Japanese tattooing, also known as "irezumi," is a traditional form of tattooing
that has a long and rich history in Japan.It is an art
form that is highly respected and revered
within Japanese culture, and has gained a significant amount
of popularity around the world in recent years.
The origins of Japanese tattooing can be traced back
to the Edo period (1603-1868),when tattoos were primarily
used as a form of punishment for criminals.
These tattoos were often large, bold, and in the form of symbols or characters
that represented the crime the person had committed.
However, as time passed, tattooing began to evolve and take
on a more artistic form. It became a way for people to express
their individualism and pay tribute to their cultural heritage.
One of the most iconic symbols in Japanese tattooing is the dragon,
which represents strength, power or acheveing a high goal,
(koi fish/dragon legend).
Other popular motifs include flowers, such as cherry blossoms and lotus flowers,
and animals, like tigers and koi fish. These tattoos are often large and cover
a significant portion of the body, such as the back, chest, or arms.
Traditional japanese tattooing is a highly skilled and time-consuming process,
the tattoos are created using a hand-poke method.
This involves the use of a needle that is tapped into the
skin repeatedly.This process can take hours,
days or even years to complete,depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo.
In recent years, Japanese tattooing has gained a significant
amount of popularity around the world, and many people are drawn
to the art form for its unique style and cultural significance.