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Japanese Tattoos




1) Kanji

Of the three types of Japanese tattoo symbols, Kanji is the most popular because it is so expressive and artistic. Each different Kanji symbol (of which there are reported to be more than 40,000) represents a specific idea or meaning. So by combining a number of different Kanji symbols in your tattoo design it's possible to create a stylish and unique tattoo that expresses an unlimited number of ideas and messages.


2) Hiragana


Unlike Kanji symbols, which represent various ideas or meanings, Hiragana is a style of writing that's used in everyday Japanese life. You'll find it used in media such as newspapers and magazines, so it's much more amenable to literal translation than Kanji.

In terms of design, the hiragana characters are more rounded than Kanji symbols, which is worth bearing in mind depending upon your artistic tastes. Hiragana writing is also known as cursive, so don't get confused if you hear someone speaking about a cursive tattoo.

3) Katakana

The system of Katakana is similar to Hiragana. Together they're known as Kana and were originally based on the Kanji symbols which existed more than one thousand years ago. Since than they've developed into their present form and both Hiragana and Katakana each have their own set of 46 symbols with which to form their words.

The system of Katakana symbols is used almost exclusively to represent words that are non Japanese in origin. These symbols are similar to the system of hiragana with the main difference being that words in Katakana have sharper edges and are much more angular in appearance.

And that concludes the three types of Japanese tattoo symbols that are available. However, there's no rule that says you have to choose one style and stick to it. You could have your tattoo designed so that it includes more than one of these styles. For example, you could have a sentence written using Hiragana that includes various Kanji symbols to enrich it with greater meaning.

But whatever option you select, it's important to take one additional safety precaution before you go anywhere near a tattoo studio with your design. As you can see from this brief explanation of different character types, the system of Japanese writing is extremely complicated and subtle.

How Tattoos Work


One might ask themselves how in the world does a tattoo stay on your skin forever? I mean, I'm pretty sure that most people are aware that we as human shed are skin all the time. So one might wonder how does the ink from our tattoos never fall off as well. Well in this post I will explain the whole process of how and why tattoos stay on our skin forever.


First you should know that a tattoo needle punctures you skin up to 50 to 3,00 times a minute when getting a tattoo. The tattoo needle punctures the cells of the dermis which is the second layer of the skin. Our skin consists of three layers: the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissues. The epidermis, is the outer layer of skin that acts as a protective barrier and contains no blood vessels. Below the epidermis, is a thicker layer called dermis and that is where tattoos go.

Tattoo Design For Today



A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin

to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are

a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most

commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of

Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of

Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was

widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the

Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America,

Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite

some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many

parts of the world.

Various Ways of Removing Tattoos



Thousands of individuals each year undergo tattoo removal procedures after eventually regret having them. After the initial excitement and thrill, a large number of people realize that they have committed a blunder and want the tattoo removed. Tattoo removal has now become a million dollar business. There are various ways to get rid of tattoo. Some of the tattoo removal techniques are:

Dermabrasion

The area to be treated is frozen and then the skin where the tattoo is located is rubbed or scratched with a rotary abrasive brush or diamond fraise. It removes the top few layers of skin and finally tattoo is removed as the sanding goes deeper into the skin. The procedure is very painful and often turns out to be ineffective as it causes the skin to bleed and may leave a scar. There is always the risk of infection.

Salabrasion

Salabrasion is a centuries-old technique. Anesthetic is used to numb the area to be treated. Then salt-water solution is applied onto the tattoo. The area is then abraded with a tool similar to what is used in the dermabrasion procedure. The method is effective only in the case of superficial tattoos and requires multiple treatments. This technique is successful only in fading the tattoo and not completely removing it.

Excision

Anesthetic is injected, and the tattoo is cut out of the skin using a scalpel. Thereafter the surrounding skin is sewn back together. The procedure is ideal for smaller tattoos only. Though large tattoos can also be removed but then skin grafts are often required for large tattoo removal. People who undergo this procedure are extremely prone to infection and scarring.

Cover-Ups

In this method, old tattoo is replaced by a new tattoo. Some people prefer covering-up of their tattoo rather than removing tattoos completely as covering-up tattoo is comparatively less painful, inexpensive and doesn’t take several months to treat. Some skilled tattoo artists even specialize in cover-ups and provide excellent results. However you have limited options in cover-ups. The biggest disadvantage of this method is that cover-up tattoos can be done only once.

Tattoo Removal Creams

A tattoo removal cream is the most inexpensive way to remove a tattoo yourself. Market is flooded with several creams such as TatBGone and Tattoo-off that claim to be effective in fading tattoos. There are claims that these creams may fade a tattoo after a continuous use of several months but their success at removing a tattoo altogether is highly unlikely.

