Updated: Feb 3, 2024
Well well well. Guess who’s back back back again! It has been quite a week for me over here at the Speakeasy Tattoo Los Angeles. Started tattooing my first clients over the week which makes everything all the more real. Honestly there’s not much that could make it more real (aside from maybe actually getting paid ha ha). So the roller coaster has hit its zenith and now we’ll see what happens next.
So last week we discussed all sorts of manner of ghosts and demons theories and supernatural motives in traditional Japanese tattooing. As promised this week we are going to venture a little bit into the animal kingdom. Nature is a very common theme within Japanese tattooing. So let’s do it kids.
Koi
Quite possibly one of the most common elements of the classic Japanese bodysuit is a Koi fish. Believe it or not coif fish are nothing more than fancy carp. They were selectively bread over years to accentuate vibrant colors and size. So technically while they look distinctively different they are just fancy carp. Carp, and intern the Koi fish, are extremely resilient and adaptable fish. They can survive in many different climates and are easily domesticated and transported to different locations. It is this longevity and hardiness that we get its representation in tattooing typically associated with long life and endurance. Overcoming hardship and adversity. Similarly, they can be seen as a good luck omen or a good luck charm by the wearer.
Kitsune
I think these are probably my favorite when it comes to animal life in Japanese Irezumi. Kitsune is more than a simple fox (though that’s what the word directly translates to). It is both hey Celeste you’ll being as well as a supernatural Yokai. Often showing nine tails. These tales represent enlightenment and an increase in compassion or can even represent evil. As legend would have it as a fox grows in wisdom and reaches the age of 100 it will grow another tail. With every passing 100 years boom, another tail. It maxes out at nine so a nine tailed fox can be incredibly incredibly old and wise. Upon achieving it’s one thousands year a fox can I send to the heavens to join the stars. They can fly they can create lightning from their mouth‘s but quite interestingly they are also shape shifters, a characteristic shared with native American legends of foxes and coyotes.
Toads
Often pictured holding a gold coin, toed tattoos simply are meant to represent wealth, good luck, prosperity and so on and so forth. What could possibly be wrong with that? Look at these little guys! Who wouldn’t want that?
Cranes
Typically some of the more elegant and beautiful elements of Japanese tattooing cranes on surprisingly hold deep meaning. Cranes are typically held in quite high esteem in Japan, known as the bird of happiness. Like many other animal motives, the crane represents longevity having the ability to live for thousands of years.
Foo Dogs
Foo dogs are quite easily recognizable and are a staple of Japanese architecture be at restaurants or temples (although they are awesomely mistakenly seen as liens due to their large mean and snarling squared off face). They guard against evil and stand at the doorway of any building. So as you may guess these are typically symbols of protection.
Hebi
Hebi are snakes. The meaning behind snake tattoos is quite varied. Aside from just being a striking image, they can be seen as guardians or symbols of rebirth. Think about how a snake renews its skin. Make sense? There you go.
Tigers
Yet another visually striking image with its bold golden and black coat and menacing face. Tiger tattoos have the ability to influence the wind. They can be seen as a protector From evil or even from disease. Obviously strength and courage are associated with both tiger tattoos and they’re real life counterparts.It is also important to mention that much of Japanese folklore mythology as well as their interpretation of the stars is a carryover from ancient Chinese culture. So there are often shared legends and motifs. Samurai would often get tiger tattoos in order to give them strength on the battlefield as well as protection in the afterlife should they fall in battle.
Saru
Saru are Monkeys. Either depicted in their animal form featuring human like clothing or in the form of a mask, these monkeys typically are seen as the go-between for humans and the gods. Unsurprising when one considers how the natural world is considered sacred and monkeys have an almost half-and-half look to them between humans and the natural world, if that makes sense.At the same time, also unsurprisingly, these monkeys are seen as pranksters and tricksters. In any case they make for a fun tattoo.
Hou-ou
Like the stork the Hou-oh, or Phoenix, is a beautiful and elegant tattoo. The phoenix holds a symbol of nobility and represents a number of interpretations. Naturally they are associated with fire and rebirth but also with the sun. They can come down from the sky both as a harbinger of peace or an omen of war as it flees to its heavenly home.
And on that note of new beginnings, I feel it is an appropriate time to bring this to a close. Next week I think we should look into the elements. No traditional Japanese bodysuit is complete without the classic wind bars or crashing waves. For now just enjoy your weekend.
