Simply Amazing! The very mention of the phrases “Japan” and “Japanese” evokes curiosity as well as admiration.

Right from something as innocuous as a small tool to motor cars, the history and varieties associated with their culture stirs enough excitement among people from all parts of the world and to this extent, Japanese art is no exception.

History of Japanese Body Tattoo

When you talk of Japanese art, you cannot help but discuss about their wonderful tattoo designs too. The scenic beauties in Japan, the genius of the locals with water colors and also their expertise in woodcut art works have won the appreciation of the global market, mainly for the beauty and serenity they represent.

Centuries ago, these art works had been incorporated into traditional Japanese tattoo designs and were called Horimono. Japanese tattoo designs or Horimono is reported to be very old – 5,000 B.C. or may be older – according to the historic evidence available with the archaeologists.

Clay figurines belong to that era have been unearthed were reported to have tattoo designs on their faces, signifying that they denoted some religious or magical effect on their bearers. There are written proofs to indicate that way back in 297 A.D., the Chinese, both young and old, liked to have tattoos on their faces and bodies, much to the chagrin of their neighbors, who viewed them as a sign of cruelty and used them as tools of punishment.

In the next three to four centuries, lot of changes took place and the changing social and cultural values began to resent the traditional Japanese tattoo designing art, and those who wore the tattoos were treated as outcasts and criminals and were disallowed from becoming a part of the mainstream culture and society.

But, one has to admit that anything ancient and attractive has to resurface at one time or the other. It is not just that “old makes way for the new” but there are times when “even the new makes way for the old”.

Japanese Art As Tattoo

Every art form has to perform a full circle in the annals of history. Horimono started gaining importance again in the 18th century and people started tattoo designing which consisted of dragons, giant snakes, Chinese lions, Buddha and various Japanese gods.

Bowing to the popularity of this art, the Japanese government was compelled to remove the ban in 1948. Whatever be the history of Horimono, this traditional art is presently a rage in the western countries and also in many parts of the world.

More than the art itself, may be it is the Japanese love for their heritage, nature, flora and fauna, which appeals to many tattoo lovers. One word of advice to all Japanese tattoo design lovers though. You are better advised to do a small research before you have any part of your body tattooed.

While some tattoos are self-indicative, there are some more – like the Kanji tattoos – which when interpreted, exemplify wealth, love, laughter, sorrow or joy. Hence, if you are intent on conveying any particular message, choose your tattoo design accordingly!

Japanese Tattoo Designs Online

Looking for Japanese tattoo patterns for your new ink. If you are, check out the Chopper Tattoo web site. It has one of the largest tattoo designs collection on the web.

With literally thousands of patterns to choose from, you are bound to find your perfect tattoo before you ink. Need more information? Read the review of Chopper Tattoo on this blog.

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