Japanese Dragon Tattoo Meanings

The Japanese dragon is one of the most popular mythological creatures picked for inking and a classic choice for a tattoo design. It is usually depicted as a wingless, heavily-scaled snake-like creature with small clawed legs and a horned or antlered camel head, and is associated with sea, clouds or the heavens.

Dragon Japanese Tattoo

Japanese dragons tend to be much more slender and fly less frequently than the Chinese counterparts. The breath of the Japanese Dragon changes into clouds from which come either rain or fire. It is able to expand or contract its body, and in addition it has the power of transformation and invisibility. This is merely a general description and does not apply to all Japanese dragons, some of which have heads of so extraordinary a kind that they cannot be compared with anything in the animal kingdom.

Sexy Girl Dragon Japanese Tattoos

According to most sources, the Japanese dragon is closely related to the Chinese counterparts, with the exception that the Japanese dragon has only three claws, while that of the Celestial Kingdom (China) has five. Tattoo artists have taken the art of the Japanese dragon to amazing new levels. Whether you want a full back design or a half sleeve design, you will find an incredible gallery of amazing designs to choose from. They can be in color, or black & white. The dragon tattoo may appear with sea wave or clouds or pearls.

Lower Dragon Japanese Tattoos

If the dragon claw holds an enormous magical pearl, which has the power to multiply whatever it touches, the “pearl” symbolized the most precious treasure: Wisdom. Ancient Dragon lore and illustrations have inspired many of us to select a dragon tattoo because that design represents how we feel about ourselves — strength, wisdom and freedom…

The popular locations for inking Japanese dragon tattoos.

Dragon Japanese Tattoos

Japanese dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body, full body and full back dragon tattoos are quite common, and the most popular location is half sleeve, the body of the dragon wrap around the upper arm and the dragon head extend out the upper front, just above the heart. Because of the long shape of the dragon, it also suited for inking on arms and legs.

Where to Find Perfect Japanese dragon tattoo designs for Inking?

Dragon Japanese Tattoos on Body Back

After all, getting an awesome Japanese dragon tattoo that perfectly flows with your body is what makes you feel proud. Am I right? There are many good reasons to get an awesome Japanese tattoo and there are many ways to screw it up. The most important thing to find a perfect Japanese tattoo is to take your time browsing through numerous tattoo collections before you settle the one for inking. The Japanese dragon is one of the most popular mythological creatures picked for inking and a classic choice for a tattoo design. It is usually depicted as a wingless, heavily-scaled snake-like creature with small clawed legs and a horned or antlered camel head, and is associated with sea, clouds or the heavens.

Ludacris Cross and Praying Hands Tattoo

Chris Ludacris Bridges is an American rapper and actor, best known for albums including Back for the First Time, Word of Mouf and The Red Light District.

Ludacris has be spotted with a few tattoos, one being a cross with a portrait on his right arm, along with praying hands on his left shoulder.

The rapper also has another tattoo design on his left shoulder, however we're not quite clear on the design. Any ideas?

Josh Lucas Tattoos

Josh Lucas is a talented American actor who has starred in movies such as Poseidon, Glory Road and Stealth.

Josh Lucas has two confirmed tattoos, including a cross/compass design on his left forearm, plus a rather large unknown tattoo on his right shoulder.

Danielle Lloyd Tattoos

Danielle Lloyd is a stunning English glamour model, who was also crowned Miss England 2004 and Miss Great Britain 2006.

Danielle Lloyd has two visible tattoos which we know about, including a Hebrew inscription located on the back of her neck reading "Only God can judge me".

Ms. Lloyd also has a Latin phrase on her back left shoulder which reads "Quis attero mihi tantum planto mihi validus" and translates into "To diminish me will only make me stronger".

Freddie Ljungberg Back Tattoos

Freddie Ljungberg is a Swedish professional footballer and model, who has spent most of his career with Arsenal F.C. and Halmstads BK.

Freddie Ljungberg has two rather large black panther tattoos, one located on each side of his lower back. Freddie has also been spotted with another black cat tattoo on his right hip, however this is believed to be a temporary design.

