Last week we discussed the history and traditions of the Traditional Japanese Tattoo, the Irezumi (read here). This week we take a deep dive in the most common Irezumi themes.
Ryu - Dragon
Oriental dragons are equally at home in the air or in the water. Usually embodying wisdom, strength and manipulating the forces of the universe for the benefit of people.
The face of the oriental dragon is generally not the face of one creature but many and can be different from dragon to dragon. The dragon can take on characteristics of animals it encounters through its life. The eyes can be of a demon or rabbit, while the ears are those of a cow, the neck and belly of a snake, the horns of a stag and the scales of a koi. Its hands or talons are from the hawk or eagle. The Asian dragon is usually the bearer of profound blessings. Like other Oriental tattoo designs, the choice of a dragon is generally an aspiration to the qualities of great goodness, wisdom, and power.
The Oriental dragon is a benevolent entity, combining strength and wisdom, and the choice of a dragon tattoo can represent an aspiration to his qualities.
A Dragon can also clutch in one of his claws an object that is variously shown as a ball, a pearl, or a jewel, also known as “the closed-lotus form” essentially the essence of the universe, in order to control the winds, rains, fire and even the planets. This item is essentially seen in various Buddhist designs including temples and grave markers. It represents the spiritual essence of the universe, by which the dragon controls and protects it from those who might usurp those powers.
Koi - Carp
The koi is one of the most popular and tales in Japanese folklore, with a deep meaning. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught it will lie upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, like a brave warrior facing the sword.
A very popular legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called “Dragon Gate” on “Yellow River” would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement.
Another popular story is of a giant koi that is killing off the fishermen of a small village, only to be killed by a boy of the village making the boy a hero, often translated as “Golden Boy” is a folk hero from Japanese folklore know as “Kintaro”.
Eventually, the stoic fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it was appropriated for the annual “Boys day festival” in Japan where even today colourful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, the Koi symbolizes much the same courage, control, and the ability to achieve goals with an understanding of life’s trials”.
Tora - Tiger
Considered to be the supreme of all land animals by the Chinese, representing strength, courage and long life. Tigers are also said to be able to ward off bad luck, disease and Demons. In many old prints you will see a tiger fighting demons (Oni) at the side of “Shoki” The demon queller. Tigers are one of the 4 sacred animals, symbols of the North and represent the season of Autumn and control of the winds.
Karashishi - Fu Dog or Lion Dog
Also called the “Lion of Buddha” and that name is actually much more accurate, since it is a lion and not a dog at all. Known also as Fu Dog, Foo Dog, Fu Lion, Foo Lion, Lion Dog, Karashishi and Shi-Shi Dog. they are used extensively in Asian art, sculpture, and, of course, tattoos. But the Lion of Buddha may not be Buddhist in origin.
The local Shinto religion of Japan, which pre-dates Buddhism, also has a lion protector, with a red head, who drives away evil spirits and brings health and wealth. No matter the origin though, the Fu Lion is fundamentally protective, strong, and courageous. Often in tattoo the Foo Lion crawls menacingly, up or down an arm or leg in protection of the wearer and aspiration of heroic ability and mind.
Hou-ou (Phoenix)
Probably the most important of the mythological birds, its unmatched splendor and the immortality it derived by rising from its own ashes.
Its name comes from the Greek word for “red”, the color of fire. In ancient China, the feng-huang bird was able to unite both yin and yang and was used as a symbol of marriage.
In some versions of its story, it flew to distant lands gathering fragrant herbs which it returned to its altar, setting them afire and burning itself to ashes, rising three days later. In other versions, when the time of its death would draw near, it built a nest of aromatic twigs in which it would burn, simply from the heat of its own body. No matter the details of its origin, life, or death, the Phoenix has become a symbol not only of the undying soul, resurrection, and immortal life but also one of triumph and a rebirth in this life.
Oni - Demon
The oni, or horned demon, is probably the most common of the ghostly beings in Japanese cosmology and are typically depicted as rampaging, violent, and cruel. Almost always shown with horns, their faces can be quite varied, similar to noh masks, and are typically pink, red, or blue-grey.
In general, oni are fearsome supernatural creatures, they have been described variously as guardians of Buddhist hell.
There is also a tradition, however, in older tales, that they can become benevolent protectors — such as monks who become an oni after death in order to protect temples.
Zugaikotsu - Skull
There is actually a more in-depth meaning to the skull tattoo designs than just anger, fear, danger or death – in fact it was not originally conceived as a symbol to represent any of these things. It was instead originally used to represent the symbol of “great change” and “celebration of a great life”. By analyzing what the skull traditionally meant in ancient society we discover that it was related to the happening of great changes and an acceptance and embrace of our mortality. The skull is also a symbol used to celebrate and show respect for people who have passed. It’s highly probable that it’s association with death grew because of the fact that death is the greatest change that we will experience.
Hannya
The hannya mask is used in the Noh theater to represent a vengeful and jealous woman. Her anger and envy have so consumed her that she has turned into a demon, but with some important traces of humanity left. The pointed horns, gleaming eyes, fang-like teeth, combined with a look of pure resentment and hate are tempered by the expression of suffering around the eyes and the artfully disarrayed strands of hair, which indicate passionate emotion thrown into disorder.
Hebi - Snake
The snake is very likely the most symbolic animal that exists. They are said to have supernatural abilities, such as protection against illness, disaster and bad fortune.
Throughout time they have become symbols of some of humanity’s greatest hopes and fears. In ancient Asian folklore, snakes sometimes rewarded humans with gifts of pearls, in general, snakes often appeared as guardians of shrines and treasure and their saliva was thought to create precious the jewels underground. The snake is linked with wisdom and prophecy. Snakes found in a home are even welcomed as good luck and the embodiment of the spirits of the ancestors as protectors, thus they are called protection snakes.
Momiji - Maple Leaf
One of the most popular backgrounds is the Japanese maple, a symbol of time passing and of wind. the design often conveys the leaves as floating, carried on the wind or in the water. In Japan, it’s also the symbol of lovers.
Kiku - Chrysanthemum
This blossom is often portrayed as a symbol of perfection. The Japanese regard the chrysanthemum as their “solar flower”, and the Japanese Imperial Family adopted it as their emblem and the Seal of the Emperor himself. The Emperor’s position is referred to as The Chrysanthemum Throne. Longevity and joy are the attributes of both flower and worthy ruler. In Japan, the Imperial Order of the Chrysanthemum is the highest Order of Chivalry.
Sakura - Cherry Blossom
For Japanese imagery, the beautiful period of its flowering, fading and scattering of petals on the wind come to symbolize life itself. The fragility of the cherry blossom is the fragility of human existence, its brief period of life like our own, its movement toward death, indifferent to the good things of this world, is the ideal death for a warrior and, finally, its individual and perfect beauty is also ours.
Hasu - Lotus
Lotus flowers are amazing and have strong symbolic ties to many Asian religions, especially throughout India and the lotus has become a symbol for awakening to the meaning of life. The meaning varies slightly between myth to myth of course but essentially religious traditions place importance on the lotus flower.
Lotus and peonies are flowers that are very popular among Japanese tattoo artists and they make a great compliment to Koi tattoos. Ironically enough, the two, koi fish and lotus flowers can often be found in the same pond in front of a temple.
If you read through here, thank you. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but we hope we covered the basics. Please feel free to improve the post in the comments below!
Bibliography
Lane, C. (2003). The Japanese Tattoo. Chronicle Books. ISBN: 0811835860.
Richie, D., & Buruma, I. (1980). The Japanese Tattoo. Weatherhill. ISBN: 0834801845.