Japanese Tattoos With The Japanese Dragon
The Japanese dragon has always been a mysterious symbol. It's sinuous flow and various forms have helped it to become one of the most recognizable designs in Japanese tattoos. You could also be able to utilize the power of the ryu in your own creations to symbolize something very important or mystical.
Rooted in History
There are actually three incarnations of the dragon: The tatsu, the ryu and the doragon. The tatsu is the most traditional among the three, being more akin to water serpents and are spirits which personify rivers and other similar bodies of water. The most famous of these dragons is the Orochi, the eight headed and eight tailed dragon which was slain to gain the Kusanagi, or the Imperial Sword of State.
The ryu is the most popular one, since the tatsu do not really have physical form. It is akin to the Chinese dragon, only with three fingers instead of five. This is actually a source of friendly rivalry between Asian countries, with the number of toes determining the nationality of the dragon. The naga is the serpent dragon of Indian folklore, as adapted in Japan and the doragon is the Western civilization's conception of a dragon (that is, with wings).
A Deep Symbolism
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.
Dragons also symbolize power and majesty. Being one of the four celestial gods, as the seiryu, the dragon is worshipped, revered and feared. This is due to it being calm and placid at first, but when provoked, becomes a deadly catastrophe for anyone who dares. They are also symbols of courage and of fertility. Dragons are also seen as a farmer's best friend.
The Future
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.
Rooted in History
There are actually three incarnations of the dragon: The tatsu, the ryu and the doragon. The tatsu is the most traditional among the three, being more akin to water serpents and are spirits which personify rivers and other similar bodies of water. The most famous of these dragons is the Orochi, the eight headed and eight tailed dragon which was slain to gain the Kusanagi, or the Imperial Sword of State.
The ryu is the most popular one, since the tatsu do not really have physical form. It is akin to the Chinese dragon, only with three fingers instead of five. This is actually a source of friendly rivalry between Asian countries, with the number of toes determining the nationality of the dragon. The naga is the serpent dragon of Indian folklore, as adapted in Japan and the doragon is the Western civilization's conception of a dragon (that is, with wings).
A Deep Symbolism
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.
Dragons also symbolize power and majesty. Being one of the four celestial gods, as the seiryu, the dragon is worshipped, revered and feared. This is due to it being calm and placid at first, but when provoked, becomes a deadly catastrophe for anyone who dares. They are also symbols of courage and of fertility. Dragons are also seen as a farmer's best friend.
The Future
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. Unique version for reprint here: Japanese Tattoos With The Japanese Dragon.
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