Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs - Ideas For Meaningful Tattoos

Cherry blossom tattoo designs look very elegant, meaningful and decorous on one's body. With their delicate pink-colored petals and reddish brown stamens, what's not to love about cherry blossoms. Whether inked in single blossom or clusters, they have a certain appeal that makes them striking and interesting, one can't help but notice.

Cherry blossoms by favored equally by both men and women and the popularity still continue to rise. Tattoos are meant to express one's personality or beliefs and philosophies in life. This flower does not fall short in terms of its symbolical connotations. In fact, it has very rich significance both in Chinese and Japanese culture. In China, it stands for feminine power, love and beauty while in Japan, it stands for the transience of life since it blooms only for a very short period of time.

Japanese Tattoo Designs For Women - Vine Tattoos For Women With an Air of Mystery

Japanese tattoo designs have been experiencing a real revival in recent years and with the beautiful designs it is easy to see why. The Japanese have been doing tattoos for thousands of years and they have developed an some of the most beautiful designs and tattoo themes ever. If you are thinking about getting a Japanese tattoo design for women then here are some ideas and guidance that will help you in making your decision.

The History

Of course tattooing has long been a tradition in Japan. However, it was not until recent years that tattoos in Japan and their designs really came into acceptance. Way back in the days of Samurai's tattoos were used to brand criminals. This branding of criminals continued down into the Yakuza (Japanese Gangs) choosing to tattoo themselves as a mark of the chosen lifestyle. In more recent years though the young in Japan are not getting tattoos even though they don't belong to Yakuza. Tattoos are kind of going through a rebirth of sorts in Japan and they are becoming more widely acceptable as they have here in the US.

Japanese Tattoo - 3 Famous Japanese Tattoo Designs

Japanese tattoo designs were regarded to have started ever since 5000 BC. All Japanese would wear the body design that had a religious theme in it. Nowadays, the tattoo is still famous because of its unique appeal that everyone appreciates although they do not come much with religious meanings.

Here are the options for you:

1. The Japanese Koi Tattoo

It is well known that the koi fish is regarded as sacred animals in the land of Japan and it is even used throughout their native arts and designs. It is believed that the koi fish is a kind of fish that would eventually turn into a dragon. In view of this, it is regarded to symbolize a sense of strength. Also, this is used to represent the act of finding one's right path.

Japanese Tattoo Lettering - History and Style

In Japan, tattooing and tattoo lettering began primarily as an expression of spirituality. From approximately 300 BC to 300 AD, a Japanese tattoo always conveyed a certain religious meaning for its bearer, and also served as a decorative status symbol.

During this period, tattooing was meticulously practiced and highly regarded. For the tattoo artists, tattooing was not just an occupation, but a way of life. For instance, aspiring apprentices had to train under masters for many years before becoming credible and acknowledged tattoo artists, which are called "horis" in Japan. Only a horis was allowed to create full body suit tattoos.

Japanese Tattoos- Way Beyond Flash

While the art of Japanese tattooing, or irezumi, is said have continued for a hundred centuries, the introduction of the Buddhist faith to Japan discouraged its widespread use. The Chinese, who brought Buddhism to Japan, abhorred the art of tattooing, and their influence made its way to the upper classes of Japan.

From the early seventeenth to late nineteenth centuries, during Japan's Edo Period, Japanese tattoos were most often seen on Japanese prostitutes, who used them to entice customers; Japanese firemen were known for their remarkable horimono, or full body tattoos which were quite unlike any other tattoos in the world. The firefighters regarded their tattoos as signs of brotherhood and masculinity.

Japanese Tattoo Designs - What You Must Know About Japanese Tattoo Designs

There are several types of tattoo designs in the world. However, among the many types of designs available, the most popular are probably Japanese tattoo designs. As a matter of fact, Japanese tattoos are recognized and are used not only by the Japanese but by people all over the world. What is the reason for this? Why did these designs receive such a huge welcome from the international community? What are the characteristics of these fantastic tattoos that make them so popular?

Artistic

Japanese tattoo designs are very artistic. Most of these designs are very colorful and fluid, making them generally more appealing than other designs. Also, each design is usually made up of more than a single element woven together by intricate patterns of lines, transforming the tattoo into one elaborate painting on the skin.

For example, in more common Japanese designs such as the ones featuring Japanese koi fishes, tattoo masters already use more than six colors to finish the whole picture. This number just continues to go up as the intricacy of the patterns increases.