Saline Tattooing

In this procedure, tattoo artists fade a tattoo by tattooing lidocaine and saline solution over unwanted tattoo. This is beneficial for older tattoos. This process can just lighten the existing tattoo but can’t remove it altogether. This procedure is relatively harmless and cheaper. Though finding a tattoo artist to perform this task is difficult.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is considered as the best method among all to get rid of unwanted tattoos. Although it is costly and requires multiple sessions, but at the end of the day it ensures that the process is relatively painless and bloodless. In this procedure, targeted tattoo is exposed to the intense pulses of light delivered by laser. This laser energy results in destruction of the ink pigment while ensuring minimum damage to the surrounding skin

Celebrity Tattoos



The beautiful Transformers star is a avid tattoo lover and has several of her own. A lot of people may not understand her tattoos and I've read a lot of people think they are tacky. But people don't get tattoos for other people they get them for themselves and I'm sure every tattoo that Megan has, has a special meaning to her.

Megan tattoos include:

A portrait of Marilyn Monroe on her right forearm, star and crescent moon on her right leg, symbol for strength on the back of her neck, a Shakespeare quote on her back, some tribal symbols, and a "Brian" on her stomach, as well as a poem she wrote that's on her ribcage.

Megan does have some regrets about one of her tattoos.

"She regrets the "tribal" tat. She said, "The guy was smoking weed while he tattooed me and he didn't do it correctly. Now it's nothing and I'm gonna get it removed. I was told he was a really amazing tattoo artist but he wasn't on his game that night. He was distracted."

This is what Megan had to say about getting tattoos in general.

"Every time I get a tattoo, it's a little f-you to anyone who tells me not to. It's weird to be part of Hollywood, which tries to control every aspect of people, from what they say to the color of their hair. And I like the way getting a tattoo feels. If I'm depressed, it's nice to get one and deal with the pain. I have one all the way down to my ribs. It hurt, but it felt good-like twisting a loose tooth. I'm not kidding when I say that if I ever lose a role because of my tattoos, I'll quit Hollywood and go to work at Costco."

Talk To People



One of my favorite things to do is to talk to people who already have tattoos and learn about their experience. I also like to hear any funny stories they might have to share as well as some piece of information that I may not have known. Just yesterday I was talking to one of my sister's friends that has a tattoo on her toe and I actually learned something. She told me that it took her a long time to actually find a tattoo parlor that would actually tattoo her toe. The reason being is the when you have a tattoo on your foot/toe it tends to fade super super quickand some tattoo artists feel that it is a waste to tattoo an area that will fade very quickly. I will say that her tat is extremely faded and that it doesn't even look real. It looks like she took an ink pen and colored a daisy on her big toe.

So my whole point of this post is to simple talk to people who have tats and of course talk to tattoo artists. You never know what you will learn from the conversation that you can take with you and can share with another person. Although I'm pretty sure if you get a tattoo on your foot and or toe in black ink it won't fade as fast, but I could be wrong. I know two people who have tattoos on their feet both are in color and they both are pretty faded.

Tattoo Designs




Sleeve tattoo designs are extraordinary popular tattoos. People conceive these designs absolute fashionable and charming. These are very expressive too. There are other people who ascertain them bizarre. Irrespective of feelings, almost every tattoo fan love sleeve tattoo designs.


Behind the arising fame of tattoo design including Sleeve tattoo designs is the big influences of the media, celebrities, and bikers. You are able to find multiple colors and styles of Sleeve tattoo designs everywhere. Because of this popularity, flourishing number of people across the world are acquiring tattoos. Several people are taking it as a profession too. A few of these artists are very popular since they're the masters of sleeve tattoo designs.

Touch Of Japanese Style


Oriental-influenced designs are very popular in the USA, allowing you to add a touch of style and elegance to your décor. Japanese, Korean and Chinese patterns can be used in many ways, while authentic oriental products are easy to find.

Designs inspired from the Orient are becoming very popular in the United States nowadays. The rich artistic tradition from the Far East is inspiring our manufacturers of quality consumer goods to incorporate oriental influence in their design. Expertly weaved oriental rugs are also gaining pride of place in many American homes where the intricacy of their patterns adorns floors and even walls, for a touch of Eastern authenticity.

The Chinese alphabet has inspired some of the most popular oriental patterns. This writing system is also called Kanji. It differs from our western alphabet is that each symbol represents a word or a concept rather than a letter. Known as ideograms, these symbols allow the Chinese speakers of various dialects to use a writing system that is understandable by all. The Kanji symbols are used in both Japan and China. They are intricate and graceful, which explains why they would be so widely used in eastern-inspired designs. Their influence is particularly true of with regards to tattoos. As most American tattoo artists are not, however, fluent Chinese or Japanese speakers, one should always exercise caution before getting a Kanji tattoo. You should always ensure that the chosen design actually means what the shop catalog describes it as.

