Tattoo "Carp Koi"

Carp Koi tattoo is often found among sketches for men and women. This fish is traditional for Asian culture, but it quickly gained immense popularity in European countries. A tattoo depicting a Japanese carp on the back, shoulder, arm and other parts of the body can have different meanings. That is why it is worthwhile to study this symbol in advance, learn more about its features and places of application.

The Japanese koi carp was once considered the favorite pet of the emperors in the Land of the Rising Sun. Ponds with such fish in the garden symbolized prosperity, emphasized the high social status of their owners. Gorgeous carps with sparkling scales are known for being able to swim not only with the current, but also against it. According to legend, these fish could once turn into formidable dragons, having passed a special path to the top of the waterfall.

According to other versions, the mythological significance of the koi carp is even more significant. It is they who are considered the prototype of the yin-yang symbol, in which the masculine and feminine beginnings merge. Even the shape of the symbol looks like two fish swimming in opposite directions.

You can understand what a tattoo with koi carp means by studying the history of its appearance. Among the meanings that masters lay in the creation of sketches for men and for women, there are different options.

1. Going against the stream. This is a tattoo of rebels, fighters against traditions, irreconcilable and ambitious loners.

2. Longevity... It is known that this fish, even in captivity, is able to exist for quite a long time - up to 200 years.Sometimes a gray-haired old man is depicted next to a koi figurine.

3. Success and prosperity. In this case, the fish holds a coin in its mouth or is surrounded by other symbols of wealth. And also a tattoo with 9 fish is considered a symbol of prosperity.

4. Happy marriage. For this tattoo, images of 2 fish were combined at once, by analogy with yin-yang.

5. Love... Actually, the word "koi" is the concept and is denoted in the Japanese language. Moreover, this is precisely the love between two people - in marriage or outside it. Feelings of attachment to children or parents are not expressed with such symbolism.

6. Man... Koi were originally considered symbols of men, masculinity. The carp flag is hung in the house where the boy was born. Not surprisingly, this fish tattoo is considered an element that gives masculinity to its owner.

7. Woman, mother. Such tattoos include images of koi with scarlet scales. For girls who have not yet known motherhood, it is recommended to choose a tattoo with a pink carp.

The color of the body of the fish also matters. Koi Yamabuki with golden scales promises enrichment and prosperity, silver Obon promises business success as well as his white brother Kohaku. The Kumonryu black carp promises changes in life, a change of path. Europeans are most familiar with the image of the red and white koi fish Kuchibeni - a symbol of energy, courage, and happy love.

Initially, the carp introduced to Japan from China in the 14th century were only black. But then, as a result of mutation, their color changed noticeably.

The traditional aesthetics of the East dictates its own rules in the art of drawing on the body. It is characterized by the presence of clear outlines, bright colors. Other symbols add additional complexity to the picture. Often the carp figurine is accompanied by images of lotuses, waves, hieroglyphs with a certain meaning, as well as dragons. Do not forget that it is in them that koi are able to transform according to ancient legends.

There are a lot of options for sketches with koi carps. Almost all of them are colorful, bright, but there are also laconic monochrome options. All of them are conventionally divided into several groups.

• Yin Yang. Minimalist tattoos are very popular in this category. Black and white koi carps follow each other's tails on them, symbolizing endless movement. A sketch can be sketchy or very detailed, with clear detailing.

• Koi with a lotus. Female symbol. The color of the fish here is most often scarlet or red-white, a flower with pink-purple petals is in the tail of the koi. The lotus can replace the image of a peony or water lily, a sakura branch.

• Koi in the water... Since the carp can swim against the current, it is depicted in the streams of a waterfall or simply splashing in the waves. The combination of blue and black, gold and silver colors in tattoos always looks very impressive.

• Koi carp and young man Kintaro. This plot dates back to the 10th century. According to legend, the young man defeated the giant carp, enlisting the support of the king of fish. This symbol is considered a sign of doubled courage and remarkable strength. Kintaro is always depicted with orange skin, equal to carp, and wearing a traditional belt covering the abdomen.

• Koi with a coin in their mouth. Such a symbol is worn by successful financiers and other people living with the dream of wealth. The color of fish scales usually matches the shine of a gold or silver coin.

• Koi carp among seaweed. This plot recalls the original origin of the fish, its desire for the natural elements.

• Dragon-headed carp. Such tattoos are characteristic of the Chinese tradition. The koi really does have a resemblance to the legendary mythical creature, only a mustache is worth something. A dragon in scales with a fish tail is usually done in monochrome or in red and black tones.

• Two fish with their heads facing each other. Usually, a blue carp is depicted, symbolizing the masculine principle, and a red carp, denoting a feminine nature. This is a good tattoo for married men who believe in love. If there are children, on the scales of the fish there may be spots of the corresponding shade - white, blue, pink.

• Fighting carp and dragon. This symbol also has Chinese roots. The figures in the composition can be located parallel to each other, opposite or attack from the tail.

• Koi in the water with yellow autumn leaves. This plot symbolizes the achievement of calmness and serenity. In this case, the water is almost motionless, its flow is disturbed only by circles diverging around the leaves.

• Fish on a hook... This symbol is preferred by fishermen for good luck. The sketch can include other details, such as bait or tackle.

Most of the work is done in the Japanese style. But experienced craftsmen are ready to create realistic images, with scales worked out to the smallest detail on the body of a fish, with exact adherence to its anatomy. Fans of custom tattoos should try to apply an image in the trash polka style. And also the technique of watercolor, old school or dotwork, baroque with its abundance of decorative elements in ornaments is suitable for work.

The Karp Koi image is widely used by tattoo artists. Traditionally, it is applied to areas of the body that can be easily hidden under clothing. In Asian countries, the open wearing of tattoos indicates belonging to certain groups. European traditions are less strict. Most often, the image of koi carp can be found on some parts of the body.

• On the back. In this case, the image is applied to the surface of the blade on the left or right. Large compositions are placed in the upper part of the back so that the fish "swim" up. It symbolizes the desire for success.

• On the arm or shoulder. The most popular option. Often the tattoo starts from the wrist and goes to the forearm, covering the entire surface of the arm. This is a male version of the location of the tattoo. Women prefer to decorate only the forearm with the image.

• On the foot. Traditionally, girls have voluminous koi tattoos on their thighs where they can be hidden under a dress or trousers. Men choose the shin or the upper front of the leg for their application. Ankle tattoos are common among both sexes.