Japanese tattoos are often referred to as Irezumi, which means “Irezumi” and are quite different from what we now understand as traditional Japanese tattoos. However, the correct term for the famous type of Japanese tattoo is actually Horimono.
Irezumi is also the type of tattoo used to mark criminals, as well as the style of tattoo that consists of a unique design, separate from the surrounding skin. On the other hand, Horimono views the body as a decorative canvas.
Japanese tattoos have a very long history, with the first recorded practices dating back to the 3rd century BC. They continued to refine and diversify their technique until they reached their peak, which began at the end of the 17th century.
What is a Irezumi Tattoo?
In ancient Japan, the skin was painted almost entirely with a technique known as irezumi. With a bamboo tool called tebori, the master – a man dedicated body and soul to the art of tattooing – opens the skin and inserts the ink.
The movement seems ordinary, his hand moves with enormous delicacy, as if he were weaving. However, the skin tears, an incision opens, then another and another to create a design. The pain sends shivers down your spine and you mustn’t move. The back is bleeding.
To keep your mind off the pain, the master tells his assistant: “Make love while I do my work.” The act of sex is used to endure the pain of creativity and transform it into desire. This is irezumi.
Deciding to get your body tattooed in the irezumi style means sacrificing it as a canvas. The sacrifice lasts for many hours a week for at least two years. Currently, there are very few irezumi practitioners left in Japan; the craft has been largely displaced, in part, by Western influences.
And it’s that tattooing as a cultural symbol has undergone a transformation. In our continent, a tattoo emphasizes and accentuates individuality; in Japan, on the other hand, it used to be a practice that associated you with a group, an expression of collective identity.
Irezumi Designs
In addition to the themes of popular stories extracted from ukiyo-e illustrations, there are classic themes that are recurring in Japanese tattoos. Among the most popular are designs of mythical animals such as dragons, the phoenix, koi fish, komainu (identified as a lion dog), foxes, tigers, and others.
Meaning of Dragon Tattoo
The dragon is one of the most mythical creatures associated with Eastern cultures in general and particularly with Japan. It is called Ryu in Japanese and is different from the Chinese dragon by having three claws instead of four.
They are an imperial symbol and are sometimes combined with chrysanthemums. It is said to have a snake’s body, eagle’s claws, carp scales, horse mane, camel’s snout, and deer antlers. It is impervious to fire and, for obvious reasons, was a prized symbol for Japanese firefighters.
Meaning of Koi Fish Tattoo
The koi fish is an omnipresent image in Japan. It is a masculine symbol and koi streamers (known as Koinobori) are hung during the spring celebration of “Children’s Day” on May 5th. In China, it is known that koi fish swim upstream in the Yellow River and those who can swim beyond the dragon’s gate will be rewarded by transforming into dragons.
Therefore, it can be a symbol of the ability to overcome obstacles. When represented swimming upstream, it means a current battle, and when swimming downstream, it means achieving those goals. A pair of koi can be used to represent yin and yang.
Meaning of Shishi Tattoo
Also known as the lion dog and komainu, it is often found represented in twin sculptures that protect the entrance to temples and shrines. It is intended to represent the beginning and end of all things. The legend says that the female throws her puppies off a cliff and waits for the strongest one to come back up. For this aspect, it is also a symbol of strength and resilience. It is also associated with power and success.
Meaning of Phoenix Tattoo
It is believed that the Japanese phoenix (hō-ō or red bird) marks the beginning of a new era and times of peace. It is said to represent the Confucian values of loyalty, honesty, decorum, and justice. Like many other mythical creatures in Japan, it is said to be a chimera with a bird’s beak, snake’s neck, turtle’s back, and fish’s tail. Its plumage is of the five mystical colors (black, white, red, green, and yellow) and has 12 or 13 feathers on its tail.
Meaning of Tiger Tattoo
Tora in Japanese. It is one of the four celestial creatures and is associated with the autumn season. It is believed to control the wind. Along with the dragon, it is believed to be a ruler of the cosmos and the natural world. It also embodies qualities such as strength, dignity, and bravery.
Meaning of Hannya Tattoo
The hannya, a female creature similar to a devil often represented as a mask used in kabuki performances, represents the madness and anguish of a woman scorned, is a very popular theme in Japanese tattoos.
It is said that the mask represents a woman who has become a demon tormented by jealousy and possessiveness. The expression of the masks alternates between anger and sadness depending on the angle from which it is viewed. It is traditionally white or red.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