Qapla! -Sweeve
Updated: Feb 3, 2024
So here we are again friends and family of speakeasy Tattoo Los Angeles! Yeah yeah, I know the title isn't some clever esoteric pop-culture reference. Give me a break guys. My brain is grey mush and coffee. Another week down! It’s strange how time seems to fly in this weird era where everything seems to have been frozen since last year. I can’t believe how many of these blog posts I have tried to scrounge together out of my neurotic brain.
So last week I made mention that I would try to make a super post in regards to what is known as Japanese Irezumi. While I know I have covered such subjects in the past, this will be a quicker more easy to read reference post. Hopefully it can advise you in the future on what you think you might want to adorn your body with. There is a lot so this will be done in parts. So here we go.
Tengu
We all have seen him. Even if we don’t even realize. The red faced tangle masks are some of the most striking Japanese tattoos one can get. They are made famous by their presence in the library of emojis preset on iPhones. Most mistakenly referring to it as a devil face. Tengu are part of the pantheon of Japanese Yokai (demons and ghosts and all sorts of supernatural beings). In tradition they are depicted as a sort of half human half bird with red skin. Over the years the bird beak has turned into a long phallic looking nose. Typically the tattoo is done in the form of a Noh mask even featuring ropes to tie on ones face. Wearing this Tattoo typically represents one’s desire for knowledge and protection. Often associated with military knowledge. A powerful warrior.
Hannya
Similar to the Tengu, Hannya is most often represented as a mask. In short, a Hannya is a woman scorned. A vengeful and jealous woman that transforms into a demon. The Hannya tattoo is typically seen as some thing to ward off evil spirits or negative emotions such as the aforementioned. Depending on the color, anywhere from a white to a deep red to a black. There can be further meaning to these masks. White usually representing someone of noble birth. Red usually representing deeper more volatile emotions and so on and so on. For a great and in-depth write up on the Hannya, check out this outstanding article by Peony at Tatring.
Kappa demons
These are some of my favorite. Even if they are a little funny in a few ways. Kappa demons are still a part of popular culture in Japan. The Kappa is a humanoid turtle hybrid usually around knee height. They have stringy black hair usually a tooth beak mouth and a turtle Lake shell. They live in the water and feast on humans. Typically children. Varying over the years, couple have been depicted as mild tricksters to violent murderers and rapists. At the same time they are rigidly formal and adhere to protocol. This is exemplified by the whole top of their head in which their home waters is contained. This is where the Kappa derives his power. If one encounters a Kappa is simply a means of offering a bow in greeting. The Kappa will be compelled to return the polite gesture in doing so his water will spill from his head. The cabin must immediately return to his home water or will wither away and die or be that person‘s servant depending on which legend you read. A Kappa tattoo represents both strength and adherence to honor and politeness. To get real in-depth with the Kappa, check out this page here.
Namakubi
These severed bloody heads are some of the most grizzly and striking Japanese tattoos popular today. Like much of Irezumi culture, Namakubi has ties to the Yakuza, Which in turn takes a lot of imagery from samurai culture. In short these grew some tattoos serve both as a reminder to the wearer of the impermanence of life and to enjoy what short time we have but also as an intimidation factor.
Yurei
I think that these are probably my favorite form of tattoo in general. Yurei are what would classically be described as ghosts. Have you seen the garage? That is a classic depiction of a Japanese Yurei. Usually featuring distinct long stringy black hair and mourn for haunting looks. These are spirits who are not at risk in the afterlife. Usually as the result of suicide or murder in some sort of horrific manner. These tattoos conserve as yet another reminder of the impermanence of life as well as serving a connection to the spiritual world.
Gaki
These are “hungry ghosts.” Usually representing someone spoiled or gluttonous in life. They live in the constant state of starvation. Endlessly ravenous. They will literally consume anything and their stomachs protrude in turn. Tattoo pictured here by the great Hector Fong. To learn more about Gaki check this page out here.
Chochin Obake
What is interesting about Japanese ghost mythology, is that not only can human spirits walk the astral plane but in animate objects can take on spirits. Such is the case here. These are common paper lanterns found all over Japan usually hanging from doors. Overtime if these lanterns have survived long enough they can take on faces. Usually starting as a tear that becomes the mouth. Gradually a face becomes more and more prominent.