Tattoos And Their Healing Stages



A fresh tattoo is more or less an open wound so it requires the right aftercare so that it can heal properly. Each stage of the healing process means that the tattoo will need a different sort of caring method. Tattoos should be kept clean at all costs and should be exposed to the least amount of germs possible. Healing stages tend to be unique to various individuals so this is something you will have to consider as well.

Lots of factors tend to play their respective roles in the manner which your tattoo will heal. Some of these factors include the type of skin that you have, where the tattoo is located on your anatomy and the tattoo artist as well as the methods involved in creating and engraving the tattoo.

When your tattoo has been completed, the tattoo artist will usually place a bandage over the tattoo and tell you not to remove it for a few hours in order to limit the external exposure that your fresh tattoo gets.

Getting a fresh tattoo is somewhat like having some form of minor surgery so if your tattoo bleeds a little bit in the initial 24-hour period after you get it, consider it normal. A bandage should usually assist in absorbing any bleeding which results from your tattoo immediately after the procedure. You should also be rather careful when your bandage is being removed and you should not allow a huge amount of blood dry on your bandage.

The Number One Tattoo Gallery


Chopper Tattoo is a must see for anyone planning on getting a tattoo.

I spent months thinking about what tattoo I wanted to get, and had I known about Chopper Tattoo, that time could have been much shorter. They have unique award winning tattoos, and information about popular artists.

Choosing a tattoo is a very important decision, because a tattoo is forever. Chopper Tattoo is a great tool to use to find a tattoo that really means something to you.

Chinese tattoo

The Symbols of Wild Boar Tattoos


The meaning of wild tattoos and wild boar tattoos may differ according to place and time. In the island of Borneo, wild boar tattoos are considered as the symbol of achievement. Traditionally, the family of young boy awards him with a badge of wild boar tattoo, when he successfully hunts a wild boar. It's an age old ritual in the island of Borneo. On the other hand, Indians use tattoos for religious purposes. So, the meaning differs along with place and time.

The popularity of Japanese styled tattoos is also growing very rapidly. Most of the Japanese wild tattoos including wild boar tattoos are originally taken from artwork.

Tattoos are permanent. In most of cases, people get tattoos for a life time. Therefore, you need to understand the exact meaning of your chosen wild tattoos. It's always better to select wild boar tattoos wisely rather than regretting later. You are reading this article that means you want to understand the exact meaning behind wild boar tattoos. Most of the wild boar tattoos are related to old European cultures. Since wild boars are very powerful, in ancient Europe hunters used to group in order to kill wild boars.

Styles of Tattoos


There are many different styles of tattoos:

Tattoos have managed to pull itself up from its suspect and seedy past with a bad reputation to become an art form that is the subject of human exhibition and self-expression today. Today tattoos have become an art form with new and better tattoo artists coming up with a huge number of styles of tattoos.

When you visit a tattoo parlor or look at an online tattoo gallery, you find that there is a wide range of tattoo styles available and a massive range of styles to choose from. The usual criteria used for choosing tattoos is usually its size, the love for someone, depicting a certain culture or sect or as a status symbol.

chinese tattoo



The art of tattooing in China actually dates back much farther then its in the West. Until very late in the 20th century and mainly in the early 21st century, tattooing becomes fashion in the West. The art of tattooing has a long history in Asian including China, Japan, and even Thailand. What are ironic about these are Chinese tattoos were mostly used in many of the Asian cultures to mark criminals and other social deviants. However in Asia since tattooing was done in criminals and social deviants most designs were very large and often full body pieces especially in Japan. These often are very expensive designs and time consuming and also led many western tattoo enthusiasts to opt for Chinese tattoos.

There are a wide variety of beautiful Chinese tattoo designs throughout Asian cultures. The most common Chinese tattoos are often the representative of important values, such as a simple word that represents themes like love, strength, and power. For those who wish to embellish their tattoo with smaller themes designs they can easily accompany Chinese Japanese writing a script. Men will get Tiger, lion, or dragon to accompany the Chinese tattoo design. On the other hand, women will tend to opt for more delicate designs such as the cherry blossom, yin yang symbol, or a koi fish design. Another common tattoo among western tattoo enthusiasts is to seek a translation of something important in the Chinese. It is very common to get the names of their children translated into Chinese and the tech to them on their shoulders arms or back.

The Meaning of Floral Tattoos



Flower tattoos are most popular among women. The majority of people choose to select floral tattoos according to the meaning of different flowers.

