Archive for June, 2008
Common Japanese Tattoo Words
Posted by: | CommentsBefore getting a traditional Japanese tattoo you should know the words that the tattoo artist may use during the application process. Feel free to print this document and take it with you to the tattoo studio:
Hanebori: a hand-tattooing method that uses rows of needles that are attached to a short handle. The technique is done is a “sweeping” method which results in much less skin trauma and faster healing. Hanebori designs look like watercolor drawings.
Horimono: means carving or engraving and is another word for traditional Japanese tattoos.
Horishi: a tattoo artist.
Kakushibori: the term used to describe applying Japanese tattoos in “hidden” areas like the inside of thighs, the buttocks area, or breasts. It also indicates applying tattoos that include hidden words among images.
Kebori: the art of tattooing fine lines, for example, tattooing lines to resemble hair.
Irezumi: the term used to describe the traditional Japanese tattoo method.
Shakki: the sound the Tebori needles make when they puncture the skin.
Sujibori: the outline of a tattoo.
Tebori: the general term used for the Japanese traditional art of tattooing by hand.
Tsuki-bori: the term used to describe a hand tattooing method that involves a thrusting motion.
Yobori: slang word for tattooing with a machine.
Tattoo Symbols – Kanji Characters
Posted by: | CommentsKanji is one of the 3 oldest writing systems in Japan. It is however the most complex. Japanese Kanji symbols are actually taken from China, and like Chinese characters each symbol doesn’t actually represent a letter of the alphabet. Instead, each kanji symbol represents a word or a sound. In this respect they’re somewhat similar to hieroglyphics.
The symbols themselves are quite complex but very beautiful when properly drawn. This explains why so many people like kanji tattoos. Each kanji symbol is comprised of a series of lines that are drawn in a very artistic manner, similar to calligraphy. Each line or series of lines within the kanji symbol illustrate either an object or an action. Each overall symbol represents a word.
Japanese emperors and priests revered the kanji symbols because of their aesthetic beauty and the spiritual effect they imparted on both the wearer and the person viewing the symbol. Kanji lettering was a studied art that required very precise movements of the wrists, the fingers, the quantity of ink on the brush and the pressure placed on the brush while drawing the symbol. As you can imagine the art of drawing Japanese kanji symbols was (and still is) very time consuming and requires precision and patience.
The complexity of kanji characters is tied to their meanings. One single kanji character may actually represent up to 10 different meanings. The meanings themselves vary based on the viewpoint of the reader – that’s why the different meanings are referred to as “readings.” The translation of each reading varies depending on the placement of the symbol in a sentence, the context, or the intended meaning. Kanji readings are either placed into one of two categories: kunyomi (Japanese interpretation) or onyomi (Chinese interpretation). The classification depends on the origin of the symbol itself (from either Japan or China). See why this is so complex?
Tattoo artists today attempt to draw kanji characters so the individual elements look like actual brush strokes. Some tattoo artists, especially those in Japan, go so far as to apply the individual elements of kanji symbols in the traditional order practiced in ancient Japan by Zen priests.
The decision about which symbols to include in the tattoo is entirely personal of course. Some people choose a single character that represents a word while others get a series of symbols applied that collectively represent a belief or thought. Still others have different kanji characters applied in order to spell a personal name. They do this by using the phonetic sounds associated with each character to spell out words. This makes the kanji tattoo much more unique than simply getting a loved one’s name tattooed onto the body.
Below are some kanji symbols and kanji translations for review. As always, feel free to use them for tattoo purposes:
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| beauty | beauty, beautiful |
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| beauty, splendor | “Beauty of Face” |
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| health, strength | sturdy, strength |
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| “Exerting Strength” | energy, military strength |
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| leader | excel, excellence |
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| “Speaking the Truth” | happiness, blessing, fortune |
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| welfare, happiness | happiness, good fortune |
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| happiness, luck | good luck, joy, congratulations |
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| faith, truth, fidelity, trust | logic, reason, justice, truth |
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| reality, truth | affection, love |
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| romance, “In Love With” | admire, praise |
Here are some kanji translations of common names. Both the modern and traditional (calligraphy) versions are shown:
| Modern Translation | Traditional Translation |
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| Anna | Anna |
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| Bill | Bill |
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| Carol | Carol |
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| Dave | Dave |
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| Eric | Eric |
For more information see: The History of Japanese Tattoos
Think Before Getting Those Tattos!
Posted by: | CommentsWhatever tattoo pattern or design you choose, be sure to select something you love. All too often people get a tatoo that either doesn’t suit them or that they end up regretting the day after. Don’t have a few drinks (thinking it will help dull the pain) and stumble into a tattoe parlor. Alcohol thins the blood and can lead to more bleeding during the application process. Most reputable tattoo parlors won’t even service someone that’s intoxicated.
Don’t give in to peer pressure when selecting a tatoo design. Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Tattoes are meant to be unique; there’s nothing special about getting the same tattoo as a friend.
Also, try to avoid getting a tattoo of a romantic interest. Even if you’re married and get a dedication tattoo of your spouse you’re taking a chance that you might not always be together. Yes, it’s hard to think about but the divorce rate in the United States is around 50%. Think of the celebrities that have gotten tattoos of their loved ones only to later regret it. Some of them end up getting them either removed or covered up with some other design.
Think about the location for the tattoo. The most painful areas for getting tattoos are the sides of the lower back, the inner thigh area, the rib area, the inside of the upper arm, the center of the upper back. The area near joints tend to hurt a lot because of the amount of nerve endings in those areas. Also the skin above bones like the anklebone or the collarbone tend to be more painful for getting tattoos.
Tattoes are permanent markings that will probably be with you for the rest of your life. Choose wisely. Select a design that means something to you and that says something about you and your beliefs, goals, and/or values as a person. Select a design that complements your skin tone. Select a location that showcases a part of your body that you’re proud of or select a location that only you and special loved ones can see. You’ve got tons of choices out there so do your homework and get a design that you’ll be proud of for years to come.
For more information see also:
The Popularity of Lower Back Tattoos