Raijin
Raijin is another demonic looking spirit. Featuring the classic sharp teeth, red skin and horns and terrifying demeanor. He is the God of lightning and thunder often being shown with drums he uses to create said thunder and lightning bolts shooting through the sky. His brother is Fujin who is the god of wind and it is their rivalry that creates storm.
Fujin
Brother to Raijin, god of the wind. Similar in appearance to his brother but depicted with skin in a blue to green tone.
Ryu
Quite possibly the most classic and famous (if that’s an appropriate word) of all classic Japanese imagery and certainly the most striking, Ryu are the quintessential dragon. They represent symbol of wisdom, strength, knowledge, and are looked upon as one of the most sacred blessings. They have the ability to manipulate earthly elements in favor of humans so they are seen as good omens. It should also be noted that the Street Fighter character Ryu is named after these dragons.
I think that shall serve us enough this week. I don’t want to overwhelm everyone. And of course, I don’t want to blow it all in one week! Gotta keep you coming back for more! Next week let’s move away from the demonic and focus on animals.
Until then I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget that we are always taking submissions for the summer. It’s looking more and more like things can get closer to being back to normal but keep in mind the Covid protocols are still in effect. That means ppe masks are mandatory for now.
Live long and prosper.
-S
Updated: Feb 3, 2024
Here we go again friends and freaks of Speakeasy Tattoo Los Angeles. Over these past months these blog entries have proven to take more and more of my time. And looking back I realize that I tend to get a little bit long-winded. I went to college for criminal law so writing research papers is in my blood and I tend to revert back to that old method of I’m running on and on about a subject. For this reason, this week will be a little shorter. I am in the process of taking some of the older blog posts and consolidating them into a more easily researchable singular post namely the references for Irezumi, or traditional Japanese iconography. Further, some of the source material for those older ones was a little too source heavy. In the future I’m going to try and make it a little more reader friendly. and here I am rambling again.
So this week I just want to touch on a subject that is a bit of a controversy? I don’t know if that’s the right word but let’s go with it. I recently saw a meme, yes I’m referencing Memes, on a tattoo meme page on Instagram. It was basically mocking the idea of tattoo artists getting angry when someone copies a piece of flash that they themselves essentially copied from another copy from another copy. The concept of stolen art and plagiarism In the tattoo world is a minefield. Tattoo copycats are abundant and the dishonest artists typically outnumber the honest ones. But when it comes to traditional tattooing this is certainly a gray area. I have touched on this in the past when talking about flash art but what is the line? Can you truly sell a piece of flash art because you changed three lines on a Sailor Jerry wolf? What if a customer really wants some thing they saw on Pinterest and they don’t know the original source material? Do you execute that tattoo and give the customer what they want? Do you turn them down knowing that they will most likely just go to some other artist with the same artwork who will simply copy exactly what they want? Do you to try to push them in a direction of your own and doing your own interpretation of said work? How much does one need to change in order for it not to be plagiarism? These are all subjects and topics that we must grapple with as working artists. Is searching clipart for photo references fair game? How many versions of the same Rose or snake wrapping around a dagger have you seen? The line between tradition honoring the history and stealing is a muddy confusing realm. There's always someone somewhere with a big nose who knows, who will trip you up and laugh when you fall.....
So where am I going with this other than getting distracted with Smiths lyrics? Honestly, I’m not even sure myself. Personally nothing brings me greater joy than to do my own variations of classic invert grim flash. But, at the same time it is far more satisfying to create your own imagery and see people come flocking to that and want it permanently etched on their body. For more on flash, read here. So ultimately I feel that it is incumbent upon both the customer and the artist to not only know the sources of imagery, but know the history and traditions around them. Naturally what is and what is not acceptable is up to interpretation and open to the debate. Personally, I feel if the motives and intentions are pure on both ends, and what respect and credit is due is paid then an artist can genuinely and honestly re-interpret classic flash and iconography. Direct plagiarism and stealing from contemporary artists and original designs is a whole ‘nother story. Check out this instagram page to see how rampant it truly is.
That’s it for this week. As I said, a brief one. Hopefully next week I will have a concise and easily searchable breakdown of traditional Japanese demons ghosts and imagery.
Until then, enjoy some Phantom of the Opera flash from none other than ME!
XXX
-Sweeve