Irezumi Tattoos

As we know one of the places where tattooing is heavily practiced as a beautiful art form and with the greatest skills level is Japan. The history of tattooing there dates back to the fifth century where historians found clay figurines (haniwa) in a grave that show distinct facial marks. These marks are believed to be early forms of tattoos that represent decorative and religious functions.
Unfortunately this early form of Japanese tattooing largely died out by the end of the fifth century and tattooing was revived only in the thirteenth century as a way of marking criminals and other social desirables. Interestingly, the practice of labeling criminals using tattoos was also practiced in many other countries, notable in neighboring areas as we collectively known as China today.
During that time in Japan, criminals were tattooed with the nature of their crime and the geographic location where is took place. Members of outcast groups were also marked with stigmatizing tattoos. These people include the 'hinin' who were lowly entertainers and the 'eta' who slaughtered animals and tanned leather.
By the seventeenth century an intriguing form of tattooing called 'irebokuro' (from "ire" meaning "to inject" and "bokuro" meaning "beauty spot") started to enjoy widespread popularity. This special form of non-pictorial tattooing often symbolizes one's undying loyalty or love and would include the name of a lover, for example.
In the mid-eighteenth century during the Edo period a Chinese folklore known as Suikoden that revolve around the adventures of 108 bandits became wildly popular in Japan. They led a Robin Hood-style life and devoted their lives to fighting against the wealthy and corrupt government officials.
One of the most popular outlaw characters in the novel is Shishin or the 'Nine Tattooed Dragon' who bore extensive full-body tattoos. Soon Japanese from all social levels started to tattoo ornate designs (irezumi) on their bodies that depict heroic figures, gods, mythical creatures and other traditional and popular images.
From then, irezumi flourished until the mid-nineteenth century when it was forcibly stopped by the Emperor Meiji as he viewed it as an immoral practice favored by the much-despised Westerners. By now, Japanese tattooists or 'hori' had become immensely popular with the newly-arrived American sailors and merchants.
Due to official prohibition the art of irezumi was driven underground and was adopted predominantly by laborers, artisans, criminals, entertainers and fire fighters. Eventually, it became hugely visible on the bodies of the yakuza, a famed grouping of organized Japanese underground gangsters.
Presently in modern day Japan the art of tattooing is still slightly stigmatized though it remains a highly regarded art form. Many youths and young adults think nothing of going for stunning full-body tattoos that used to be associated only with hard-core criminals.

Roses Lotus Flowers Orchids Tattoos

Orchid Tattoos can be an interesting and beautiful body art if you are looking on getting floral designs. It is not as common as rose, lotus or lilies so you can have a unique tattoo if you choose to have this. However, it is as equally gorgeous and sophisticated as the other flowers mentioned and meaningful in its own way.
Orchids are in fact, the most passionately cultivated flowers in the world. As tattoo designs, there are tons of varieties to choose from in various shapes and colors. Cattleya is the most popular of its kind and it's the classic corsage flowers. In terms of symbolism, orchids have long been symbols for exotic and mysterious. They are known to signify romance, extravagance and the desire for intimacy. The wild orchid was universally a symbol of fertility. In China, the orchid is a symbol of perfection while in England, the purple spots on the petals were said to represent the blood of Christ.
With the flowers' natural beauty, orchid tattoos can look magnificent whether they are inked small or large on the body. The placement to consider for this tattoo theme are shoulder blade, lower back, lower stomach, foot, and even ribs if you are looking for design on a large scale. It looks better if tattooed with colors to make it more realistic; however, there are some tattoo aficionados who choose to have orchid tattoos inked with just black outline. It really depends on the design you choose and how your tattoo artist will execute it on your body.
With tattoos being permanent, just make sure that you choose an orchid design that is "tattooable". You can ask your tattoo artist so sketch one for you or you can choose online from websites offering high quality tattoo art.

Nautical Stars Tattoos

Nautical star tattoos possess deep symbolical meanings. This symbol was particularly popular among sailors. It is an old tattoo design which has penetrated the modern era. Its beginnings can be traced back to more than centuries ago.
From way back during the days of yore, prior to modern means of navigating, sailors used to navigate the seas with the aid of stars in the night sky. The North Star, which is visible in the Northern hemisphere along with the other different constellations of stars, served as guides for the navigators through the night.
Sailors would have nautical stars tattooed on them since they relied on to guide them home safely. They believed that stars used to lead them back home. Furthermore, they had a superstitious belief that their nautical star tattoos would allow them to get home to their families safely.
Nautical star tattoos had also gained popularity among soldiers as well. There are a lot of soldiers who choose to have nautical stars tattooed on them for basically the same reasons - for protection and guidance. From these basic facts which clearly reflect the origins of nautical star tattoos, it can be concluded that this tattoo design signifies ones hope to be guided safely through a journey, even possibly the journey of life.
The nautical star tattoo or any tattoo design which depicts a star, based on old beliefs, are meant to protect and guide. In the modern times, a broader perspective about nautical star tattoos had emerged. This tattoo design represents one's direction in life. It had imposed a meaning not only among sailors and soldiers but to ordinary people as well. It is meant to guide a person towards the right direction in life.
Other interpretations state that a star pointing in an upward direction means that the person has a higher outlook or perspective in life. It may also represent big ambition and higher goals in life; the desire to succeed in all endeavors.
Nautical star tattoos can symbolize different things for different people. It is important to find a design which best depicts what it is you wish to express. If you're looking for the perfect nautical star tattoo, why not start your search at one of the internet's Top 3 Tattoo Galleries - each with thousands of high quality, unique tattoo designs.

