Chinese Tattoo Designs – Symbols that Characterize the Chinese Traditions

Chinese characters are ancient calligraphy that has influenced neighboring countries like Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Other than their exotic look, many employ these as tattoo designs because of their beautiful symbolism and imperial significance.

PHOTO BY FLICKR.COM/MICAELTATTOO/

Chinese Tattoo Designs - Valuing their Significance

Before choosing a Chinese character or design for tattoo, it is a must to seek not only someone who speaks Chinese, but someone who is an expert in it. Many are opting Chinese tattoo designs because of their exotic calligraphy. Others prefer them due to their ancient symbolism and elegance. Butterfly tattoos are quite common for women. They associate these to change, growth and freedom. Professional tattoo artists can offer various designs and their connotation. They can write them correctly and can advice on their meaning. Still, it is better to do ones own research first. After all, with aid from experts, it is the client who can best represent their importance and do justice to these Chinese tattoo designs.

Chinese Symbol Tattoos - Writing Them Best

Many deem Chinese symbols as very complex. But in fact, these are derived from ideographs and forms of animals, nature and other images. Today, Chinese symbol tattoos can be done in two ways of modern writing. These are traditional and simplified systems of writing Chinese. Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau are some countries that use the traditional form of writing. This form can be dated back to the late Han dynasty. Simplified Chinese characters, on the other hand, is commonly used in Singapore and Malaysia. These were created by Chinese government in 1950s to simplify the forms and lessen the number of strokes. Chinese symbol tattoos are very significant and must be done by professional artists.

Chinese Dragon Tattoos - For Great Character

Chinese mystical beings are common subjects in tattoo designs. Dragons and phoenixes are some of these ancient creatures. Chinese dragon tattoos symbolizes wisdom, strength and freedom. It is usually illustrated with heavy scales, small clawed legs and wingless mythical being. It is often associated floating on seas, clouds or heavens. Because of their dominating symbolism, these are often depicted on powerful individuals and on large parts of the body such as the back. These can be done in monochromatic scheme of multi-colored hues. Professional artists would always stencil it first to show clients the final design. This way, any modification or addition can be easily rectified.