A Japanese Dragon is a great choice of tattoo. Time a care is required when researching the best design for you as there are many dragon types and styles, all with very different meanings.If you already know what you want and are looking for design templates – then head straight to Chopper Tattoos who have a great selection to choose from.
Japanese Dragon Tattoos are colorful tattoo designs which are symbolic, with origins from myth and folklore. The dragon is seen as a water deity and tattoos often include clouds, lightning, and waves.Dragons were popular with firefighters in the 19th century mainly because of their dual associations with fire and water.
In Japanese culture the dragon is associated with supernatural powers and extraordinary wisdom. It is also seen as a mediator between life and death, good and evil, freedom and fear, yin and yang. To the wearer, the tattoo depicts strength, wisdom, wholeness and bravery.
The Japanese Dragon tattoo is also popular with Yakuza (the Japanese mafia).
The Anatomy of a Japanese Dragon
The Japanese dragons anatomy is made up of parts from other animals, particularly they have:
- no wings.
- a serpentine-like form (esp the neck)
- the head of a camel.
- the horns of a stag
- demonic eyes
- scales of a carp (koi).
- the paws of a tiger.
- claws like an eagle.
- long whiskers or bearded.
Examples of Japanese Dragon.
- Sui-Riu is a dragon king and controls the rain.
- Han-Riu has many stripes on his body and to forty feet in length. One of the largest dragon.
- Ka-Riu is a brilliant red color and dragon tiny compared to the others.
- Fuku-Riu is a dragon favorite of many people because it is a luck dragon.
- Hai-Riyo known as bird dragon, and the most advanced form of a dragon. It evolved from Chinese mythology.
- Ri-Riu dragon is a rare species that are not well understood. However, it is known that they have an amazing eye.
Some famous dragons from Japan include:
- The Blue Dragon – the Protector of the Zodiac
- O Goncho – A white dragon that once every fifty years transforms into a golden bird. Its cry brings famine.
- Uwibami – More akin to the stereotypical evil Western dragon, Uwibami was a great beast that would snatch men from their horses and eat them.
- Yofune-Nushi – Another less than pleasant dragon who craved female human flesh and demanded a maiden sacrifice once a year.
Colouring of Japanese Dragons
The colours of a dragon are also significant:
- Black, white, blue and red coloured dragons are described as corresponding with the four elements (wind, earth, water and fire), as well as with the four directions (north, south, east and west).
- Yellow dragons are rare. They are a great friend when you need help and have a reputation for staying aloof from humanity, only emerging at opportune moments.
- Green dragons are connected to the earth.
- Black dragons means their parents are very old and wise. green dragon is smaller than average, but the representation of life and earth.
- Gold-coloured dragon are special because they have many attributes such as wisdom, kindness and ability to face challenges in the head.