Lucy Liu Tattoo

Lucy Liu is a fabulous American actress, featured in films such as Charlie's Angels, Chicago and Kill Bill.

Lucy Liu has been photographed and photoshopped with fake tattoos in the past, however the actress is believed to have a real tiger tattoo, located on her lower back.

Nicholas Lemons Tattoos

Nicholas Lemons is an American model, known for his work with designers such as Dolce & Gabanna, Emporio Armani and Van Heusen.

Nicholas Lemons has a half sleeve tattoo on his right arm, which connects to another design on his chest. The sleeve design contains a dragon, lotus flower, kanji symbols and a bamboo background. The chest tattoo is a cubist style face.

Chyler Leigh Lower Back Tattoo

Chyler Leigh is a lovely American actress, featured on the television series Grey's Anatomy, and she also starred in the movie entitled Not Another Teen Movie.

Chyler Leigh is known to have a single tattoo located on her lower back, the design is some type of artsy cosmic inspired masterpiece, which includes two creatures, stars and a night sky background.

John Leguizamo Tattoos

John Leguizamo is an excellent Colombian-born American actor, comedian and producer, known for his role in movies such as Super Mario Bros, Romeo + Juliet and Land of the Dead.

John Leguizamo has been spotted with a couple of tattoos, one of which is a Aztec design located on his right shoulder. He has also been seen with a 3D spiderweb tattoo on his chest, however this design was for the movie, Spun, and is believed to be temporary.

Shakara Ledard Lower Back Tattoo

Shakara Ledard is a lovely Bahamian model and actress, perhaps best known for her work with Sports Illustrated and Maxim magazine.

Shakara Ledard has a single visible tattoo, which is located on her lower back and appears to be a tribal design of sorts, perhaps a horned animal of some kind?

Jerry Lawler Crown Tattoo

Jerry "The King" Lawler is a legendary American professional wrestler, commentator and actor, who has won more than 140 championships over the course of his lengthy career.

Jerry Lawler is known to have a single tattoo located on his left wrist, and the design is a small kings crown. Checkout the pictures below.

Word Tattoos

Getting words inked on is a GREAT idea for ink. They can be straight forward and to the point, or they can be mysterious and symbolic. Here are 3 common word tattoos to consider getting inked:

1. NAMES.

Names Word Tattoos

This word tattoo refers to someone who you want to represent by name. It could be a loved one, someone whom you admire or are a fan of; a pet, girlfriend, husband or wife and much more. It could be more general as well such as the common "mother" tattoo.

Examples of name tattoos: "mother", "ozzy", "jesus", "Frank", "Marge".

2. SAYINGS.

Sayings Word Tattoos

This word tattoo is very popular. It involves taking a saying of some sort (an inspirational quote, a humorous line, or just a one or two words representing something) and getting it inked on as a tattoo. These tattoo sayings can be very powerful as they convey a direct message.

Examples of tattoo sayings: "born to lose", "strength", "live free or die", "believe in yourself".

3. LETTERING.

Lettering Word Tattoos

These tattoos focus on lettering and usually are large with just one or two letters which represent something, like a place or someone's initials, or the initials representing something. Though they can be longer as well. Lettering ink focuses on a rather elaborate type of font. Each letter stands alone as a solid work of tattoo art. Whereas some of the other tattoos mentioned will often be accompanied by separate designs, lettering ink can hold it's own without any other design needed.

Article by: Chess McDoogle

Jude Law Tattoos

Jude Law is a fabulous English actor, producer and director who has starred in the movie A.I. Artificial Intelligence, The Talented Mr. Ripley and Cold Mountain.

Jude Law has been spotted with a handful of tattoos, including Gothic initials "JL", along with what appears to be a circle of ants or other bugs, located on his right forearm.

Snorkeling while showing off some artwork on his right arm.

Lightning bolt design on right arm, which may or may not by a real tattoo.

Scared heart of Jesus Christ tattoo.

