Drafts for Japanese pictures of these sovereign and at the same time strength defying animals were probably tigers who were introduced from India. The same as carps and dragons the tiger as a tattoo motive primarily is a symbol of strength and power.
The illustrations of many different Japanese artists to the adventures of these brigands were used as tattoo flash.
4. Fudô Myôô
The most popular Myôô as a tattoo motive is Fudô Myôô, the imperturbable one.
The best known japanese motive is the dragon, for sure. In Japan it is regarded as a luck bringing animal. It stands for an element which was of an enormous importance for the rice cultivation rice in Japan. Therefore dragons are highly respected and admired in Japan and weren't fought like in uropean tales for instance.
In Japan, a koi jumping or swimming up a waterfall is a symbol of strength, the ability to assert oneself and success.
In order to swim faster on her escape, Tamatori Hime cut herself and hid the bead in her own body.
The most used japanese tattoo motives with an explanation of their meanings :
1. Hannya Masks
There is a concept of a hell in the Japanese Buddhism, but Hannyas are terrestrial monsters.
2. Kiyo Hime
The best known story of a Hannya demon is the one from Kiyo Hime. Over the years Kiyo Hime developed a deep love to the monk but her feelings could not be returned by him. In the meantime, in the intoxication of its hate love, Kiyo Hime had transformed into a demon with the body of a snake and a Hannya head.
Kannon is a Bodhisattva of the Mahayana Buddhism. There are Bodhisattva with several different tasks. Kannon is the Bodhisattva of sympathy and pity. In Japan Kannon is represented by a woman, usually riding a dragon.