Classic Cars Pinups Tattoos

Tattoos look great on mens and they often add to the sex appeal of the mens. However, selecting a tattoo can be difficult if you are not sure of your needs. People are often looking at most popular tattoos because they suit everyone and look sophisticated. The most famous tattoos are American tattoos and they have been around for centuries. They mostly have nautical stars, classic American cars, sailor jerry tattoos, swallows and pin-ups.

You can also add and modify the designs which you like. Size of the tattoo is also important and you have to select a tattoo which fits the place where you need a tattoo. The craze of tattoos has declined over time but still people love wearing tattoos
A poll in 2003 reveals that 16% of Americans wear an American tattoo which is higher than 10% in 1998. There are also statistics that very few people get their tattoos removed which shows that people love the tattoos on their body. US and world news also shows that there are over 20,000 tattoos parlors just in US and on an average a new parlor opens everyday.
Most people get the American tattoos on hands, neck, face and other visible parts on the body. There are always concerns when a person goes for a tattoo on the neck because the skin in the neck is thin and needle is closer to the bone. The pain actually depends on the physical and mental health of the person.
An American tattoo heals in 2 to 3 weeks but a tattoo on neck can take more time. Neck is a sensitive area so the tattoo also takes time to heal. The advantage of having a tattoo on neck is that they are less prone to infections as compared to the tattoos on hands and legs. You should also make sure that you are using sunscreen lotions on the tattoos otherwise they can loose their ink quickly. However, the process of adding ink in tattoos is not painful.
American tattoos are not just popular in US but they are also popular in other parts of the world. The people all over the world modify the tattoos and use them. People in Australia add a Kangaroo on the classic American car and these kinds of tattoos are quite famous in Australia. There are also many sailor jerry tattoos which people use by having their God or any religious identity as sailor in the tattoo.
All these kinds of tattoos are used everywhere. Celebrities all over the world can be seen carrying tattoos. There are other good designs which are now used in style of American tattoos. The Thai tiger can be seen roaring in tattoos, these kinds of tattoos are called hybrids. Most rock bands have their trademark tattoo which is carried by all the band members and their fans.
Now there are animated American tattoos which can be carried by small children and even school students. They are quite famous these days.

Traditional Americana

Americana Arm Tattoo Designs include more traditional sailor tattoos and often have an old school feel. The common tattoos with an American designs are pinup girl tattoos, anchor tattoos or even a flag or ship

Japanese Tattoo Art Traditional

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.
There is Japanese art that depicts their warriors as heavily tattooed. In today's Japan, it is not common to find someone who is heavily tattooed. As it stands, the Japanese people consider people who are tattooed to be a part of an underworld of gangsters. They believe it to be a habit of the low class. Young tattooed people in Japan have them placed where people cannot see. That way they do not have to encounter judgment by their peers or older individuals in Japan.
But the Japanese tattoo designs are quite amazing when you look at them. They depict parts of Japanese history, contain many fine lines that make the design, and the colors are so vivid and unique. Some people may even have their entire back tattooed because some tattoos are only good when they are large and a message is to be relayed.
Types
Flowers and dragons tend to be the most common, aside from Japanese symbols with significant meaning to the tattooed individual. Extensive Japanese tattoo art can take a while to finish. Because of the amount of detail put into some designs, it can take several sittings to finish. Having one done in one sitting could be quite daunting to the tattoo artist and to the recipient. It is also necessary to allow some healing to take place before continuing some parts of the journey.
It is also common to see Japanese tattoo art of Japanese warriors with weapons and of serpents. The best way to know what your options are is to explore online or consult with your Japanese tattoo artist on what it is that can be done for you.

Geisha The Oriental Pinup

Another popular and traditional theme in Japanese tattoos are Geisha. These women were not the prostitutes or hookers but rather women of culture and refinement that were seen to carry the traditions of the culture. They were often extremely beautiful and talented women they could sing, play traditional instruments, dance and entertain. There of course are tons of traditional woodcuts that feature the "floating world" where the Samurai and Geisha would meet. Many of these woodcuts and themes have been done in tattoo designs. If you are looking for a strong female image then you could always get a design of a samurai's wife who were traditionally trained in martial arts and expected to defend their home if needed.