The History of Japanese Tattoo Art

Japanese tattoo art has a lot of names - irezumi and horimono in the Japanese language. Irezumi is the word meant for the basic visible ink covering big parts of the body like the back. Japanese tattoo art has a extremely extensive tradition.

Since the influence of Confucianism and Buddhism over the Japanese culture, tattoo art has a damaging connotation for the majority of the Japanese population. In the eyes of an typical Japanese a ink is considered a mark of a yakuza - a member of the Japanese mafia - and a macho emblem of members of the lesser classes.

Japanese Tattoos - How to Find Amazing Japanese Tattoos

Let's talk about where you can find Japanese Tattoos. Japanese tattoos are not very hard thing to find on the internet. I bet that you can spend less than five minutes doing a quick search on Google and find thousands of Japanese Tattoos. That's not the tough part though. The main problem most girls and guys have is that all they seem to run into are broad, low end pictures that are not worth the time to print out. One why around this is to do this, especially if you are using a Google search to find your Japanese tattoos.

Now do not take this the wrong way I love to use search engines but they are not just great for everything you are looking for. It's just that they pack with sub-par Japanese tattoos and tattoo artwork. I even tried it myself. No matter which styles of Japanese tattoos I was looking for, it was the same broad, low end galleries that rear their ugly heads. They were just loaded with nothing but run of the mill Japanese tattoos that aren't worth the time.

Japanese Tattoo Designs-How to Understand That?

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 Art

Unlike the Chinese people, the Japanese people are currently very big on tattoos, but that was not always the case. In fact, for a brief time near the end of WW II, getting or giving a tattoo in Japan was actually illegal. The end of the war brought an end to that crime as well.

The alphabetic characters that appear in many Japanese tattoos are called Kanji. These characters, alone or in combination with others, can display a whole range of human emotions, thoughts, proverbs and poetry.

Japanese Tattoo Art

Some question the artistic factor of Japanese tattoo art, but it is because they are looking at simple pieces such as symbols. Japanese tattoo art consists of so much more. As a matter of fact, there are some amazing designs that celebrities and other high profile individuals have paid a lot of money for.

History

Japanese tattoo art has been around for centuries. It is thought that facial tattoos graced the faces of early Japanese settlers. Throughout the years, the art evolved and it was a custom to be tattooed with very detailed images. For instance, in 1827 Kuniyoshi Utagawa created 6 very intricate designs that were part of the 108 Heroes of the Suikoden. These heroes were like a bunch of Robin Hoods. Each tattoo told a piece of the story.

Japanese Tattoos - Amazing Tattoo

Let's talk about where you can find Japanese Tattoos. Japanese tattoos are not very hard thing to find on the internet. I bet that you can spend less than five minutes doing a quick search on Google and find thousands of Japanese Tattoos. That's not the tough part though. The main problem most girls and guys have is that all they seem to run into are broad, low end pictures that are not worth the time to print out. One why around this is to do this, especially if you are using a Google search to find your Japanese tattoos.

Now do not take this the wrong way I love to use search engines but they are not just great for everything you are looking for. It's just that they pack with sub-par Japanese tattoos and tattoo artwork. I even tried it myself. No matter which styles of Japanese tattoos I was looking for, it was the same broad, low end galleries that rear their ugly heads. They were just loaded with nothing but run of the mill Japanese tattoos that aren't worth the time.

Japanese Tattoo Designs-How to Understand ?

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.

Lion Tattoo Designs Are Popular Choices For Many Reasons

Lion tattoo designs are extremely popular. Lions are considered to be the most magnificent beasts in the world. An adult lion's roar can be heard from five or so miles in every direction! Their roars are obviously very loud and menacing. The lion is well regarded for its courage, strength, beauty, and pride. Lions can be found to represent all these attributes in all cultures for thousands of years.

These amazing animals are often referred to as the "King of beasts". The lion symbol has been used as a sign of royalty for thousands of years, as many humans wish to identify themselves with the "King" of animals.

Popular Tattoo Designs for Women

Millions of people these days have tattoos. Many of them are women. If you are female and are thinking about getting your first tattoo, or even adding to the collection of body art you already have, you may be unsure of what to get. Although tattoos can be covered up with body makeup and removed with lasers these days, they are still permanent for most folks who can't afford the removal process and don't want to bother with covering them up. So, it is important to get something inked on your skin that you can live with.

The worst thing you can do is head into a tattoo parlor with no idea whatsoever of what you want, then pick something off the wall. This will almost guarantee that you will have the same tattoo as countless other people and you may not be happy with your choice in the future. Instead, take some time to think about your interests, the things you love and the things that are meaningful to you.

