It's always good when a tattoo hides a story or has a specific meaning for the wearer. This can be transformed into a work of art by a talented tattoo artist and is always a topic of conversation.
You are a big oneJapanFan and you like itKoi TattooDesigns good? Before you have the desired motif engraved under your skin, you should definitely look into its origin and meaning. Read more about koi tattoos here and be inspired by the pictures.
Koi Tattoo Origin: What is a Koi Fish?
The koi or koi carp is a large fish that belongs to the carp family. Koi are very valued in Asia and especially in Japan and are strongly rooted in Japanese history and mythology. In the land of the rising sun, the koi is even called “the king of the river”.
Initially the fish were bred as insectivores and food fish, later koi breeding became a noble hobby and was considered a social status symbol. Today the koi is primarily an ornamental fish that is bred and kept by many because of its beauty. If a koi fish has enough space, it can reach a size of 90 cm and live up to 60 years.
What does a koi tattoo mean?
Koi fish are a classic Japanese motif that enjoys international popularity. Koi come in many bright colors - in addition to the usual colors red and orange, Koi fish are also yellow, black, silver/metallic,white and blue.
Koi tattoos also have symbolism, although there is no consistent meaning behind the image. As a rule, fish is associated with determination and perseverance in critical situations and challenges in life. A koi carp in the wild has to fight its way up the river through dangerous power sources to reach its spawning area.
Koi symbolize the strength to prove yourself
A koi fish tattoo represents courage and assertiveness. It is also a particularly masculine symbol and denotes the pursuit of success and realization. The motif on the skin speaks of a strong character, independent, ambitious and free. Many people still believe that a koi tattoo will bring them good luck.
The specific components and aspects of a tattoo such as color, size, orientation, position or number are also considered.
Koi in black and white
A fish swimming upwards symbolizes the struggle to achieve goals. If the fish is shown pointing downwards, it shows that a challenge has been overcome.
A representation of the Koi fish in metallic color shows the wearer's striving to achieve prosperity through economic success.
Gold Koi fish are generally symbolic of eternal prosperity and wealth. To achieve this, you should get 5 gold-colored koi pricked.
The black koi is considered a sign of change or triumph.
A red koi represents love, exuberance, energy and bravery.
The blue koi is even a phallic symbol of potency and male power.
A beautiful work of art on the skin
Sometimes the koi is depicted as half a dragon. Legend has it that when a koi carp swam against the current and up through the waterfall at Longmen Falls (called the Dragon Gate), it transformed into a dragon at the end of its journey.
The Dragon Koi represents strength, tenacity, luck and success.
Koi as a tattoo motif on the forearm
A koi tattoo is almost always associated with other Asian motifs, very artistically designed. Classically, this is usually depicted floating and surrounded, for example, by waves and/or cherry or lotus blossoms. The koi's scales are always clearly visible. That's why you hardly see any small-format motifs.
The variety of Koi tattoo motifs is only limited by your own imagination and the talent of the tattoo artist. If you want a koi fish tattoo that consists of many colors, be prepared accordingly for the price of this work of art.
The koi as a tattoo on the upper arm
Japanese style koi tattoo
Linear representation on hand
Koi tattoo in vibrant colors
Blue Koi - detailed illustration
Carp as a symbol of success in a person's life
A big colorful motif
Black koi on the upper arm
Red koi fish on the leg
Koi carp tattoo templates