The rose is one of the most popular among flower tattoos, along with baby’s breath, which means pure heart, the buttercup and it’s symbol of riches, the carnation and it’s meaning of love.

The daisy is a favorite among floral tattoos as it symbolizes innocence.

The sunflower means beauty and the tulip with it’s meaning of enchantment.

As you can see, each flower is not only different in appearance, but in symbolization as well.

A men who choose floral tattoos will often accompany it with a name or other symbol. An example may be a rose with the name of his spouse or mate.

This article is for information purpose only. Before the purchase or application any tattoo, an individual should make sure that the artist is properly trained and licensed to produce a safe and quality tattoo. Any tattoo is not to be applied by an amateur or anyone who has not been properly trained in the handling and sterilization of tattoo equipment.

The Key to a Perfect Tattoo Design


Getting a perfect tattoo design is not difficult, but you have to be patient and persistent. The real key to getting a great design is to start with great tattoo idea. Begin by asking yourself, “Will this tattoo design still look good in 10 years?” The following tips will help you narrow down your choices and discover the perfect tattoo design for your personality.

You might even talk to a tattoo artist about the design and see if they have an idea to improve on it, or customize it to your personality.

Taking time to research different symbols, phrases and patterns will help you select a tattoo design that describes your personality. If you are thinking about getting words inked onto your body, try different tattoo lettering styles.

Once you have a clue about the type of tattoo design you want, it’s time to start thinking about its location. Remember, location is just as important as design. One of the best ways to get a great tattoo idea is to visit a well-respected tattoo artist. A word of warning: if you run your idea by an accomplished tattoo artist and he/she doesn’t think its right for you--you should think long and hard before continuing with that specific tattoo. Tattoo artists are professionals, and the good ones seen it all have seen it all when it comes to tattoos--been there done that. If they don’t think your tattoo idea will work well for you, listen to them!

Dragon Tattoos


In the early days, the Romans and Greeks employed body marks such as tattoos on gladiators, slaves and prisoners as a means to identify them from the rest of the villagers but in the recent year tattooing has become fashion statement and is generally common among males. The more tattoos on the body, the tougher the image but that too has changed as soon as awareness and freedom of expression took on a new level. Tattooing has also become common with women too and has become an excellent mode of showing the world their feelings and interests, even their sensuality.

Of all the mythical creatures, the dragon is the most universal and is prominently featured in hundreds of cultures that represent the elements and the four points of the compass. In the Far East dragons symbolizes Water, Earth, Underworld and Sky and in the West it is more often a early enemy with whom combat is considered the ultimate supreme test. The dragon is a culturally far-ranging character whose apparent bad temper should be interpreted as simply amoral, neither good nor evil. Nature nurtures as well as destroys and so too does the dragon and probably for this reason its meaning as a symbol is not always consistent. Rain, lightning, floods, comets in the night sky – all the chaos and uncertainty of the Universe can be represented by the symbol of the dragon.

The image of dragon is the prototype of dinosaur. It has always been imagined breathing fire. Those are called fire dragon. There are water dragon tattoos also that causes the springs to bubble up, but also drowned people. But whatever be the type of dragon it may be, powerful dragons are often balanced with other tattoo designs that symbolize aspects of yin and yang. The several aspects of yin and yang reflects that no quality of its opposite, nor so pure that it does not contain its opposite in a diminished form. Although the fire dragon tattoo is thought to conquer all things and water dragon tattoo represents fears or repressed feelings or emotions. To the Chinese, the fire-spitting dragon was principally associated with lightning, and by extension to thunder and rainmaking, which made it a symbol of fertility while the Ancient Emperors and Celtic kings adopted the dragon as a symbol of the rhythm of existence that ensured order and prosperity. According to Jungian psychologists the water dragon symbolizes the deeper reaches of our subconscious.

As with most cultural and artistic styles and trends, tattoos and tattooing have endured various cycles of popularity, waxing and waning over the years, but never far from the people's imagination.

Tattoos, a Closer Look


Have you been thinking of getting a tattoo? Maybe you think that they look great on other people. Whatever your motivation, you'll find that there are plenty of reasons to love tattoos! Evidence has been discovered that shows tattooing goes back thousands of years, and if you admire these body markings, then you certainly won't be disappointed at the choices of designs. You'll find that there are many different styles of tattooing out there, so take a look at a few popular ones.

Old School


These are the tattoos that used to be found on sailors. They are bright and often have a nautical theme, including things like anchors, ships, or swallows. This old-fashioned, brightly colored style often includes pictures of women, birds and autos. A great deal of people have old school tattoos done to remember a relative or a lover who sailed the seas.

