One of the most iconic expressions in Japanese tattoos is flowers. Flower tattoos have been featured on everyone from the most soft spoken Japanese lady to the most hardcore member of the Yakuza.
The nature motif holds a lot of symbolism expressed through colours and the detailed line work. Plus, if you’ve seen Japanese tattoos before, you’ll know how beautiful they are.
If you’re interested in a Japanese floral tattoo, here, we’re sharing how to choose the flowers for your Japanese tattoo.
Why flowers?
The Japanese revere nature since it represents the cycle of life. The flower tattoo designs vary in style and design.
They hold spiritual symbolism covering expressions such as death, rebirth, royalty, and beauty. Therefore, the aesthetics of the tattoos are only part of the expression and not the entire function.
Contrary to popular opinion, flowers are not exclusively feminine symbols since they are used in Japanese tattoos to promote masculinity.
Colour Themes
One of the symbolic elements of flower tattoos is the colour. Colours are used in art to represent different expressions and this serves flower tattoos well.
Black is often used to evoke a sense of mystery while yellow represents success and positivity. Purity and truth are symbolized through white hues and green represents life. Pink serves as a symbol of good health and femininity.
Furthermore, the colours are often combined to form infinite design options. So, think about your colour options when choosing a Japanese floral tattoo.
Type of Flower
Different flowers mean different things and this fact doesn’t change when it comes to tattoos. The Japanese draw associations between the type of flower tattoo and it’s cultural symbolism.
Peony Tattoos
Peonies are well regarded in the Japanese culture and are known for their masculine expression. The flower is also known as the King of flowers and it’s associated with fruitfulness, success and richness. The peony tattoos also serve as symbols of good fortune, wealth and hope. The symbolism held by the flowers stretches across culture and similar meanings are held by the Western world.
Chrysanthemum Tattoos
In Japan, the emperor’s throne is known as the Chrysanthemum throne since the flower is associated with honor, royalty and perfection. Depending on the colour, the flower can also represent other expressions. For example;
White chrysanthemum: Loyalty and truth
Yellow chrysanthemum: Sorrow
Green chrysanthemum: Youth and ambition
Red chrysanthemum: Passion and love
Lotus Tattoos
The lotus is widely associated with spiritual enlightenment. Among the Japanese it also symbolizes inner peace, resilience and purity. In many designs, the flower is often tattooed as a fully blossomed flower. Many people choose the lotus tattoo as a symbol of their journey to a new life. Most Japanese tattoos pair the lotus with the koi fish tattoo and other water designs to symbolize determination.
Dragon and Flowers Combination
Although flowers can be solo pieces, they’re often combined with other art pieces. The dragon is a common choice and serves as a symbol for various expressions.
The contrast between the dragon and flower is a unique design that symbolizes both vulnerability and power. The hue of the dragon also enhances the meaning of the final piece.
Compassion is expressed with a blue hue while green symbolizes life. The right colour combination and tattoo styling can yield a unique expression that easily captures the intended symbolism.
Tattoo Placement
Tattoo placement determines the design options. Nonetheless, the final result is always phenomenal. Tattoo artists love to work with extensive areas like the back and arms since they ensure pieces come out clear and crisp.
However, small areas like the hand still provide a great canvas for unique tattoos.
Hand Tattoo
The back of the hand is a great canvas for flower tattoos. Most hand tattoos hold great significance as they are constantly on display. Therefore, there should be nothing to compromise to the design and styling.
Neck Tattoo
A flower neck tattoo is a bold statement since the neck is often exposed. If you are an adventurous soul, this might be the tattoo for you.
Back Tattoo
The biggest canvas on the body is the back. It’s an extensive surface that presents a great opportunity for creativity. The back can accommodate numerous flower tattoo designs and serve as a centre-piece for a bodysuit design.
Shoulder Tattoo
Both big and small flower tattoos can be accommodated on the shoulders. It’s a desirable canvas for Japanese flowers and gives room for expansion into the forearm and chest.
Among the Japanese, the flower tattoo is one of the most symbolic pieces you could choose. If you’re interested in the art ,don’t be deterred. It’s a fine selection.
By considering colours, types of flowers, other symbolic combination, and tattoo placement, you’re on your way to a stunning floral tattoo design.
Find a tattoo studio near you and ask them about Japanese floral tattoo options.
