattoos were awarded to the Aztec woman as a reward for their behind the scenes support of the male warriors of the tribe.

The rose became the keystone flower tattoo design in 1910, and stayed popular for the next fifty years. Often featuring a head or body emerging from the heart of the rose and tattoo, artists of the era became quite well known, often creating thousands of unique designs.

Commonly paired with the sultry hula and sailor girls, or the kewpie doll, the rose tattoo design quickly became the tattoo of choice and even though the old school rose tattoo design is making a comeback today, the real reason why other flower tattoo designs are exploding in popularity is because of the wide selection of colored inks now offered. When combined with these numerous options of ink and the advent of the modern tattoo gun, accurately portraying any flower as a tattoo is now possible.

Flowers have always been associated with many different groups, religions, and philosophies throughout our existence, and it's only natural that flower tattoo designs would follow suit. One example is the daisy. Known for its bright colors and simplistic design, this throw back to the peace and love movement of the late 60's and early 70's is one of the more desired today.

The lily is another enormously popular option on account of their wide variety of color. Known as a mark of remembrance, a lily tattoo frequently is paired with the name of a loved one lost. The lily is also associated with many religions and reflects the expectation of eternal life.

Renowned for its strong symbolic significance in eastern cultures, the lotus flower is also highly desired world-wide. Considered a symbol of enlightenment, the cultures believe that Buddha appeared from within the lotus blossom, bringing beauty, goodness, and truth.

Believed by the Japanese and Chinese cultures to be a sign of good fortune and wealth, the delicate flower of the peony is also a sign of the fragile balance between risk and reward.

But still, for all of the flower tattoo design options available today, and all the additional color selections, the rose is still the most requested by both men and women. Whether worn as a sign of affection or a tribute to a loved one, the rose still reigns supreme today.

( Articles By Noel Christian )