New School


New school tattoos are as bright as old school tattoos, but you'll find that they have a significantly more modern slant. New school tattoos often feature extremely bright, neon colors, and depict things in lurid detail. You might find that the style used is often very cartoony, and the subject matter that it depicts can be quite dark. These tattoos are growing a great deal in popularity and can be seen quite often.

Graywork


When you are looking for a tattoo that can give you a great deal of realistic detail, whether it is the face of a person, or even something as delicate as a feather, you'll find that you should take a look at graywork, which is a style of tattooing that is done entirely in delicate grays. This makes it easier for your tattooist to put in a large deal of shading and detail, and the results can be simply stunning when it comes to the amount of detail that is retained from the original.

Tribal


Bold, black, abstract designs are indicative of the tribal style of tattoos, and you'll find that these tattoos are heavily inspired by the tattooing of such groups as the Maori of New Zealand. You'll find that these tattoos can suit a wide range of skin tones and are quite striking.

Irezumi


Irezumi is the word for tattooing in Japan, and once you have seen the bold colorful designs of Japanese tattoos, you'll be able to recognize it anywhere! The art style used is very similar to the art that appears on Japanese woodblock prints, and the designs are meant to flow with your body. These designs can be very large, taking up whole limbs, and in some cases, the entire body.

Celtic


For many people, one of the most attractive art styles in the world to them is the twisting geometric lines of ancient Celtic artwork, so it is no surprise that so many people choose to incorporate it onto their bodies. Celtic knotwork is a lovely addition to any tattoo collection, and many people choose to create bands of Celtic knotwork around their biceps, making for a striking and quite beautiful effect.

Styles of Tattoos


There are many different styles of tattoos:
Today tattoos have become an art form with new and better tattoo artists coming up with a huge number of styles of tattoos.
When you visit a tattoo parlor or look at an online tattoo gallery, you find that there is a wide range of tattoo styles available and a massive range of styles to choose from. Men prefer strong and powerful styles of tattoos:
Heart tattoos are best used to depict love for both men and women. The symbol depicting mystery, power, wisdom and good will is the dragon tattoo. Animal tattoos are the most popular of all. Snake tattoos and reptiles are becoming more and fashionable.
Similarly, bird tattoos have lots of reverence in the tattoo world. Some of the most popular bird tattoos are the eagle, dove, swallow and birds of prey tattoos. Women prefer floral styles of tattoos:
Women prefer having floral tattoos and styles of tattoos that are a lot subtler in nature. Other options are of cherry blossom, lotus flower tattoos, blossom, lily and tree tattoos.
Sea creatures are very popular that people like wearing. Sea creature tattoos connect us with our past and the mythical creatures of the deep have a wide appeal. There are many different styles of tattoos:
Today tattoos have become an art form with new and better tattoo artists coming up with a huge number of styles of tattoos.
When you visit a tattoo parlor or look at an online tattoo gallery, you find that there is a wide range of tattoo styles available and a massive range of styles to choose from. Men prefer strong and powerful styles of tattoos:
Heart tattoos are best used to depict love for both men and women. The symbol depicting mystery, power, wisdom and good will is the dragon tattoo. Animal tattoos are the most popular of all. Snake tattoos and reptiles are becoming more and fashionable.
Similarly, bird tattoos have lots of reverence in the tattoo world. Some of the most popular bird tattoos are the eagle, dove, swallow and birds of prey tattoos. Women prefer floral styles of tattoos:
Women prefer having floral tattoos and styles of tattoos that are a lot subtler in nature. Other options are of cherry blossom, lotus flower tattoos, blossom, lily and tree tattoos.

The History of Tattos


Tattoos have been popular for thousands of years. All around the world, you can find people with tattoos and this widespread popularity is what makes the tattoo world so varied in design and styles. Where did the tattoo practice begin?

Even as early as the Neolithic period (Stone Age), tattoos were found in Eurasia. Tattoos in Japan were found as many as ten thousand years ago. After the cuts healed, the remaining color made up their tattoos.

These early tattoos most likely marked some rite of passage that the person had gone through. Maori chiefs used their facial tattoo that described their identification as their signature on official documents.

This early use of tattoos to mark rites of passage or for identification has grown into more of an art form today. Tattoo artists today are known for their intricate artwork that they apply to the body. Many of these artists have fine art or technical art training, which serves them well in creating body art. Tattoos may be chosen to mark a rite of passage or for identification even today, but tattoos found today are normally more intricate and colorful than the early tattoos.