Lower Back Tattoo Designs Usually Used by Women

Ever thought of possibly getting tattoo, or more specifically, a lower back tattoo design? There can be thousands of reasons you might want to get one. Admit it, getting a tattoo makes you really feel cool and overwhelming to other people. You might want to get a tattoo to impress people and show your friends that you are a tough guy since most people getting tattoos are tough guys. It may be for personal reasons also such as expressing or letting out your artistic side. You might want to let people know how artistic you to the point of using your own body as canvass.

It may also be for personal reasons such as name tattoo designs where you engrave the name of a special someone or special something in your own body or choose a symbol or tattoo illustration which may have a significant relevance to an event or person in your life. Tattoos can also be a symbol of belonging or being part of a certain group. In some organizations such as the Yakuza in Japan and biker gangs usually seen in Western parts of the United States, tattoos symbolize membership or belonging in these gangs. It is used for identification of what organizational branch you belong to.

Women Tattoos Galleries

Ever thought of possibly getting tattoo, or more specifically, a lower back tattoo design? There can be thousands of reasons you might want to get one. Admit it, getting a tattoo makes you really feel cool and overwhelming to other people. You might want to get a tattoo to impress people and show your friends that you are a tough guy since most people getting tattoos are tough guys. It may be for personal reasons also such as expressing or letting out your artistic side. You might want to let people know how artistic you to the point of using your own body as canvass.

Ever thought why is it so unfair that the boys get to try out dangerous and different stuff? They can be allowed to do hazardous things such as extreme sports and risky vices. But when it comes to girls, society usually discourages them to do such things, or if they already did, frowns, scolds, or even punishes them. These activities or almost prohibited stuff to do is tattoo designs for girls. There is usually a stigma for girls who have tattoos, which include being called loose and even to the point of being called immoral.

Back Tattoos For Men - Easy Ways to Find Nice, High Quality Galleries

When it comes to finding great back tattoos for men, I can tell you that one way will surely not work. I can also tell you that one way "will" work, yet 95% of us never even think about using this method for getting a hold of the freshest, highest quality design choices. If you can make that one switch in how you look for back tattoos for men, tons of artwork with real originality will be thrown at your feet.

This is what we all want, isn't it? I can't say that I know too many people who love staring at generic designs every day, but so many people are falling into this category. The average man is seeing bundles of cookie cutter back tattoos for men and many of them are even settling on that basics stuff! That bad news here is that 99.9% of those guys end up regretting the fact that they stuck such a generic design on their backs. What's the solution to this, you ask? It's simple: Avoiding search engines will keep you away from so many of the awful artwork galleries out there.

Back Tattoos For Men - Pulling Up Huge Collections of Quality Art

Something needs to change when it comes to how you find collections of back tattoos for men. Without this change, you will most likely end up like many guys, clicking randomly through an untold amount of bad, generic artwork. Something so simple can help you grab a hold of the sites that have 20 times better back tattoos for men and much higher quality art.

Isn't that what all of us guys want, no matter what style, or what placement we are picking out designs for? All we want is to be able to pick from original, well drawn tattoo designs. What is stopping most of us from finding that art, though? I will tell you. Search engines are stopping us. 90% of all guys religiously use them whenever they get an itch to find tattoo galleries. This is a problem, because search engines no longer pull up any of the good art galleries any more. You'll be spending a whole lot of time clicking through generic back tattoos for men.

Guy Tattoos - Locating a Good Tattoo For Guys Can Be Difficult

If you plan on looking for some good guy tattoos, you better prepare yourself for a long journey through a mess of generic junk. I say this because the web is over crowded with cookie cutter designs and it makes is close to impossible to locate the websites that actually have fresh, quality artwork. You need a way to reverse this terrible trend and I will help you do it, so that you can easily find the quality guy tattoos you need.

When I first started looking into this issue, I could not believe how many men were simply settling on generic tattoo designs. Most of them didn't start out looking for bland, cookie cutter tattoo artwork, but because of not being able to find anything better, they simply picked the best one they could find. This is sad, because no sane man should be "settling" on a tattoo. It's a sure way to end up full of regret and a good way to wind up wishing you would have never gotten tattooed in the first place. Most people that pick random guy tattoos without finding the "exact" one they want will end up regretting the design they get etched on their skin. It's just a fact.

