Dragon Tattoo

The most well known and most popular mythical creature depicted in tattoos is the Japanese dragon. It is more popular than any of the other mythical creatures, such as the phoenix, mermaid or gryphon. This may be due to its shape because the long and flexible dragon that descends from Japanese tattoo traditions practically fits on every part of the body - covering full backs, winding himself around arms or coiling up on the chest of the carrier.

Dragon Tattoo

The Japanese dragon is usually depicted as a wingless, heavily scaled snake-like creature with small, clawed legs and a camel shaped head with horns. It is associated with sea, clouds or the heavens. It has whiskers and a beard, and it is deaf. In the West we think of dragons as terrifying beasts, but in Japan the dragon symbolises wealth, good fortune, good luck, kindness, power and freedom.

The good luck stems from the fact that the Japanese dragon is a "water symbol", living either in the clouds, climbing down during thunderstorms, or in rivers and lakes. Water is an element of enormous importance for the cultivation of rice in both China and Japan so, because of its ability to bring down the rain, it was revered. Thus dragons are highly respected and admired in both China and Japan. In the Western Culture however, because of the association with the snake, the dragon symbolises evil and they were routinely hunted down, fought and killed.

Dragon Tattoo

It is important to keep the dragon happy because, after all, it could easily cause a seaquake or thunderstorm if annoyed. One of the most famous and most tattooed dragon legends, apart from the display of the Buddhist gods of wind and thunder (Fu-jin and Rai-jin) who are riding the dragons, is the Tamatori Hime. According to legend, Japanese dragons are believed to take up the shape of humans and are even considered capable of mating with humans. The age-old enemy of the dragon is the phoenix and sometimes a bird-man creature called Karura.

Dragon Tattoo

At birth to around five hundred years (or so) of the dragon's life, they are a "water snake". They are not dragons in the sense that we think them to be. From five hundred (or so) to around one thousand (or so) they become Chiao, or scaled creatures. They are said to begin as a fish, and, at a considerably old age, turn into a scaled dragon.

Dragon Tattoo

After the Chiao stage, from about one thousand years to one thousand five hundred years old, the dragon grows rapidly. This is when the dragon becomes a Lung dragon. This takes place over the five hundred year period. Unlike some dragons, they are hornless and symbolize the scholar. These dragons can gain horns, but only after about five hundred years.

When the dragon is between the ages of one thousand five hundred and two thousand, he or she will become a Horned Dragon. They will gain horns and thus look much wiser in the process. After the dragon is two thousand years old, they become a Ying-Lung. They are winged dragons that are also scale-less. They gain wings only after they have been around for about one thousand years, and they never have scales.

Dragon Tattoo

The Japanese dragon (referred to as Ryugu in Japanese mythology) has three toes whereas the Korean has four and the Chinese five. It is said in Chinese Mythology that all dragons originated from China and the ones that left lost their toes, but the Japanese Culture believes that all dragons came from Japan and when they left Japan they gained toes. The farther the dragons went, the more toes they gained (or lost). The Koreans believe that all eastern dragons originated from Korea so that when the dragons leave Korea and go towards China they gain toes and when they go towards Japan they lose toes.

Dragon Tattoo

Another difference is that Japanese dragons tend to be much more slender and fly less frequently than their Chinese counterparts which suggests they either lose or gain weight depending on where they originate from. In Japanese society (as in Chinese society) dragons are depicted in paintings on temple walls and carvings. Most of the temples with dragon carvings usually belong to the Zen Buddhism religion. The Japanese dragon had originally come into existence as a guardian creature that was in charge of guarding all the four cosmic regions. Traditionally the dragon is identified with the season of spring throughout Asia.

Dragon Tattoo

The Dragon King is really four dragons, and these dragons keep watch over the four main seas. They are believed to live underwater in the Ryuku islands area in Okinawa. Japanese dragons are of various types: there are the Tatsu dragons that are a representation of spirituality and imperial power and tend to live in lakes or springs. The Sui-Riu dragons are held responsible for bringing rains into the islands of Japan. The Han-Riu dragon is the tallest of the dragons measuring up to almost 40 feet in length and can reach the heavens. The Ri-Riu dragon is most popular for its unusual eye-sight which is believed to be the best. The Ka-Riu dragon which is the smallest possesses a frightening red color. The Fuku Riu is the dragon which brings luck to people. The Hai-riyo dragon is actually a dragon which possesses a bird-like shape and is the most evolved of all the dragons.

Dragon Tattoo

Other interesting things to note are the differences between the dragons in pictures. For example, males usually have clubs in their tails while females hold fans. These dragons can also be depicted as descending from the sky or inside clouds. Male horns are thinner near the base of the head and thicker and stronger towards the outside. Females have "nicer" manes, they are rounder, and thus are seen as more balanced than the rigid mane of the males. The females' noses are usually straighter, their scales thinner, and have a thicker tail.

Dragon Tattoo

Modern Japanese tattoo artists have taken the art of the Japanese dragon to amazing new levels. Whether you want a full back or a half sleeve design, you will find an incredible gallery of amazing tattoo designs to choose from. They can be in colour, or black and white. The Japanese dragon tattoo may appear with sea waves, clouds or pearls. Sometimes the dragon holds an enormous magical pearl in its claw, which has the power to multiply whatever it touches, the "pearl" symbolized the most precious treasure: Wisdom (hence "pearls of wisdom"). Ancient Dragon lore and illustrations have inspired many of us to select a Japanese dragon tattoo because that design represents how we feel about ourselves -- strength, wisdom and freedom...

