Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art


Although less frequently used, you may occasionally see wood block geisha tattoos. These usually show a more elongated version — both in body and face — and her clothing may appear long and flowing. The colors are normally more subdued, and show the geisha in a traditional setting; for example, she may be dancing, playing a shamisan, or simply fanning herself demurely. For something a bit different, you could create a fantasy piece in the wood block style; for instance, the geisha could rise from the ocean, her robes combining with the waves; or her pale, painted face and a white, or light blue kimono could meld with a snowy mountain, with only the shocks of dark black hair, sensual eyes and bright reds lips standing out.

Though there is no set definition to what geisha tattoos may symbolize, it is pretty easy to understand why some may see them as an emblem for elegance, striking beauty and hundreds of years of remarkable artistry.

Geisha Tattoos, Designs- with a heavily painted face peering over her shoulder, neck partially painted and a shoulder exposed.

Geisha Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art

Geisha Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art


The majority of geisha tattoos, however, take on the look of a pin up model. This style tends to exaggerate the feminine curves, red lips and vibrant trappings; it also plays off of the subtle sensuality that geishas are known for. For instance, it is not uncommon to see the geisha standing with her back turned to the on-looker, with a heavily painted face peering over her shoulder, neck partially painted and a shoulder exposed.

Geisha Tattoos- the most popular pieces in Asian influenced body art.

Geisha can be translated into ‘artist’; geishas themselves are seen as some of the most exotic, graceful, sensual and talented artists in the world; and although they are one of many remarkable symbols, geisha tattoos have become one of the most popular pieces in Asian influenced body art.

Many people like to use geisha tattoos that utilize the entire splendor of a traditional geisha or maiko (an apprentice whose appearance differs slightly from a full-fledged geisha).


These are generally done in a portrait style, and depict the elegant figure with a porcelain-white complexion; small, brightly colored and bow-like lips; brilliantly hued kimono and one of the four shimada hairstyles (most commonly a style called ‘momoware,’ which looks something like a divided peach, and bears a good deal of colorful ornamentation).

Geisha Tattoos: Japanese Tattoo Art

Kanji Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Kanji Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Kanji Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

A professor of Japanese language or history should be able to provide some insights into the meanings of various Kanji tattoos and help narrow the field of choices down. Public and university libraries may contain volumes on Kanji symbols and dictionaries to provide translations. Finally, there are translation services that can, for a nominal fee, provide the accurate and thorough research and guarantee. The guarantee is important, because if a person obtains a tattoo that turns out to be inaccurate later, that guarantee may cover the cost of removal and a new tattoo.

Kanji Tattoos, Designs- The artist specializes in applying the ink, not the translation.

Literal and popular phrases may require a combination of symbols, without proper research, the Kanji tattoos will not mean what is intended. It’s important research Kanji for both literal and symbolic meanings.

Don’t wait to decide on what Kanji symbol is most desirable when the artist is loading the ink. Do not rely on the artist to determine what symbol best fits the desired word or phrase. The artist specializes in applying the ink, not the translation.

If speaking to someone fluent in Japanese is not an option, consider visiting a college or university where Japanese is taught.

Kanji Tattoos- is intended in that language.

Kanji tattoos are tattoos utilizing Japanese writing. The Kanji is one of the oldest writing styles in Japan and the unique, stylized figures make excellent tattoos.

However, be aware of the literal translations when selecting the Kanji lettering. As with any foreign language, literal translations don’t always work or they won’t mean what is intended in that language.

Patience, serenity, loyalty, love, strength, determination and other keywords are all available in Kanji symbols and make great Kanji tattoos.


The Japanese alphabet does not strictly translate into the Standard English alphabet. Therefore, going for a direct translation of an American or English name to Kanji won’t work.

Japanese Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Many people take Japanese tattoos further than just covering large portions of their body. Instead, they opt to cover almost their entire body, from neck to mid-thigh. These are often seen with a multicolored pictorial tattoo of the Suikoden, which was, and still is a massively popular set of four novels in Chinese literature.

