Asian tattoos are an enduring trend, thanks to the rich and intriguing cultural practices of Asian countries and the traditional arts and symbolisms incorporated into the tattoos, which have only become more elaborate and revered over the years. The amazing thing about getting an Asian tattoo is how the myriad cultures share certain characteristics and yet have their own unique aesthetic and feel to them. For example, an Asian tattoo with a predominantly Japanese art style will have a completely different vibe than an Indian-style illustration. And yet, the underlying symbolisms may have a shared connection, such as family values, memorial practices, and so on. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular Asian tattoo designs that are ruling the internet and discuss some customization tips that can help you design one of your own. So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to find out more.
Symbolism of Asian tattoos
It’s hard to generalize the symbolism of Asian tattoos when it’s an umbrella term for all the types of tattoos found in the different cultures on the Asian continent. However, here’s a broad overview of what types of tattoos are most popular in certain countries and what kind of symbolism tattoo enthusiasts generally choose:
Chinese tattoos can feature ancient mythological creatures such as dragons, phoenixes, or the monkey king, which show a connection to ancient spiritual or cultural beliefs. The tattoos can also feature special Chinese alphabets that can contain codified messages for those living outside of China. Japanese tattoos, similar to Chinese tattoos, feature mythological figures and creatures, which draw attention to their rich cultural heritage. Japan also boasts of its anime culture, which is popular worldwide with people getting their favorite characters tattooed. Japanese lettering can also make for deeply meaningful tattoos. The Sak Yant tattoos, which are primarily found in Thai and Cambodian culture, have deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance, and often depict mantras or prayers and revered deities. These tattoos can only be done by a licensed monk and are considered sacred by locals. Indigenous tribal tattoos done by hand are also seen in many marginal tribal communities throughout Asia, each with its own unique symbolism and iconography, best interpreted by the indigenous people.
There is no shortage of ideas when choosing a unique Asian tattoo that you can use conceptually to tell your own personal story. To explore some of the common or popular Asian tattoo subjects and elements, continue to the next section
8 Spectacular Asian Tattoo Ideas With Pictures
Asian tattoos are becoming increasingly popular thanks to a more inclusive world and easy access to Asian countries and their culture. The more you delve into the inner workings of these cultures, the more entangled you become in the vast web of beliefs, customs, and symbolism. Check out the following Asian tattoo design ideas that delve into some of the popular elements of these cultures and how they can be represented as tattoos.
1. Asian Dragon Tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Dragons are such a big part of Asian mythology and culture that there are several different types of dragons, with different physical forms, and their special roles and responsibilities. They are also considered the national emblem of China and are worshipped during most of their traditional festivals. The above tattoo shows a large and beautifully detailed image of a dragon, with its body twisting and turning in a mesmerizing way and its fierce expression inspiring awe and admiration.
2. Asian tiger tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Tigers are the largest of the big wild cats in Asia and represent strength, courage and ferocity, which represents the cheerful spirit of the Asians and evokes a sense of fear. Due to its commendable predatory skills and unique stripes on its coat, it is a visually striking and charismatic creature. To present it in its most glorious form, opt for an illustration that shows it roaring, as done on the shoulder blade tattoo in the image above. Go for a realistic style that draws attention to its physical features and stunning beauty.
3. Asian flower tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
Asia is home to a wide variety of flora and given the Asian urge to symbolize everything, each flower is said to have a specific meaning. In certain countries such as South Korea, a birth flower is assigned to each day of the month, as opposed to a birth flower being assigned to each month of the year in the West. You can search the internet for your own birthday flower and what it means and get it tattooed in vibrant or muted colors depending on your aesthetic preference.
4. Asian chest tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
The placement on the chest tells how deeply the wearer feels about his tattoo, which he prefers to be etched closer to his heart, despite a higher level of pain due to thinner skin. The chest tattoo above shows a branch with freshly blooming cherry blossoms, which are important in several Asian cultures. They symbolize the fleeting nature of life, beauty in transience, and the importance of noticing the value in small things.
5. Asian hand tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
The placement of the hand shows the strong conviction with which the wearer believes in their tattoo and is not afraid to show it off and talk about it. The hand tattoo above depicts a Hannya mask, a popular prop used in historical Noh theater in Japan. It represents female anger, envy, resentment, and anger. It can also symbolize a transformation where a woman can channel her negative emotions through art in order to grow or move on.
6. Asian forearm tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
The forearm is a popular choice for tattoo placement because it is easily accessible to the wearer and offers them the opportunity to display or hide their tattoo as they see fit. For this elegant placement, the image above suggests an elegant Asian tattoo of a Japanese Geisha. The Geisha were a classic romantic symbol of Japan and were known for their beauty and grace. They were entertainers of the elite arts and served as hostesses for foreign delegates in places of high social significance.
7. Asian lion tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
The Asiatic lion is an important figure in South Asian countries where Buddhism and Hinduism are practiced. The lion, called “simha” in Sanskrit, is often depicted as the mount of various gods. The lion is also generally hailed as the king of the jungle because of his breathtaking imagery and the way he carries himself with an air of royalty, despite not being the strongest or most skilled predator in the wild. The back tattoo above reflects his regal and fierce stance, and the small floral symbols scattered around it add a vibrant touch.
8. Asian snake tattoo
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team
In Asian cultures, snakes represent the concept of duality. They can represent both good and evil, heaven and the underworld, or life and death. In many Asian spiritual cultures, it is also believed that many deities take the form of snakes, as they are said to be shape-shifters. The above arm tattoo shows a hissing cobra, with its fangs bared and its hood extended, symbolizing fierce protection, transformation, and rebirth.
As we’ve seen above, there are countless ways to illustrate Asian tattoos that show your depth of understanding of the diverse Asian cultures and ways of life. The coolest part is that while these ideas are innovative when combined with different placements and other elements, we’ve only scratched the surface. As you delve deeper into different mythologies, spiritual beliefs, and cultural symbols, you may discover more concentrated meanings that can help you express your story with unique visual elements and overall aesthetics. Also, experiment with interesting texts and vibrant color patterns for bold, eye-catching designs that will make you stand out from the crowd. We hope you find these ideas useful and create your desired Asian tattoo design inspired by them!
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Lucas Cummins is an Ohio-based tattoo artist who has been making his mark on the tattoo industry for the past 2 years. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for vibrant expression, Lucas specializes in neo-traditional, colorful, and abstract style tattoos.
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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.
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Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Before that, she was a content writer, combining her writing and research skills to write over 200 top-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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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.
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