Due to the widespread exposure to the tattoo world via television and other media, tattooing has seen an increased popularity in the United States and other countries. This popularity has in turn caused the choices of tattoos and tattoo shops to increase as well. This dedication to detailing and beauty has made tattooing even more popular with people.

badtattos


Hello and welcome to All tattoos on this site are real.The artist names have been withheld to protect there identities, and keep their skeletons hidden. This site is intended to educate, poke fun at, and pay homage to the "bad tattoo". Everyone out there has at least one or knows someone with one, so why not show off that bad tattoo.
There will be much more coming in the future. Such as many, many more bad tattoo galleries, bad tattoo related games and bad tattoo contests, with tattoo related prizes going to the winners. So sign up now to the mailing list and keep yourself informed as to what is going in the world of bad tattoos.

This site is meant to educate people as to what can happen if you do not do any research before you go out and get a tattoo. As you can see by looking though the tattoo galleries these tattoos are real and there are lots of them out there. There will be no artist names attached to the photos at all (and we use the word artist loosely). We are not out to slander or hurt anyone.

Badtattoos.com welcomes anyone wishing to contribute photos to put up on the site. Just email us whatever you have and if its bad we will put it up.

unique


Long-time local artist Anthony Lawton has at last opened his own shop on Mohawk Ave! Located in the beautiful community of Scotia, New York, All Star Bodyart is the place to be for exceptional care and artistry in professional tattooing and piercing. Whether it's a custom design or a piece of classic flash, Anthony is here to provide you with a great tattoo that's built to last in a clean, relaxed, friendly, and smoke free environment. Drop by soon to see what All Star can do for you - check out the portfolio, ask questions, or just say hi!

tattoos zone


Modern tattooing inks are carbon based pigments that have uses outside of commercial tattoo applications. Although the United States Food and Drug sixistration technically requires premarket approval of pigments it has not actually approved the use of any ink or pigments for tattooing (because of a lack of resources for such relatively minor responsibilities).[citation needed] As of 2004 the FDA does perform studies to determine if the contents are possibly dangerous, and follow up with legal action if they find them to have disallowed contents, including traces of heavy metals (such as iron oxide) or other carcinogenic materials (see CA lawsuit). The first known study to characterize the composition of these pigments was started in 2005 at Northern Arizona University (Finley-Jones and Wagner). The FDA expects local authorities to legislate and test tattoo pigments and inks made for the use of permanent cosmetics. In California, the state prohibits certain ingredients and pursues companies who fail to notify the consumer of the contents of tattoo pigments. Recently, the state of California sued nine pigment and ink manufacturers, requiring them to more adequately label their products.

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS plastic) ground down to an average diameter of slightly less than 1 micrometer is used as the colorant in the brighter tattoo pigments. The tattoo pigments that use ABS result in very vivid tattoos. Many popular brands of tattoo pigment contain ABS as a colorant. ABS colorants produce extremely vivid tattoos that are less likely to fade or blur than the traditional pigments, but ABS tattoo pigment is also harder to remove because it is so much less reactive to lasers.

There has been concern expressed about the interaction between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and tattoo pigments, some of which contain trace metals. Allegedly, the magnetic fields produced by MRI machines could interact with these metal particles, potentially causing burns or distortions in the image. The television show MythBusters tested the hypothesis, and found no interaction between tattoo inks and MRI.

Professional tattoists rely primarily on the same pigment base found in cosmetics. Amateurs will often use drawing inks such as low grade India ink, but these inks often contain impurities and toxins which can lead to illness or infection. Although "greywork" is often done with a better quality pelikan #17 or Talens drawing ink mixed with a darker lining ink to optain a softer grey.

Tattoos


A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification or branding.

Tattooing has been practiced worldwide. The Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, traditionally wore facial tattoos. Today one can find Berbers of Tamazgha and Maori of New Zealand with facial tattoos. Tattooing was widespread among Polynesian peoples and among certain tribal groups in the Philippines, Borneo, Mentawai Islands, Africa, North America, South America, Mesoamerica, Europe, Japan, Cambodia, New Zealand and Micronesia. Despite some taboos surrounding tattooing, the art continues to be popular in many parts of the world.

Etymology

The origin of the word "tattoo" cannot be confirmed for certain but a borrowing from the Polynesian most likely Tongan, Samoan or Tahitian word tatau, "correct or workmanlike." It also signifies the correct quadrangular figures in reference to the fact that Samoan tattoo designs do not include circular lines, although other Polynesian tattoo motifs do.[1] The first syllable "ta", meaning "hand", is repeated twice as an onomatopoeic reference to the repetitive nature of the action, and the final syllable "U" translates to "color".[citation needed] The instrument used to pierce the skin in Polynesian tattooing is called a hahau, the syllable "ha" meaning to "strike or pierce".[citation needed]

The OED gives the etymology of tattoo as "In 18th c. tattaow, tattow. From Polynesian (Tahitian, Samoan, Tongan, etc.) tatau. In Marquesan, tatu." Englishmen mispronounced the word tatau and borrowed it into popular usage as tattoo.[2] Sailors on the voyage later introduced both the word and reintroduced the concept of tattooing to Europe.[3]]

In Japanese the most common word used for traditional designs is, "Horimono".

