BOOKS, SOURCES, ICONOGRAPHY

Once i had begun trying to fill in the gaps in my research and knowledge i turned to the library to find some books which could give me more knowledge of iconography and the meaning and style of tattoos in different cultures. In my opinion Tattoo artists need to have knowledge of history, culture and iconography of tattoos to be putting them on a persons body. If a client asks for a tattoo designing that means a certain thing and the artist has no clue of the meaning of the things he has put in it, its not a good start. I want to educate myself and build up my knowledge of iconography overtime so if i do figure out that tattooing is for me and i have my own clients asking me for suggestions on a tattoo with a certain feel or meaning i will be able to throw in my ideas and create a piece of art that is relevant to what the client needs.

These are the books i found most relevant to me.




"1000 tattoos" had a wide range of tattoos in terms of culture and appearance. It began with ethnographic tattoos such as Maori and native tattoos in new zealand around 1770 and natives in borneo around 1900 just to name a few. It was very interesting to see the faces of these tribes and illustrations of the male face broken down to show what each tattoo and the placement of it means.







"The mode of tattooing practiced by the Maoris was unlike that of any other race, and their artistic designs were arranged so that the skin of the face was often completely covered up to the corners of the eyes, and even over the eyelids; and that the stains, though tending to diminish in brilliancy, were indelible.

Moko for Maori men made attractive to women and conspicuous in war. The great chiefs had their faces and bodies covered with designs of extreme delicacy and beauty; and all the men, except the slaves, were decorated with blue-black."


The book also had a large section on classic and "americana" style tattoos.



And one of the most intersting sections for me was, Japanese tattooing.




Also a good starting point for me to learn iconography and symbolism in tattooing as the Japanese style incorporates lots of different meaning through symbolism. One of the most well known examples, the koi fish.


"According to Japanese legend if a koi succeeded in climbing the falls at a point called Dragon Gate on the Yellow River it would be transformed into a dragon. Based on that legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. "

The koi fish is very popular within tattooing as it it a symbol of determination and perseverance, it has also been said it can symbolize good luck. Koi dragon tattoos are also used to show the transformation of the koi to the dragon basically symbolizing perseverance to success.

Cherry blossoms are another popular image within japanese tattooing.




"For the Japanese the cherry blossom holds very different meaning. The cherry blossom is a very delicate flower that blooms for a very short time. For the Japanese this represents the transience of life. This concept ties in very deeply with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism that state all life is suffering and transitory. The Japanese have long held strong to the Buddhist belief of the transitory nature of life and it is very noble to not get too attached to a particular outcome or not become emotional because it will all pass in time.

The fallen cherry blossom is not taken lightly in Japanese symbolism either. It often represents the beauty of snow and there are many connections made in Japanese literature or poetry to a fallen cherry blossom and snow. This also has been extended to the life of a warrior whose life was ended early in battle."