If you’ve seen a lot of people flaunting a circle tattoo with brush strokes and are wondering what it’s all about, then you’ve come to the right place! The enso tattoo is a simplistic symbol in Zen Buddhism consisting of a circle drawn with a single or two strokes using a traditional calligraphy brush. This circle can be complete or, more popularly, the ends simply don’t touch. Its appeal lies in the rough and raw quality of the circular brush stroke with uneven contours throughout the overall shape. Its unique appearance, minimalist undertones, and artistic finish make it a popular tattoo subject. If you want to check out some creative enso circle tattoo designs, all you have to do is check out our super cool list of enso tattoo ideas below. Read on!
Meaning of Enso tattoos
In a broad sense, the enso tattoo or enso circle represents the Zen spirit, symbolizing a high state of enlightenment, further supported by values such as strength and the simplicity of the universe, which may only be complicated by our complex minds. This symbol emphasizes the importance of completely emptying your mind, giving yourself the freedom to accept things as they are without worrying about them and allowing enlightenment to flow freely. Often done in a single or two brush stroke, the enso circle can be an open or closed circle. An open enso circle represents constant movement, progress or development, while also reflecting on the appreciation of imperfection and the possibility of constant emptiness, which can be rewarding. On the other hand, a closed enso circle symbolizes wholeness, unity or a sense of perfection. Overall, this symbol focuses on the interconnectedness of all living beings and that perfection and imperfection are two sides of the same coin and our interpretation of them can make or break our sense of inner peace.
This symbol can be illustrated in a variety of ways for truly unique body art masterpieces that help the wearer embrace themselves and express their Zen spirit. The following section can show you a few artistic ways to do this.
8 Mesmerizing Enso Tattoo Ideas
The enso circle is a very basic shape and in itself there is nothing artistically complicated about it. However, you can always make creative adjustments to make a symbol your own in your tattoos. Check out the following enso tattoo designs for some fun ideas to customize this symbol for your unique body art.
1. Minimalist Enso Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
The enso circle is conceptually a minimalist symbol that encompasses deep philosophical values. A simple black enso circle naturally fits the minimalist theme. However, if you want to customize it to encompass personal meanings without messing with the symbol too much, you can choose to have it done in a color that is associated with meanings that align with your ideologies. For example, red is a color associated with passion and vitality in Zen Buddhism, expressing a passionate interconnectedness between all life forces.
2. Enso Arm Tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
The arm is a great place for tattoos because the canvas space of the skin is decent and it can be combined with your outfits to create a certain atmosphere around you. The image above shows two concentric enso circles for a large statement-making arm tattoo. The rough brushstroke effect of both circles adds a distinct edge to the design, making for a charismatic piece of body art that will rarely fail to turn heads. If you have any special quotes that you want tattooed and they fit the overall theme of your tattoo, consider getting them inked along the perimeter of this design for a uniquely appealing tattoo.
3. Thin Enso Tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
It’s interesting to note how experimenting with the basic shape of a universally iconic symbol can yield creatively refreshing results. Imagine the enso circle with a finer brush, resulting in a thinner and more delicate looking silhouette. This enso circle tattoo can be left as is for a micro minimalist tattoo art or can be further customized by adding other attractive elements such as flowers or jewel shapes for an intricate, feminine design.
4. Enso Wave Tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
A popular variation of the enso tattoo on the internet combines the enso symbol with the painting The Great Wave off Kanagawa by historical Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. This iconic painting of tidal waves works brilliantly with the enso circle as a frame. The enso circle shows a constant state of evolution and the waves can also represent the unstoppable flow of life. This combination is said to symbolize the interconnectedness of all things in the universe or the cyclical nature of life.
5. Colorful Enso Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
The enso tattoo is most often depicted in jet black or another color in a monotone. This seems to work best with the idea of a single or two brush stroke. You can always opt for more colors to add depth or movement to your enso tattoo. The tattoo above shows the enso circle in two colors with a solid sun inside. This may relate to the fact that Japan is known as the land of the rising and setting sun, which also plays a role in the country’s national flag. You can also build around this tattoo to expand your personal story and incorporate colors that fit your theme.
6. Traditional Enso Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
While some people like to go all out with their creativity, incorporating more modern or new-age design elements into art that depicts classical symbols, others prefer to stick to the basics. If you’re one of them, you’ll appreciate the deep pigmentation and bold, flat strokes that come with traditional tattoos. Tattoos done in this style age gracefully, as they fade over time and retain their original shine for longer. Notice how the edges remain sharp without sacrificing the look of the tattoo.
7. Enso shoulder tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Shoulder placement for a tattoo can be instrumental in complementing a unique fashion statement. From the shoulder joint, the design can be extended to the collarbone in front or to the shoulder blades in back for oddly creative looks. The enso tattoo above resembles a coffee stain from a mug, which can have a surprising amount of appeal for those with a cottage-core or earthy aesthetic. Adding a heartfelt quote to this design can elevate it even further.
8. Japanese Enso Tattoo
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Although the Enso circle is of Japanese origin and essence, it also has a modern minimalist abstract art look. To emphasize its ethnic features, you can combine it with other iconic Japanese images. The tattoo above cleverly combines the Enso circle with cherry blossoms blooming around it like a wreath, painting a charming picture of a warm and refreshing spring in the countryside. You can experiment with cranes, koi fish, sea serpents, and so on as other symbolic Japanese subjects for your Enso tattoo.
A simple enso tattoo is a testament to the wondrous ways in which the human psyche works, and draws attention to how fascinating it is that a simple brushstroke can hold so much philosophical value. Not only that, it can also help people align themselves and find peace in places that previously fostered chaos. While the basic shape of the enso circle is great for a minimalist tattoo, those with more elaborate and experimental tastes can easily combine other elements with this symbol to create a more intricate tattoo pattern. It’s just as useful to simply illustrate this symbol with a vibrant color to express dynamic emotions and values. We hope this tattoo has inspired you to get an enso tattoo of your own and get creative with your pursuit of Zen spirit.
Was this article helpful? 
ReviewerAuthorEditorFact Check
Ruslan Millinhton has been tattooing since 2015. Originally from the city of Sumy, Ukraine, he now spends most of his time in Charlotte, NC, USA. He has been tattooing for over 10 years. He works primarily in color and black and gray realism.
Read the full biography of Ruslan Millinhton
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience writing across various niches including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has been honing her craft ever since.
Read the full biography of Manjari Uppal
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hair and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these areas. She has 7 years of experience and her philosophy on hair and skin care is simple: if you love it and take care of it, it will be healthy.
Read Anjali Sayee’s full biography
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience in creating short-form content for the beauty, fashion and lifestyle niches. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
Read Joyce Joyson’s full biography
Leave a Reply