Guy Tattoos - Finding a Decent Tattoo For Guys Can Be Frustrating

If you plan on heading over the the first or second site you see to locate some perfect guy tattoos, you might want to rethink that thought. I say this because the average man is not going to get anywhere close to where the truly good artwork is. Instead, most of us sway in the wind and end up looking through mountains full of generic junk. I will show you why this keeps happening and how to stop it in it's tracks, so you can pin point fantastic guy tattoos and the sites that have them.

I don't know too many guys that look forward to spending all of their free time trying to find their way out of a gallery full of cookie cutter designs. This is exactly what keeps happening, though! On average, about 8 out of ten men will spend most of their time looking through an endless amount of old, generic junk, instead of seeing the fresh, quality drawn artwork the web has to offer. It isn't because the internet doesn't have sites that take pride in having quality guy tattoos, though.

Guy Tattoos - Finding a Decent Can Be Hard Nowadays

I have spent my fair share of time scouring the web for guy tattoos. I have also witness dozens and dozens of men try to do the same thing and end up lost in a world of generic junk and cookie cutter tattoo designs. The average man is going to see nothing but low end artwork all the time. I know how to avoid that pesky issue though, so that you can finally get right to the websites that have quality drawn guy tattoos.

The problem seems to grow with every passing week, but it's also easy to correct if you know how to do it. Let's first start out by seeing "why" so any men keep bumping into galleries that are over stuffed with generic guy tattoos. It all boils down to one very important fact. Over ninety five percent of men are going to use some kind of basic search engine to look for tattoo art.

Unique Tattoo Designs For Women - Beautiful Body Art

If you have spent any time trying to find just the right tattoo style to fit your sense of aesthetic as well as your body type, you know what a chore it is.  Deciding on the most unique tattoo designs is never easy, but the following may offer you a better sense of the art styles available and what might suit you.

I remember the day when you had to look long and hard to find anybody with a tattoo.  If you are old enough, you know that it was always associated with the seamier side of life.  Or, often it was depicted as something that a sailor picked up in some far away port while on shore leave.  But now, how the times have changed.  Body art in general, and tattoos specifically, have become a very popular means of self-expression.  People of even though most conservative stripe are being seen with tattoos.  Many in places that require clothing that is a bit more revealing than you might expect.  Women tattoos are being worn low on the back.  Men are showing off their recently acquired tribal tattoo designs.

Dragon Tribal Tattoo Designs - Top 4 Dragon Tattoos

One of the most popular and commonly seen tattoo designs are the dragon tribal tattoos. Many people have always been attracted to dragons and these tattoo designs can be inked any where on the body. It's because of this versatility why dragon tattoos are so popular. They symbolize power, danger, luck, freedom, rage, and destruction. Men are seen as the guardians of their family, so some men get images of dragons tattooed on their body to represent protection.

Although some people get dragon tribal tattoos to follow their tradition, others get these tattoos simply because they love them. There are many different designs and as you can expect, all of them are unique in their own way. Take a look at the top 4 dragon tattoo designs.

Tattoos of Crosses - 6 Most Popular Ideas You Should Know

The cross is one of the oldest symbols known to mankind and one of the most popular tattoos. Celtic coins found dated back long before Christianity and cave drawings have also revealed crosses' dating back to the Stone Age. It is not known when or why the first cross was drawn but after the circle the cross is one of the first drawn by children across all cultures, this may be due to the simplicity of the design and the children's exposure to the cross symbol, but it is still an interesting point to ponder.

One of the earliest crosses was the Ancient Egyptian ankh ("meaning handled cross"), or the Key of the Nile, this cross predates the modern cross and was seen as a symbol of life and fertility. The circle on the top represents the sun, the creator of life. The most popular and easily recognisable cross is that of the Christian cross as a symbol of the death of Jesus. The word cross comes from the Latin "crux", meaning to torture, and torture it certainly was, and whether you believe the biblical version of events or not, there can be no doubt that this symbol of sacrifice propelled Christianity into the religious juggernaut we see today.

Jesus was not the first to die on a cross and he certainly was not the last. Many of the disciples of Jesus also met the same fate, most notably St. Peter who insisted on being crucified upside as he thought he was unworthy to be compared to Jesus. This upside cross is still used today in some Catholic ceremonies to symbolise humbleness and respect to Jesus.

An unfortunate side effect of this popularity is that it can be very difficult to located original, high quality artwork and most people unwittingly settle for low quality generic designs. This article delves into the ways one can locate polished, superior cross tattoo designs without having to wade through hundreds of the same old artwork they have seen a million times before.