Japanese Dragon Tattoo Designs

Japanese dragons are a combination of Indian, Chinese and Korean myths and legends, both in their appearance and their significance. They are primarily understood as manifestations of water gods, whether the water is rain, a river, or the sea. Japanese dragons are different than European dragons mostly due to their lack of wings, though they share the same long, snakelike bodies of the dragons from European lore.

You can tell whether a dragon is Japanese, Chinese or Korean by how many toes it has on its feet. Chinese dragons have five toes, whereas Korean ones have four toes and Japanese dragons have only three toes. In Chinese mythology dragons represent wisdom and power. There are nine kinds of Chinese dragons, and each has a domain or a characteristic assigned to it -- there are celestial, spiritual, earth, underworld, horned, winged, coiling and yellow dragons, and the king.

Japanese dragons mean different things to different people, and tattoo culture in the modern United States seems to be morphing away from what dragons represented in traditional Japanese texts, like the Kojiki and Nihongi that were written all the way back in 7th and 8th century Japan and earlier. For instance, in modern tattoo parlors, the dragon Ryu is a Buddhist image of faith, and is considered an immortal.

There is a dragon god Ryujin, also called Watatsumi in ancient Japanese myths, but he was not so much an embodiment of faith so much as the ruler of the oceans. He was also able to change into human form when he chose to, and there are no references in modern tattoo lore or meanings or artist's renderings of these creatures becoming human.

Dragon colors are very important for the meaning of a tattoo. Dragons in this tradition come in black, red, white, blue and yellow. The colors are tied to one of the four directions (North, South, East and West), and to the behaviors of the dragon. Black dragons represent the North, for example, and create storms when they fight. Red dragons also create storms when they fight, but they represent the West. Blue dragons hail from the East and are a manifestation of the season Spring. White dragons belong to the South, and represent mourning, death or famine and the eastern dragon god O Goncho. Yellow dragons are actually meant to be gold dragons and represent the dragon Kinryu. They are linked to no particular direction and are almost always invisible, until the single perfect moment, in which they briefly show themselves.

There are also a number of names and qualities embodied with different dragon tattoos now. For example, the dragon Fuku Riu is for good luck. He is usually shown flying up and is supposed to be in a pose of liveliness and strength. According to our dragon lore, any dragon flying into the sky mean ascension or success.

Excellent Dragon Tattoo Designs

Dragons are legendary creatures being featured in myths of several countries like China and Japan. As you watch movies, you'll notice that dragons usually breathe fire. That is why these creatures truly symbolize fierce and power. However, some people have adapted dragons as part of their tradition. But then, instead of believing in their tradition, images of dragons have been popular for many tattoo artists since then. Try to visit kiosks and beaches and you'll find various dragon tattoo designs that might persuade you to get inked.

Dragon tattoos are common to men. These designs truly fit on their taste. In some cases, they prepared to get inked simply because they want to add appeal to their body. However, for a person who's not fond of dragons, you may find it weird. Who don't want dragons? Well, in fact almost individuals of different ages are fond of dragoon tattoo designs, even teens and children.

In some countries, dragons represent destruction, freedom and luck. But then, it doesn't matter what's the meaning of dragon. As the head of the family, getting inked with dragon images only means one thing and that is for "protection" everyone loves dragon and everyone also love tribal designs that add appeals when combined. Sometimes, people not just get inked dragon tattoos on their body. Oftentimes, they give meaning to it.

It's true that dragon symbolizes protections yet in some civilizations, this mythical animal also represents dishonesty and wiliness. According to myths, dragons have various types and these include Korean dragons, Chinese dragons, Japanese dragons are western dragons. You may think they're classified based from the country that they were originated from yet all of them have different virtue like humans.
Tattoos are great options to express one's fashion. And would you believe that your personality depends on how you choose dragon tattoo designs? Believe it or not, these designs are not equal. Regardless of size, they're made up of several shapes and styles that can give life to the dragon figure.

Dragon tattoo designs are not just for men for also for women. If men get inked because they want to look brave, women also get tattooed and become hot. As you wish, you can decide in what part of the body you want to have a dragon tattoo. Usually tattoos are placed in the shoulder. It's because this part is used by both men and women. But then it is always recommended to ask advices to the artist.

Getting excellent dragon tattoo designs is actually easy. A simple one can do. Having a colorful design sounds good yet the too much blends of colors might no longer as perfect as you wanted.

Dragon Tattoo Pictures

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.

Looking For a Dragon Tattoo

In today's world, tattoos are becoming as a way of self-expression for people, especially among younger generations and teenagers. Tattoos express one's principles and credence towards any aspect which is happening all around the world. There are many types of tattoos available. It depends on the personal choice of an individual, which tattoo they want to get inked on their body.

