Asian Koi Fish Tattoo Meanings

Probably surprising to many westerners is the very large amount of ancient myths that surround these beautiful fish in the orient, and their elevated status there. The koi fish is more than just a colorful and collectible fish, it is also one of the most popular and beautiful story, myth, tale and tattoo themes, a beauty which belies its symbolic meaning. Although Chinese in origin, the koi is now widely celebrated in Japan, particularly for its manly qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver, not unlike the warrior facing the sword.

One theme dates back to ancient China, where a 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. 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 colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same courage, control, and the ability to achieve goals with an understanding of life’s trials”.

Not all koi fish are headed for dragon gate, and not all koi are stoic, there are other stories. Another popular story is of a giant koi fish 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.

Generally known in the west as the brightly colored fish that are common in public ponds and fountains, Koi fish can be found in colors that include white, gold, yellow, orange, off-white blue and red, their can also be calico-colored versions in many variations, particularly beautiful specimens have been known to fetch prices in excess of half-a-million dollars from private collectors who specialize in their breeding and showing. The collectible, prized, specially bred koi fish are generally “not” the koi fish of the irezumi tattoo.

Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Pictures

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Nice Japanese Tattoos Especially Koi Fish Tattoo With Image Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo Designs Gallery Picture

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Nice Japanese Tattoos With Image Japanese Tattoo Designs For Male Tattoo With Japanese Tattoo On The Full Back Body Picture Gallery

At the beginning of the Meiji period the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality. Nevertheless, fascinated foreigners went to Japan seeking the skills of tattoo artists, and traditional tattooing continued underground.

Tattooing was legalized by the occupation forces in 1945, but has retained its image of criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan (such as public baths, fitness centers and hot springs) still ban customers with tattoos.

Tattooing and other forms of body decoration and body modification, as in much of the western world, are gaining in popularity in Japan. However, Japanese young people who choose to get tattooed are most often choosing "one point" designs -- small designs that can be completed in one sitting -- usually in the American or tribal styles. More recently, however sanskrit Siddham script tattoos are becoming more and more fashionable.

Traditional irezumi is still done by specialist tattooists, but it is painful, time-consuming and expensive: a typical traditional body suit (covering the arms, back, upper legs and chest, but leaving an untattooed space down the center of the body) can take one to five years of weekly visits to complete and cost in excess of US$30,000.

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Nice Japanese Tattoos With Image Japanese Fish Tattoo Designs Especially Japanese Koi Fish Tattoo For Female Tattoo Picture Gallery

Nice Tattoos have become a habit since the ancient times and has served as symbols of religious and spiritual devotion, a sign of status and rank as well as signs of outcasts, slaves and prisoners. Symbolism varies in different countries and cultures. Today, people choose to have cosmetic and tattoos for sentimental reasons, a form of self representation and identification with particular groups.

Among the different designs available, koi fish tattoos become more popular with men and women, probably because of its mystical symbolism. Koi fish is actually a type of goldfish that were bred specifically to have a wild and brilliant color scheme, with general symbolic meaning of luck. In Japanese folklore, the koi represents overcoming obstacles as told in a legend where koi swim along the Yellow river upstream will magically turn into a dragon. This is clearly an emphasis on overcoming adversity in life.

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