Sunday, December 03, 2006
Irezumi ....KOI TATTOO - Probably surprising to many westerners is the large amount of myth surrounding these beautiful fish. It is known outside Japan as the brightly colored white, golden, orange and even calico colored fish which fascinate private collectors but which can also be found in public ponds. However, the Japanese carp or koi is one of the more popular and beautiful of Japanese tattoo symbols -- a beauty which belies its symbolic meaning. Although Chinese in origin, the carp in Japan is celebrated for its manly qualities. It is said to climb waterfalls bravely, and, if caught, it lies upon the cutting board awaiting the knife without a quiver -- not unlike a samurai (warrior) facing a sword. This theme dates back to ancient China, where a legend tells of how any koi that succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate (on the Yellow River) would be transformed into a dragon. Thus it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. Eventually, the stoic fish came to be associated with so many masculine and positive qualities that it was appropriated for the annual Boys' Day Festival in Japan when colorful, streaming koi flags are traditionally displayed for each son in the family. In tattoo imagery, especially in combination with flowing water, it symbolizes much the same -- courage, the ability to attain high goals, and overcoming life's difficulties.
Kinda like the koi fish tattoo .... plan get it on ma back .... babe told me he wana get a japanese sleeves .... lol .... gonna save up for it then starting today...
Still remember that day i brought babe over to Borneo Ink to get his tattoo done ... damn funny ok! .... guess what do we have in common? both also tattoo freak ...swt
Im into oriental design kinda tattoo ... from chinese dragon to japanese geisha .... i like! ...wonder how will i look like after 5 years? ... i don wana imagine also ...
Im loving it!
12:26 PM