The traditional Japanese hand method is called, "Tebori".

The word, "Irezumi," simply means, "insertion of ink," and could mean tattoos using Tebori, or Western style machine, (or for that matter, any method of tattooing using insertion of ink).

Japanese may use the word, "Tattoo," to mean non-Japanese styles of tattooing.

Tattoo enthusiasts may refer to tattoos as, "Tats," "Ink," "Art," or, "Work," and to tattooists as, "Artists". The latter usage is gaining greater support, with mainstream art galleries holding exhibitions of both traditional and custom tattoo designs. Copyrighted tattoo designs that are mass-produced to tattoo artists are known as flash, a notable instance of industrial design. Flash sheets are prominently displayed in many tattoo parlors for the purpose of providing both inspiration and ready-made tattoo images to customers.

Unique Tattoo Designs


Finding the unique tattoo designs is not easy. If you think that you will find some unique designs at your nearby tattoo studios then you are wrong. If you are really keen on finding the designs which are exclusive then you have to shake off your laziness. The key of finding the exclusive sketches is looking at the proper place. If you will look at the proper place then it is not that difficult to find unique designs. First you have to understand that most of the free or easy to find sources of tattoo designs are useless as far as one of its kind sketches of tattoo is concerned. The old proverb "you will get what you pay for it" is equally true in case of finding unique designs.

Best approach is not browsing through innumerable free galleries and hoping to find some unique sketches. Instead try to find some good artists. You can find some less expensive but talented tattoo artist who will draw you some great sketches according to your preferences. When hiring this type of artists be sure that they understand your requirements. It is often possible with inexperienced tattoo artists that they will draw what they think is best without considering your preferences.

It is important that you should be clear in your mind about the general design preferences. I am not telling you to ignore the free designs galleries and sketches of tattoo studios, but contrary I insist that you see lots of sketches before deciding on your tattoo design. This way it is possible to know what are the common tattoo designs and what are the features you want or you don't want in your unique design.

There is one easy and cheap method to find one of its kind designs. There are many websites that offers unique tattoo designs to only their members. Select carefully a website and become the member. This way you will have freedom of watching the different and not so common tattoo designs in the comfort of your home.

Tattoos in modern Japan


At the beginning of the Meiji period the Japanese government, wanting to protect its image and make a good impression on the West, outlawed tattoos, and irezumi took on connotations of criminality. Nevertheless, fascinated foreigners went to Japan seeking the skills of tattoo artists, and traditional tattooing continued underground.

Tattooing was legalized by the occupation forces in 1945, but has retained its image of criminality. For many years, traditional Japanese tattoos were associated with the yakuza, Japan's notorious mafia, and many businesses in Japan (such as public baths, fitness centers and hot springs) still ban customers with tattoos.

Tattooing and other forms of body decoration and body modification, as in much of the western world, are gaining in popularity in Japan. However, Japanese young people who choose to get tattooed are most often choosing "one point" designs -- small designs that can be completed in one sitting -- usually in the American or tribal styles. More recently, however sanskrit Siddham script tattoos are becoming more and more fashionable.

Traditional irezumi is still done by specialist tattooists, but it is painful, time-consuming and expensive: a typical traditional body suit (covering the arms, back, upper legs and chest, but leaving an untattooed space down the center of the body) can take one to five years of weekly visits to complete and cost in excess of US$30,000.

History of Japanese tattoos


Tattooing for spiritual and decorative purposes in Japan is thought to extend back to at least the Jōmon or paleolithic period (approximately 10000 BC). Some scholars have suggested that the distinctive cord-marked patterns observed on the faces and bodies of figures dated to that period represent tattoos, but this claim is by no means unanimous. There are similarities, however, between such markings and the tattoo traditions observed in other contemporaneous cultures.

In the following Yayoi period (C. 300BC – 300 AD) tattoo designs were observed and remarked upon by Chinese visitors. Such designs were thought to have spiritual significance as well as functioning as a status symbol.

Starting in the Kofun period (300-600 AD) tattoos began to assume negative connotations. Instead of being used for ritual or status purposes, tattooed marks began to be placed on criminals as a punishment (this was mirrored in ancient Rome, where slaves were known to have been tattooed with mottos such as "I am a slave who has run away from his master").