It was originally translated in Japan in 1757 and woodcuts were created for these stories in 1827. Since then, many people enjoy these rich and colorful tattoos that tell classic and unmistakable stories.

Despite the fact that tattooing is still considered rather on the taboo side in Japan, those who seek out either rebellion or a sense of beauty will find themselves drawn to the mystical, unique and splendid style of Japanese tattoos. This style will continue to have a draw for its variety and its colorful nature.


Japanese Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Japanese Tattoos, Designs- or something more meaningful to you personally.

The beauty of Japanese tattoos is that you can go well beyond symbols or small, meaningful signs, and create masterful pieces that can cover large areas of your body. For instance, many images can portray beautiful outdoor scenes with large billowy clouds, wind or even fantastic, old fashioned scenes of a wavy ocean.

These are often taken from the ukiyo-e or “pictures of the floating world”, which is a genre of Japanese woodcuts. These remarkable scenes can be mixed with many figures from either an outdoor scene, such as flowers or animals; folkloric characters, or something more meaningful to you personally.


Another thing to keep in mind is placement. For instance a hikae, or chest panel tattoo, is a classic placement. This tattoo starts at the chest and blends out into the shoulder, and often down the arm. A nagasode tattoo is considered a “sleeve” piece and starts under the shoulder and down to the wrist, while a shichibu is 7/10ths of the sleeve and gobu is 5/10ths.


Japanese Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art

Japanese Tattoos- but can carry a good deal of meaning.

With the variety and skills of tattoo artists, one has to wonder why Japanese tattoos are still so popular today. But the truth is, it is not all that surprising. With the colorful history and vast array of designs, Japanese tattoos are not only aesthetically pleasing, but can carry a good deal of meaning.

The remarkable history and style of the Japanese culture has always mystified the Western world. Signs of this are seen most commonly in tattoos. One of the most popular of these is the Kanji tattoo. Kanji is a calligraphy style writing used by the Japanese. The beauty of this particular style of tattoo is both its simplicity and its diversity. You can convey practically any message you wish with the simple and stylish characters.

Other popular styles of Japanese tattoos are steeped in real life or fantasy. From dragons to koi fish, qilin — which are said to be a good omen, bringing serenity and prosperity — to romantic flora like cherry blossoms and lotuses.

Buddha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Buddha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art

Buddha Tattoos, Designs, Pictures, and Ideas: Japanese Tattoo Art


Although these tattoos can be deeply meaningful, the aesthetic appeal is not to be forgotten. Whether deeply cheerful in appearance, or profoundly stoic, Buddha tattoos have a habit of always being beautiful.

Buddha Tattoos, Designs- a more pensive depiction.

Many Buddha tattoos feature a more pensive depiction. This version — unlike the jubilant cartoon equivalent — tends to bear a more thoughtful expression, and may appear to be in deep meditation.

The eyes are generally closed, legs crossed, and he may be surrounded in soft shades reminiscent of light. This version also tends to be more colorful, but may feature hues of gray; or may even be done entirely in outline.

Buddha Tattoos, Designs: Japanese Tattoo Art

Buddha Tattoos: Japanese Tattoo Art

The image of Buddha — or one of the many representations of him — is usually meant to express either a faith or interest in Buddhism. To many people the Buddha is an emblem for enlightenment, and a symbol of strength of will and character, and an inner peace that we all strive for. For these reasons alone, Buddha tattoos have gained a lot of popularity.

Many people prefer Buddha tattoos that feature a cartoonish appearance. These are generally highly colorful, and show the Buddha lively, dancing and laughing. This style is normally done in realistic – if rather bright – colors; however, some people show Buddha in soft hues of purple or blue, sometimes even in a sparkling golden shade.

It is fairly common to also see this style depicting a statue-like Buddha appearing to come alive; in this instance, he is usually done in gold or granite shades, he may have bright green stones for eyes and may be surrounded by the elements, such as rain, fire or even the ocean.

Tribal Tattoos On Chest

Tribal Tattoos On Foot

Tribal Tattoos On Back