Are you a tattoo enthusiast with a love for Chinese literature and mythology? Then Monkey King tattoos might be just the thing for you. The Monkey King, also known as Sun Wukong, is a fictional character from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The creature from the Flowers and Fruit Mountain embodies rebellion, adventure, and enlightenment. Whether you want a simple design or something a little more intricate, check out this article as we take you through some of the coolest and most unique Monkey King tattoos that are sure to turn heads. Scroll down for inspiration!
Meaning of Monkey King Tattoos
The Monkey King is a mischievous and powerful character with supernatural abilities. He is known for his incredible strength and martial arts expertise. The free-spirited character refuses to be bound by rules or authority and outsmarts his opponents with his quick thinking. With all these characteristics in mind, a tattoo of this legendary figure can mean the following:
Strength, resilience and the ability to overcome life’s challenges. A desire for freedom and independence. A drive for adventure and exploration. Intelligence, humor and strategic thinking. A journey of self-discovery, growth and spiritual awakening.
Although the Monkey King is associated with Chinese culture, he also symbolizes a deeper cultural connection to his neighbor India. The country is considered the home of the monkey god Hanuman, a central character in the country’s mythological stories. In some other traditions, the character is also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Therefore, a tattoo of him can serve as a protective talisman, shielding the wearer from harm.
The Monkey King is a meaningful symbol with rich cultural significance. If you’re considering getting a tattoo that shows him in all his glory, scroll down for some of the best designs.
8 Best Monkey King Tattoo Designs
Here are eight fascinating Monkey King tattoo designs that you can draw inspiration from for your next tattoo session.
1. Sun Wukong Tattoo
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If you already have a few tattoos on your arm, you can add this Monkey King tattoo. You can also use the design as a reference to get a complete sleeve tattoo. Depending on the elements you add to the design, it can mean many things. For example, the image above shows a sun and clouds which symbolize life, energy, and spirituality. Together, this tattoo can represent a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.
2. Monkey King Back Tattoo
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This tattoo of the fierce expression on the Monkey King’s face is gorgeous! The black and gray design features detailed lines and filigree that almost bring the Monkey King to life on the skin. This tattoo represents the strength of the character and serves as a constant reminder to strive for greatness and overcome any obstacles that come your way.
3. Cambodian Monkey King Tattoo
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This tattoo shows a Cambodian Monkey King, also known as Cambodian Hanuman in black and gray with a fierce expression on his face. The tattoo represents power, confidence, strength, bravery and resistance to enemies. The Monkey King often appears in the Cambodian retelling of the Ramayana and is a common motif found in sak yant or traditional Cambodian tattoo designs.
4. Japanese Monkey King Tattoo
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There are so many ways to tattoo the Monkey King and this Japanese design is one of them. It shows a fierce and strong Monkey King in red, symbolizing his fiery spirit and unwavering determination. His golden crown exudes an aura of royal authority, conveying his status as a powerful being. The tattoo encourages the wearer to tackle any obstacles that come their way, just like the resilience and strength of the Monkey King.
5. Chinese Monkey King Tattoo
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If you need a tattoo that perfectly represents the Chinese Sun Wukong, then this one with the Ruyi Jingu Bang is perfect. According to legend, this staff that he wields grows on command and has the power to hurt and even kill gods. Fascinating, isn’t it? And what’s more, the royal crown of the Monkey King depicted in this tattoo represents leadership, strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles.
6. Monkey King Leg Tattoo
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While people usually wear Monkey King tattoos on the arm or back, you can also try an area like the leg as it provides enough space to cover the intricacies of Monkey King tattoos. This one, for example, shows a realistic Monkey King with a black and gray palette. Not only is the character perfectly highlighted, but you can also see the intricate details of his crown and surrounding floral elements that add to the appeal of the design. This tattoo represents strength, agility, and wisdom, making it perfect for those who want to emulate these traits in their lives.
7. Monkey King Art Tattoo
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Whoever said Monkey King tattoos couldn’t be fun and artistic hasn’t seen this watercolor design. The Monkey King’s fierce expression provides an interesting contrast to the vibrant hues and intricate details of the design. It represents the endless creative possibilities that come our way, much like the Monkey King defies convention.
8. Monkey King and Dragons Tattoo
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Need a Monkey King tattoo with a difference? This one shows the Monkey King with a serene expression and a fierce dragon just below him in all his vibrant glory. This tattoo serves as a symbol of resilience and a strong fighting spirit that is needed to overcome challenges and achieve greatness in life.
Rooted in mythology, Monkey King tattoos represent strength, agility, resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. A tattoo with this trait can symbolize a personal connection to one of these qualities or a desire to incorporate them into your life. Since these tattoos are quite detailed, the best placement for them is on the arm, leg, and back. You can also customize them to your liking and add personal elements to enhance their symbolism.
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Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in a variety of tattoo styles, although she specializes in fine detail and floral tattoos. She has owned studios in both Australia and the UK for 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues and history.
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Gracia Odile is a teacher turned beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from St. Stephen’s College, a Master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Madras and a Diploma in Education from GGSIPU.
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Eshna is an associate editor and certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple major bachelor’s degree in psychology, English and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
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Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience writing for various genres. She holds a Masters degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical singer to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.
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