Tattooing is an anomalous Japanese art form which has turned a fashion in the western countries and other parts of the world. It has a hectic history consisting of the various representations it made and has been one of the remarkable arts in Japan.

The terms Irezumi and Horimono are normally used to refer to the Japanese art of tattooing even though the word Irezumi can be used to represent the custom of tattooing the large body parts. Full body tattoos also are designed by the Japanese people.

Mainly because of the Buddhist and Confucianist influences on the art of tattooing, it was often attached with a negative aspect in Japan. So many people in Japan believe tattooing as a symbol of the Japanese Mafia or an uncivilized butch.

The tattoo art boasts a history of 1700 years. The Ainu tribe, the very first people to take up residence in Japan, are believed to be the founders of this art. Another old tribe named Wa' were accustomed to full body tattoos.

Even the Chinese people, who were too much advanced in different types of art, considered tattooing as a barbarian practice. When Buddhism shifted to Japan, this concept also was carried to Japan. Consequently tattooing became a punishment and identification mark for criminals.

Tattoos had a drastic change in the Edo period and it developed as a global trend. Firemen and labourers used to tattoo themselves and even prostitutes used tattoos to pull their clients because of their intriguing beauty.

in the 18th century tattooing substituted the amputation of ears and nose to sentence the criminals. A character tattoo in the forehead or a ring tattoo on the forearm became the sign of a criminal. In 1870, the Meiji government prohibited this practice.

Such a punishment was giving rise to a new group of rejected people that were looked down upon by society. Among the most common criminals of those times were the ronins; the master less samurai. This outcast clan formed the basis of the Japanese Mafia as they had no other choice but to organize themselves in gangs and conduct crimes.

Japanese people are not yet ready to accept this art as a cultured one. However, in the other countries it has become a fashionable practice among the younger generation.

Japanese Kanji symbols are often used as designs for tattoos. If you would like to know more about Japanese love symbols please follow the hyperlinks.

categories: art,tattoos,Japan,spirituality,society,poeple,homes,house,family,kids,health,entertainment