FLORAL MOTIFS IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TATTOOING - PART 4 PEONY

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

The Peony or “Botan” in japanense culture is the king of flowers. Botan tattoos symbolise wealth, good fortune and prosperity. The peony is a strong symbol of beauty, fragility and transitory nature of existence. Furthermore, they depict that getting great rewards is only possible by taking great risks. Peony were imported to Japan from China for their medicinal qualities, “shishi” or foo dogs are also an import from Chinese culture, so pair well together for his reason. However  there is also a folk tale of a shishi eating the peony and being cured of an illness, which adds to the reasoning behind this traditional pairing. 

FLORAL MOTIFS IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TATTOOING - PART 3 LOTUS FLOWERS

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

The lotus flower represents purity, an exquisite flower emerging from a murky pond. It can also symbolise truth, faith, harmony and a spiritual awakening. They re usually used in tattoos alongside a watery theme, so are ideal with koi, and water based deities.

FLORAL MOTIFS IN TRADITIONAL JAPANESE TATTOOING - PART 2 Maple leaves

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

Maple leaves or “momiji”, were lauded by Japanese poets as early as the eighth century and were second only to sakura in poetic importance for their emphasis once again on the beauty of the passage of time and the transient nature of life itself. Before Japan slips into grey, white and brown winters, autumn is the last chance for a burst of colour as the red maple leaves fall from the trees. In Traditional Japanese tattooing maple leaves are incredibly flexible and can be depicted with a range of motifs, including various animals, koi, heroes and deities.

Chelsea Luna has landed!

Big news this week at Sunset Tattoo, we welcomed a new artist to the team! Chelsea Luna!

Original hailing from the UK, Chelsea has spent the last couple of years honing her craft in Auckland. Specialising in large black and grey tattooing, with a strong focus on floral pieces.

Check out her portfolio on our “artist page” and make a booking ASAP

Floral motifs in Traditional Japanese Tattooing - Part 1 Cherry blossoms

Traditional Japanese tattooing is typically created with three main elements, Background or “Gakubori”, the main subject matter, and an often overlooked complimentary floral element.

Floral elements are an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing. They have a variety of meanings in Japanese culture, and when paired correctly with the right subject matter, they can create a harmonious tattoo rich with history and tradition.

Cherry blossoms or “sakura” represent beauty and the fragility of life in Japanese culture. They are a spring blossom that bloom in abundance throughout Japan and are the centre of their festival culture. Their blossoming period is quite short, and they are susceptible to wind and rain. The flower falls off the tree in full bloom, each perfect and bright petal falling to the ground. The use of this flower in Japanese art or tattoos symbolise the transience of life, and have been often used as a metaphor for a warrior killed early in life. This flower can be paired with most subject matter, but is particularly synonymous with Koi and the traditional folk tale of the koi travelling up a wasteful to become a dragon. Typically signifying triumph over adversity.

Cherry blossoms with Koi and water

Cherry blossoms with snake (hebi)