Saturday, December 4, 2010

Koi Fish Tattoos Gallery

Tattoos are often done by people in order to put a symbol of good luck on their bodies. While many people put good luck tattoos out of superstition, there are many who get them for the attractiveness and style value. Some people get tattoos from a symbolic point of view. Dolphins and many other fishes are popular tattoo ideas for people since they are considered good luck charms in many religions. Wrists, ankles, neck and other areas are prone to such fish tattoos and many people even prefer to get full size fish tattoos on their backs where even the marine habitat or waves of water is inked onto the flesh. The Japanese Koi fish is one of the most popular tattoo designs involving fishes.
The Koi fish which is popular because of its colourful appearance which looks amazing when depicted in body art is a Japanese fish which has been a symbol of tenacity and good luck in Japanese mythology for ages. Even the Chinese use the Koi to denote the same traits as the Japanese. In addition, the Koi can stand for a symbol of romantic love and affection which is also another reason for its popularity. The Koi is a fish which commands a certain personality of its own which when drawn on a person's body transfers the same trait to the holder of the tattoo. This is a reason for the Koi tattoo's need for enough space in order to depict the true meaning behind the artwork.
The fish Koi is a symbol of determination and struggle which has been the way that the Japanese have looked at the fish for years. The fish has a peculiar quality of trying to swim upstream which gives it the aura of determination and struggle as mentioned above. People often use the Koi fish to denote the struggles in their own lives which seem like an effort to swim up stream in a flowing river. The same traits are interpreted by the Buddhist communities as fearlessness and rigour which is another way to depict these qualities in a person through the art work on his or her body. The Koi fish has gained popularity because of these deep meanings.
A huge advantage of getting a Koi tattoo done is that it provides ample space for the use of different colours. A person going for a group of Koi fish on his or her body may choose to have each fish in a different colour which brings out the beauty and true essence of the fish and the tattoo itself.

Koi Fish Tattoos Design Style

The image of the koi fish is often used in tattoo designs not just because of its obvious elegance and vibrant colors, but more because of the symbolism surrounding it.
"Koi" is simply "carp" in Japanese, but the expensive fish that we are all familiar with are carp that have been especially bred since ancient times in China. This special breeding has produced the multi-colored varieties of koi fish that people now collect.
Koi are vigorous fish that can swim upstream. An old Chinese legend tells of koi brave enough to swim up the waterfalls of the Yellow River, and that any fish that could reach the point in the river called "Dragon Gate" would turn into a dragon.
While the fish originated from China, it is the Japanese who have made it a household name. The koi is a celebrated symbol in Japan-mostly associated with exceptional courage. It is said that this fish, if caught and placed on a cutting board, can lie still and wait for the knife to drop-without a quiver. That it can remain stoic in the face of imminent death is a quality likened to the samurai warrior's unflinching courage to face the sword.
Generally, koi fish tattoos' meanings include strength of character and the temerity to face adversity and seemingly impossible odds. With regard to the Chinese "Dragon Gate" legend, koi fish are also seen as symbols of high aspiration and accomplishment. Koi are also referred to as "living jewels," and so are likewise associated with luck and good fortune. The image of five golden koi are said to mean "eternal wealth" and well being.
Still another interpretation of the koi's ability to swim upstream is "non-conformity." It is an advisable tattoo motif for people who put great importance to being an independent thinker.
Koi fish tattoos' meanings can vary for different people. Others also believe that the meaning of the koi tattoo design differ depending on the placement, colors and position of the fish, as well as other aspects of the design. Of course, the ultimate meaning of any tattoo would always be unique and personal for the person who has it.
Because koi are beautifully patched fish, it is best to have a koi tattoo design that has any of its natural combinations of the colors gold, white, yellow, red, and black.
Related Posts with Thumbnails