Lyrics to a Beatles song with "Sexy Sadie", which is the name of his ex-wife.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

The cherry blossom tattoo design is one of the most beautiful and popular among women. This unique art has a profound meaning in both Japanese and Chinese cultures, the tattoos seems to induce meditative thoughts in admirers and proud owners of these beautiful tattoos.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

But each country has a very different take on the symbolism of the Cherry Blossom. In Japan people are reminded that the beautiful blossoms only remain on the tree for a short time before they float to the ground and kiss the earth a final goodbye. So... to Japanese people, the flowers are a reminder of a reverence for life and the truth that all living things eventually pass on.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

But in China, the cherry blossom is a source feminine power and womanhood. For a woman with strong values a cherry blossom tattoo may well be the perfect piece of body art. But many people think of the cherry blossom tattoo as a symbol of great love and deep passion, and to them, wearing this tattoo is a sign of true commitment and of a life long pledge to the precious and special connections they encounter in life.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

Different Types Of Cherry Blossom Tattoos
There are different species of cherry trees and each with its own slightly different blossom. One of the most common is the Japanese Somei Yoshino with its large white blossoms glowing with the lightest pink hue this flower makes a beautiful tattoo.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

Another excellent choice is the stunning pink flowers with white highlights. You will find it interesting to see the different types and shapes of cherry blossoms and be sure to check artwork and pictures, as well as look at tattoos and see how the different blossom colors match or contrast to your skin tone while you do your investigation.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

This fun research will help you discover the ideal body art for your new tattoo. You should ask friends how the different blossoms colors and art would look on you. With a little patience, you'll find the right one... the perfect match. Remember your cherry blossom tattoo is your lifelong symbol of fulfillment, power or contentment as it personally means to you.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

Now that you have your art work it's time to think about the size and the placement of your tattoo, are you looking for a modest shoulder piece or a spectacular full back piece incorporating a natural landscape or water background? While the choice is always personal it may be best to research how such tattoos look on other people in order to get a feel for the impact they create.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs

Ask yourself does the size do the tattoo justice or would a small blossom fit better, you'll see what I mean as soon as you start to look and get a feel for all the options. Some will just not look right as a large piece while others will be perfect.

Where to Get Your Tattoo:
This is the most important part of your tattoo. First; you find the perfect cherry blossom tattoo in the right color, shade and size to work the best with your skin tone Then the right artist to apply it. This is something you should research very carefully; invite friend's opinions, ask people who have stunning tattoos "where they got them" usually people are happy to refer you to a good artist.

Don't take this part lightly; you will be wearing this tattoo for the rest of your life. So interview all potential tattoo artists, ask to see their portfolio and some of their work.

Remember you don't have to settle for an artist in your town or go with the first artist you meet, a 200 mile drive or a $300 flight is cheap compared to wearing a badly done tattoo for the rest of your life. Be patient and get a cherry blossom tattoo you will be proud of for the rest of your life.

Article by: Sam Ploof

Fleur De Lis Tattoos

The Fleur De Lis is a historic stylized lily or iris flower that is commonly used as a decorative symbol spanning across many countries and cultures, said to symbolize royalty, perhaps best known for gracing European coats of arms and flags over the years.

The Fleur De Lis has been referenced countless times throughout both ancient and modern history, on television and in movies, plus many people in north america recognize this symbol as the official logo for the New Orleans Saints football team, as well as the state symbol of Louisiana.

As you might expect, the Fleur De Lis is a tremendously popular tattoo design, which is sought after by a variety of different people for various reasons. Enjoy this beautiful picture gallery of excellent tattoo ideas.



Since the Fleur De Lis is admired by so many different cultures, we often see a wide selection of custom tattoo designs with quite a combination of colors, along with specially added artwork.



These pictures above display the more traditional tattoo designs, without all the bells and whistles and added color.



Another interesting fact about the Fleur De Lis was told by French historian Georges Duby, and he said the three leaves represented the medieval social classes: those who worked, those who fought and those who prayed.