Once you have made the decision to get a tattoo, the next step is deciding what kind to get. Your choices are limited only by your imagination and the talent of your tattoo artist. One popular design is a Japanese Koi, and it is something that you might consider for your own tattoo.
Japanese Koi Tattoo
In order to understand the significance of the Koi, you must first know what it is. A Koi fish is a relative of the carp, though they are usually much larger than their Goldfish cousins that they are often mistaken for. You will find Japanese Koi that are red, orange, white, black, blue, or any combination of these colors. Their environment will often dictate their size, so a Koi with a great deal of room to swim in will grow to be very large. It is not uncommon for a Koi in a large pond to grow up to three feet in length.
Koi are the most treasured of all fish in Japan. The Japanese people have a great deal of respect for these beautiful animals, often including them in mythology. Though they can be found wild, Koi are often bred and kept as pets. It is not unusual to find that the centerpiece in the yard of a Japanese home is the Koi pond.
Koi fish tattoo can often be as beautiful as the real thing. More importantly, however, is the stories and meanings behind them. The Koi holds deep meaning in Japan, and that meaning can be expressed through a well done Koi fish tattoo design. The various meanings behind a Koi tattoo are:
· Advancements, improvements, and ambitions.
· Courage to surpass all the challenges of life.
· Determination and endurance in critical situations.
· Good luck.
· Independence and freedom.
· Strength to withstand the test of time.
· Strong character and identity.
Usually, Japanese Koi tattoo are chosen to represent a new beginning, an obstacle that a person has overcome, or even a problem that someone is currently facing. Many even choose tattoos of Koi fish simply to ward off bad luck, as well.
Since Japanese Koi usually have brilliant and varying colors, you will probably want to have those same colors incorporated in your tattoo, as well. This will add a great deal of cost to your tattoo. Colored tattoo ink is very expensive, and unused ink cannot be used for another customer. This is, of course, for safety and sanitary reasons, since the needles that have touched that ink have also been inside your skin.
Even though there is added expense, if you have a tattoo artist that can capture the vibrant colors and ornate beauty of the Japanese Koi fish, it will be worth the cost.
US $5.99
