subject: A Succinct Introduction To Japanese Dragon Tattoos [print this page] The image of the dragon is something that abounds in the Japanese tradition of tattooing. For the Japanese the dragon is among the most powerful and beautiful mystical beasts ever. The physical appearance of the dragon makes it a hard to miss symbol irrespective of where it is placed.
The history of the art of tattooing reveals that the dragon has been a definite favorite amongst the commoners with regards to getting a tattoo. There is a rich history of symbolism associated with the image of the dragon itself which lends it even more mystique to couple its physical appearance.
The location, size and style of dragon tattoo designs have the ability to change the symbolic meaning of the dragon's image. For example, the common picture of a dragon that appears wrapped around a sword and looking at a person with fiery and bright red eyes symbolizes strength and power. Alternately, the picture of a dragon flying in the sky intends to symbolize freedom.
The Japanese culture has great respect for the dragon. The name given to this creature is tatsu and ryu. The Japanese primarily depict the dragon as a contorted snake with a long body full of scales. According to mythology, dragons reside close to large water bodies and the Japanese consider these imaginary and powerful creatures as gods. As a result of this belief, the image of the dragon is very popular with many people in Japan.
The popularity of the dragon occurs in other nations of Asia including China and Korea. In Japan, the works of art that feature dragon designs are many including fine arts, architecture and sculpture. In our day, dragons still happen to be among the most popular elements of design in Japan.
You will recognize that the temples and altars of the Japanese still host huge dragon sculptures even today. An example of locations popular for the dragon statues there is The Isle of the Temple and it is a famous tourist attraction today. The people of Japan consider dragon images as ways of bringing good fortune and luck.
For many people in Western countries today, images of the dragon are fashionable. They love dragon tattoos but do not have any cultural symbolism linked to the image unlike the Japanese.
Tattoo artists in today's times seek to give meanings to dragon compositions that are independent of their historical use. Dragon tattoos are used today as a way to represent a mood, a feeling or a concept.
This modern way of perceiving dragon art is strange to the people of Japan who always believed the dragon as something carrying great significance. The Japanese also give different symbolic meanings to the dragon depending upon the different eras. As an illustration, the Taoists and Buddhists thought of dragons as representing the hardships that they had to deal with before they could be able to become enlightened.
