Some tattoos are simply beautiful, while others are stunning and meaningful at the same time. If you prefer the latter, oriental tattoos are perfect for you. They are inspired by traditional Asian art styles. You can find numerous motifs in them, such as cherry blossoms, koi fish, dragons, kitsunes and tigers. They can also include symbols such as yin-yang or traditional Asian calligraphy text. These tattoos are ideal for anyone who wants to pay homage to their oriental roots or is passionate about their culture. In this article, we will take you through the meanings of some popular oriental tattoos and explore some of the best ink ideas. Scroll down to choose your next tattoo!
Meanings of oriental tattoos
An oriental tattoo simply refers to a tattoo style that draws inspiration from traditional East Asian culture, specifically Japanese and Chinese cultures. These tattoos can have different meanings depending on their design. Here are some common ones and their respective meanings:
Koi fish: It can symbolize determination, overcoming obstacles, masculinity and strength. Dragon: It can symbolize wisdom, power, strength, luck and protection. Cherry blossom: They can be a sign of beauty, vitality and the transience of life. Phoenix: It can symbolize rebirth, renewal, new beginnings, and immortality. Lily: It can represent purity, innocence, renewal, rebirth, femininity and grace. Kitsune (Japanese fox): It can symbolize cunning, intelligence, good luck and longevity. Tiger: It can be a symbol of courage, strength, fearlessness and protection. Yin Yang: It can symbolize the balance and harmony between opposing forces, such as good and evil. Bamboo: It can symbolize resilience, strength, longevity and adaptability.
These were just a few designs that you can come across in oriental tattoos. The next section contains some tattoo ideas with these motifs. Check them out!
8 oriental tattoo ideas
Here are some stunning and meaningful oriental tattoo ideas that will surely make you turn heads wherever you go!
1. Japanese oriental tattoo
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Here is a vibrant oriental tattoo for you! It shows a koi fish swimming in the water. Japanese culture admires it for its bravery and fearlessness. This is because these fish can swim against strong currents. This tattoo can remind you that you can overcome obstacles in life with perseverance and determination.
2. Oriental Lily Tattoo
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If you love floral designs, check out this tattoo! It features an oriental lily known for its large, fragrant flowers and intricate petals. The tattoo symbolizes purity, femininity, and elegance. The placement on the thigh also provides ample space to showcase the beauty of the flower. You can also get this tattoo on your upper back.
3. Oriental flower tattoo
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Delicate, ethereal and graceful – these exact words come to mind when we see this piece. It features cherry blossoms, also known as sakura in Japanese. Because these flowers bloom in the spring, they symbolize new beginnings. They also represent the fleeting nature of life, reminding us to cherish every moment before it fades.
4. Oriental temple tattoo
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The pagoda (a layered Buddhist temple) is another element you can choose for your oriental tattoo. It symbolizes spirituality and enlightenment. The temple in this tattoo is surrounded by cherry blossoms and mountains in the background. Together, these elements represent a spiritual journey full of personal growth and achievement.
5. Oriental Tiger Tattoo
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The tiger is also known as tora, which in Japanese is short for totsugeki raigeki. This means ‘lightning attack’. The tattoo above is true to these words and represents the tiger with a roaring expression and fierce eyes. These symbolize its fierce and fearless nature. In modern spirituality, this tattoo can also represent wisdom and personal power.
6. Oriental Dragon Tattoo
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This super detailed piece on the back features a dragon tattooed in Irezumi style and a black and red palette. In Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese cultures, dragons symbolize wisdom, protection, strength and good fortune. You can choose this tattoo if any of these ideas resonate with you or if you want to pay homage to these cultures.
7. Oriental hand tattoo
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Hand tattoos are edgy and bold, and an oni is the perfect choice for them. This mythological creature is a yokai or ogre in Japanese folklore. This oriental tattoo design above shows his mask in muted black and red tones. It is surrounded by intricate designs that extend down the arm. This tattoo symbolizes protection from bad luck and omens.
8. Oriental Theme Tattoo
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This tattoo is perfect for anyone looking for a feminine design for their next tattoo. It features a female kitsune with piercing eyes. Kitsune is a fox spirit in Japanese folklore that possesses intelligence, wisdom, and shapeshifting abilities. The tattoo symbolizes the ability to adapt and navigate life’s challenges with the flexibility and wit of kitsune.
Oriental tattoos are a perfect choice for anyone who is of East Asian descent or who loves the culture. They can contain elements that are found in the mythologies of any of the countries in this region, such as China, Japan, and Korea. Depending on the motifs, these tattoos can have different meanings, such as strength, intelligence, and transformation. The above-mentioned designs contain some of the best oriental tattoos that are ideal for both men and women. Use them to choose your next ink!
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