Dragon Tattoo

Japanese dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body. Full body and full back dragon tattoos are very common in Japan, but the most popular location is half sleeve, the body of the dragon wraps around the upper arm and the dragon's head extends across the chest just above the heart. Because of the long shape of the dragon, it is also well suited for inking on arms and legs.

Article By: Alan Watt

Tattoo Ideas for Men

Tattoo is a means by which people wish to project what they want others to perceive them as. Their ideas and opinions are evident through their body art. Although there are no restrictions, based on gender or otherwise, as to what kind of tattoo an individual may sport, there are some socio cultural factors and personal tastes that show that certain tattoos are the males' alone. It is a known fact that as compared to women, majority of men get tattoos done. Even among the ancient Polynesian tattoo masters who had the final word in what kind of design was appropriate and when and where to mark them were seen to be mostly male.

Human skull design:

Human skull tattoo design

Very few other designs can be bolder than a skull tattooed to the body. The idea to get a 'skull' is only a start, as there are innumerable types of skull patterns from which one will have to choose. Addition to that, the visual depiction and detailing around it may also vary. For example, a Naga who has lived all his life seeing the typical motifs of his tribe might commission a tattoo of a skull of the native bull with crossed arrows adorning the background. A man who has been fascinated with the tantric ways might wish to show off human skull tattoos on his body. Thus, the choice of the 'kind' of skull may differ from person to person based on their preference of type and other external factors.

Dragon designs:

Dragon tattoo designs

Large dragon depictions look best as tattoos especially on the chest area, biceps and upper back. The most attractive of them all are the fire breathing fierce dragons with special detailing given to the spikes of their massive tails and their lethally sharp and large teeth. Such dragon tattoos suit those men who are particularly more masculine than others. Less fierce dragon tattoo types may be considered as an option for those who have been fascinated by dragon myths and those into fantasy writings. It is also a common body art among the East Asians, for whom the dragon has been part of ancient folklore.

'Heart' for Moms:

Heart tattoo for men

To flaunt your love for your mom, request your tattoo artist to give you a Sailor-Jerry style tattoo with a headline over it reading ''Mom'', thus showing your respect to your creator. Avoid the cheesy eyesore kind, but it's tough to say whether she'll like it or not. It is a classical style pioneered by the American tattoo artists.

Article By Valerie Althorpe

Back Tattoos As Fashion

It is definitely an outdated, even laughable idea that female back tattoos are for only the "loose" ladies and particularly thinking of the lower back tattoo as a "tramp stamp". It is extremely close minded to think that an attractive woman with a back tattoo must be immoral and unsatisfied. It's very much the other way as a woman who is strong, independent and fashionable is one who would strongly consider a female back tattoo.

Back Tattoos As Fashion

There are certainly a few fantastic reasons for desiring a female back tattoo in addition to fashion. Regardless of what part of the back you choose to have a tattoo inked you have the ability to cover it when appropriate such as many workplaces that still require tattoos to be covered. Also a design in this area will highlight the natural curves and shapes of a woman, predominantly the lower back or tailbone area. When a woman chooses to wear clothing that will allow their lower back tattoo to be visible it gives the impression of sensuality that other tattoos fail to accomplish.

Back Tattoos As Fashion

There also is the upper back tattoo which is highly popular. These tattoos can range form a simple small and delicate design such as a flower to a large and elaborate design. Similar to the lower back tattoo a high back tattoo should be placed in a way that it can be covered when appropriate. However the upper back tattoo may be more difficult to cover up when formal dress wear is common. A gown for example would usually be lower cut around the upper back making it difficult to cover your design. You might consider a smaller design that would better blend with this type of formal wear and actually add to the attractiveness of your look. It does seem that the social bias of tattoos is fading and therefore some female back designs might be admired in this setting.

Back Tattoos As Fashion

On the other hand outdoor wear such as bathing suits and tank tops and other casual wear would expose your design. This setting though would be one that a larger tattoo might be greatly accepted and admired. It is a good opportunity for a woman to show her strength and independence. Men like strong, independent and confident women and think of them as sexy.

Back Tattoos As Fashion

Great is this art and the wide array of designs from simple to complex allows you many possibilities to be imaginative with your design. Online galleries offer a seemingly limitless collection of suggestions and ideas. So it is good to do your research and make sure you will be satisfied, and can live with this tattoo the rest of your life. Do this by designing your art to your personality and I know you will be happy with your tattoo.

Beautiful Japanese Dragon Tattoo with Colorful Design

The Japanese Dragon Tattoo is a very beautiful and colorful tattoo design and very symbolic, popular locations for Japanese dragon tattoos include full back and upper arm designs. For upper arm designs, the dragon typically wraps around the arm, with the head extending onto the chest or back region. This however should not limit your decision on where to place this tattoo. The style and location of your design should be personal and unique, as these factors will ultimately determine the meaning of your tattoo.

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Cool Dragon Tattoos

Many people think that dragons are cool, and would love to have a dragon tattoo. Some of them know exactly what they would want, and many of them do not. It can be difficult deciding on a tattoo to get. There are many designs and colors that you could get, as well as deciding on a place on your body to put it. These are some ideas about dragon tattoos.