Japanese flowers and their meaning in tattoos

 

 

The main design in Japanese tattoos is often complemented by a variety of different flowers

In this post we’ll be going though the different meanings of said flowers .

 

 

Peonies

Peonies or “Botan” Is the royal flower associated  with the emperor  and ist also known as the King of flowers.

In Japanese tattoos the peony represents honour and beauty.

As peonies blossom in the spring they are often  paired with the cherry blossoms “sakura” for this reason.

Chrysanthemum

 

“Kiku”

-The golden flower –

In Japan the chrysanthemum or “Kiku” was traditionally used for the emperors seal and is therefore know as the golden flower.

Chrysanthemum tattoos represent the autumn season and are normally paired with dragons and snakes.

Lotus flower

 

A symbol of our purity and enlightenment.

Lotus flowers bloom in muddy waters and shows us beauty can come from the most unexpected places.

Lotus flowers are often used together with Buddhist imagery a common design is Buddha’s Hand holding a lotus flower.

 

 

Cherry blossom

 

Sakura

 

Perhaps the most famous of all Japanese flower is the cherry blossom.

Cherry blossoms bloom for a short time and are a reminder of how fragile life can be.

In Japanese tattooing cherry blossoms represent the spring time and are often paired with the Japanese Koi.

 

Mape leafs

 

Maple leaf’s are a common motif in Japanese tattoos they represent the moving of time ,

Normally the maple leaf is paired with tigers or koi fish representing  the autumn season.

Japansese tiger back piece by carl Sebastian