As the power of the common people and working classes of Japan grew in the latter half of the Edo period (circa 18th century) horimono, or traditional Japanese tattoos, began to flourish as art form. Using images from traditional water colour paintings, woodcuts and picture books of the time as designs, the ultimate reward for the patience and endurance of pain would be a tattoo of immense beauty. To experience and enjoy Japanese horimono tattoos it is important to understand their history and background, and it is also important to continue to preserve the traditions behind them.

The origins of traditional Japanese tattoos can be traced back to the latter years of the Edo period in Japanese history.
In 1603, the then ruler of Japan, Tokugawa Ieyasu, centralised his shogunate government in Edo, what is now Tokyo. In the 200 years following this, the established feudal system began to stagnate, and in opposition to the martial upper classes, the common people of Edo began to develop their own separate, unique culture for themselves.
Rejecting the centuries-old strict ethics and morality of the Confucian beliefs of the samurai and taking up themes based on duty, ninjo (human experiences and feeling), fashion and comedy the townspeople of Edo increasingly began to enjoy novels, drama, comic tanka songs and theatre. Books such as kokusenyagassen by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, Honchohsuikohden and Satomihakkenden by Takisawa Bakin and many other publications, along with picture books and artwork all combined to develop into a system that became a massive outlet of cultural expression for the ordinary people of Edo.

In this way the society of Edo progressed, and the pride and mentality of the ordinary people, manifested in such ways as dategokoro (foppish male fashion) and shokunin-kishitsu (the pride and way of thinking of the Edo working classes) of the tobishoku, or blue-collar workers, grew amongst such townspeople as labourers, manufacturers, hikeshi or firemen (in 18th century Edo urban fires were commonplace, and a major cause of mortality, as well as an ample source of tales of heroism) and petty crooks known as gaen. Some of these predominantly working class people of Edo, in imitating the heroes of the folk story Suikohden, as popularised at the time by the famous woodblock artist Kuniyoshi (Suikohden was a legend originating in China, where outlaws who, in defying the local corrupt authorities became folk heroes as protectors of the common people; an oriental equivalent of Robin Hood) began to ritualistically and painfully tattoo themselves with designs based on folklore, such as dragons, giant snakes and Chinese lions, and also with religious figures such as the Bhudda, Fudomyo (the God of Fire), Fujin and Raijin (the Gods of Wind and Lightning) and Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy) using sharp needles to insert pressed charcoal ink under their skin.
The people who carried out such tattooing tended to be ukiyoe woodblock artists, who simply exchanged their wood-carving blades for long, sharp needles. As time progressed however, some of these artists specialised in tattooing and came to devote all their time to tattooing only, and thus became tattooists. This long process has come to produce what is known as the uniquely-Japanese traditional art form, horimono.
There are written records indicating that in Edo as early as 1830 there were formal gatherings of tattoo enthusiasts.
Although nowadays tattoo conventions are common both in Japan and in the West, the fact that in Edo such conventions were taking place over 150 years ago is an indicator of the long and rich history of traditional Japanese tattoos.
The tattoos of the Edo, Meiji and Shohwa eras are described in the classic 1936 work, Bunshin Hyakushi, or One Hundred Tattoo Figures and Stories, by Tamabayashi Haruo.
In the book, the life and works of some of the famous tattooists of the Edo period are described, such as Karakusagonta (from Asakusa), Darumakin and Iso (Yanaka), Charibun (Asakusa), Horitsun (Kameido), Ichimatsu (Asakusa), Kane (Yottsuya) and Horiichi (Osaka). However there is no photographic record of their works and designs, and so one must go by their considerable word-of-mouth reputation.
Horiuno was born Kamei Unosuke in Kanda, Edo in 1843. At this time, tattoos were undergoing a surge in popularity amongst the people of Edo.

Horiuno became a tattooist at the age of 20, but travelled extensively throughout Japan, such as to Osaka, Kyoto and Shizuoka, and only really began working full-time from the age of 40. However, he continued his business well into his 70s and much of his work can still be seen today. Many of his customers were workers in the local construction and manufacturing industries, and in 1912, some of these locals of the Kanda area formed the Kanda Choyu-kai, literally "Tattoo Friends Society of Kanda", and 10 years later, extended membership to those outside the Kanda area, to form the Edo Choyu-kai.

The members of this group, who consisted mostly of labourers such as construction workers, carpenters and plasterers, would meet every year at places such as Ojinanushi-no-taki and Marukotamagawaen, taking part in mass outdoor banquets, or in festivals such as the Asakusa Sanja-matsuri, showing off their extensive and intricate body tattoos with pride.

Horiuno was well known throughout Japan and also overseas, and was said to be Japan's most talented tattooist. However, at that time a wealth of equally-skillful tattooists, such as Horiiwa, Horikane, Kyuta and Nekokichi could be found throughout Japan.