The Japanese dragon is an ubiquitous yet mysterious symbol of Japan's culture. It is a part of the ensemble of many tattoos from that country, being one of the most recognizable motifs and designs there. Thus, for the Oriental look, it is best to utilize this fact and apply them to your creations or artworks and in Japanese tattoos.
A Brief History
There are actually multiple variations to the dragon in Japan: the indigenous Tatsu and the foreign varieties. The tatsu are actually more animistic than physical, being manifestations of what a river or a body of water is and the spirits that live in them. The most famous, however, is the personification of lightning, Orochi. He is an eight headed and eight tailed dragon who was killed to gain the most important element of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Kusanagi.
The ryu is the one more commonly seen, since the tatsu are shape shifting. It looks like the Chinese dragon with the biggest difference being the number of fingers on its feet: Three. This is actually a good indicator of the origin of the depiction, with Korea having four fingers and China having five fingers. This may be coincidence but is actually a source of friendly rivalry between these Asian nations.
Depicting the Forces of Nature
Japanese dragons are differentiated by the fact that they symbolize the subtlety and flow of water instead of fire. This is the main difference between them and the other Asian dragons. This is evident in their intricate scales, and the colors of black, blue and white, all related to water. In fact, they believe that all the sea is ruled by four dragons, which reside in the four cardinal directions.
These dragons also symbolize power. Being one of the Four Celestial Gods, the dragon is a powerful symbol carried in battle. It is said that the dragon emblem is capable of rousing courage. They are also sometimes symbols of agriculture and fertility. Most often, however, they represent the torrential powers of water, placid and calm at first sight but really brutal and savage when angered.
A Unique Patrimony
Japanese tattoos are now similar in practice with Western ones. Japan's tattoo artists have also learned to adapt to the situation, using machines as a supplement to or replacing the old methods. Still, the art of Irezumi is still alive, albeit in the underground, due to its association with crime.
A Brief History
There are actually multiple variations to the dragon in Japan: the indigenous Tatsu and the foreign varieties. The tatsu are actually more animistic than physical, being manifestations of what a river or a body of water is and the spirits that live in them. The most famous, however, is the personification of lightning, Orochi. He is an eight headed and eight tailed dragon who was killed to gain the most important element of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, the Kusanagi.
The ryu is the one more commonly seen, since the tatsu are shape shifting. It looks like the Chinese dragon with the biggest difference being the number of fingers on its feet: Three. This is actually a good indicator of the origin of the depiction, with Korea having four fingers and China having five fingers. This may be coincidence but is actually a source of friendly rivalry between these Asian nations.
Depicting the Forces of Nature
Japanese dragons are differentiated by the fact that they symbolize the subtlety and flow of water instead of fire. This is the main difference between them and the other Asian dragons. This is evident in their intricate scales, and the colors of black, blue and white, all related to water. In fact, they believe that all the sea is ruled by four dragons, which reside in the four cardinal directions.
These dragons also symbolize power. Being one of the Four Celestial Gods, the dragon is a powerful symbol carried in battle. It is said that the dragon emblem is capable of rousing courage. They are also sometimes symbols of agriculture and fertility. Most often, however, they represent the torrential powers of water, placid and calm at first sight but really brutal and savage when angered.
A Unique Patrimony
Japanese tattoos are now similar in practice with Western ones. Japan's tattoo artists have also learned to adapt to the situation, using machines as a supplement to or replacing the old methods. Still, the art of Irezumi is still alive, albeit in the underground, due to its association with crime.
About the Author:
Learn all there is to know about Japanese tattoos specifically the Japanese Dragon Motif in our overview of the best Japanese tattoo designs. Free reprint available from: Japanese Tattoos: The Japanese Dragon Motif.
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