Out of the many tattoos available Dragon Tattoos are very popular these days. Dragons have always attracted people from all around the world, since ages. Dragons are nothing but mythological creations. People have always been curious about dragons. In ancient monuments and caves, the images of dragons have been found by the archaeologists. These days' people show their love for dragon by inking tattoos on different body parts.

It is not an easy task to find out the right dragon design for you, especially if you are new to tattooing. There are some common dragon tattoos available. But these tattoos can be modified to unique with the help of different types of colors and shapes. Only a professional tattoo artist can do all these things for you. So, it is advisable to seek the help of good professional artist to find the right tattoo for you.

In different corners of the world, dragon tattoos have different meanings. In some parts of the world, they are treated as a source of positive energy and good luck while in other parts they are the sign of negativity. The way they are drawn also varies from place to place. So, it is advisable that before inking a dragon tattoo you must consider in which part of the world you are living. In general, dragons are illustrated as controlling and dominating creature that has all the powers of the world. Most of the people know dragons for all the evil deeds done. But this is not the case in every part of the world.

In Japan and China, dragon tattoos are symbolized as friendly creatures that are benevolent and powerful. In China, dragons are treated as creatures that bring good luck and prosperity. In Japan, dragons are used to be a symbol of emperor of country since many years. But in European countries, dragons are known for all the wrong reasons. Here, they are depicted as furious and terrible. In Europe, dragon tattoos are inked as huge, fire breathing and winged creature. But most of the people who get a dragon design, use it to represent the powerful and royal nature of dragon keeping away all the negative facts such as evil and blood sucking.

Japanese Tattoo Dragons

Japanese Tattoo Dragons

Japanese Dragon Tattoos for Men

The Japanese dragon is one of the most popular mythological creatures picked for inking and a classic choice for a tattoo design. It is usually depicted as a wingless, heavily-scaled snake-like creature with small clawed legs and a horned or antlered camel head, and is associated with sea, clouds or the heavens. Japanese dragons tend to be much more slender and fly less frequently than the Chinese counterparts. The breath of the Japanese Dragon changes into clouds from which come either rain or fire. It is able to expand or contract its body, and in addition it has the power of transformation and invisibility. This is merely a general description and does not apply to all Japanese dragons, some of which have heads of so extraordinary a kind that they cannot be compared with anything in the animal kingdom.

Japanese dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body, full body and full back dragon tattoos are quite common, and the most popular location is half sleeve, the body of the dragon wrap around the upper arm and the dragon head extend out the upper front, just above the heart. Because of the long shape of the dragon, it also suited for inking on arms and legs.

Japanese Dragon Tattoos for Men

Tattoos Design - Ideas To Consider

Every day thousands of people want to getting a tattoos, but can't decide which design to use. It's a difficult decision unless you know what you want. Not only are there an unlimited number of tattoo designs available, you've got the permanancy factor to overcome. In all likelihood, your new tattoos will be with you for life, so you've got to be certain that your choice of design will be as relevant to you years into the future as it is today.

Tattoos are a highly personal items and can mean so many different things to each person. For example, some people use tattoos to express their personality, some people use them to show their love for another person, while some people see tattoos as art and their body as an empty canvas.

The next stage is to look at as many different tattoo styles as possible. Weed out the styles and the types of design that you don't like and see what's left. At present, some of the most popular tattoo designs include;

1) Angel tattoo

Angel tattoos are popular with people who want to reflect the religious or spiritual side of their personality. Alternatively, if you would like an angelic design without the religious overtones, why not consider a fairy tattoo?

2) Butterfly tattoos

A butterfly tattoo represents grace and freedom. They also symbolize beauty, which makes them popular with women. They're also perfect for people who have never had a tattoo before or those who want a small tattoo.

3) Celtic tattoos

These ancient patterns and designs, which are often represented by elaborate knots and crosses are perfect for anyone with Scottish or Irish family connections.

4) Cross tattoo

Again, these designs can symbolize religious faith, but they're also commonly used with eternity symbols to show enduring love or friendship. So they're good if you want to get a tattoo with your children's names on it.

5) Flowers tattoos

Flower tattoos are a sign of beauty, growth and regeneration. And if you want a bright, vibrant tattoo with plenty of color, flowers will give you an endless number of possibilities.

6) Stars tattoo

Star tattoo designs are extremely popular and as such have come to symbolize a different cultural, social and religious meaning for many millions of people. In general, star tattoos represent positivity, dreams and high ambitions.

7) Tribal tattoos

Tribal tattoo designs have got a long and diverse history. Over the years different styles and shapes have come to represent many different historical tribes and cultures. So they're great for people who want to show a connection with their past ancestors.

8) Dragon tattoos

popular dragon tattoo for women or female beach, the dragon tattoo is very cool and beautiful.