choosing Japanese Flower Tattoos: Symbolism & meaning - EIGHTFOLD TATTOO (2024)

Choosing the right Japanese flower tattoos is an important element of Traditional Japanese tattooing.

In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular Japanese flowers depicted in Japanese tattoos (irezumi).

I will only discuss what is within the confines of my knowledge as a 20-year Western tattooer. This is to respect Japanese culture and its history. Furthermore, I will not attempt to discuss or elaborate on topics I know little about.

Traditionally, Japanese tattooing is based on three different elements. Background (Mikiri): This consists of clouds, waves, wind bars, rocks. The main subject matter, and then flowers. This element is often overlooked because people do not understand its meaning, and it is misplaced with the wrong subject motif.

Therefore, In Japan, Hanakotobais known as the language of flowers. It is a form of communication where no language is needed. It has been used in Japanese culture for hundreds of years and is still present today.

The language conveys an emotion or communicates to the viewer or recipient without words.

Understanding and using Hanakotoba is crucial for a tattoo artist specialising in traditional Japanese tattoos. It allows them to visually depict the season of the body suit or sleeve and pair the right flower with the main subject, drawing from traditional Eastern folklore stories and woodblock prints.

Consider the foo dog (shishi) and the peony flower. The foo dog, broadly speaking, symbolises strength and courage and is typically paired with the peony, the king of flowers.

Cherry blossoms, or Sakura flowers as they are known in Japan, are national symbols along with the Chrysanthemum flower.

These beautiful flowers are from the cherry tree. It blooms and falls off the tree in around four short weeks. The short but beautiful life cycle symbolises life’s transient and impermanent nature.

The cherry blossom flower festival in Japan, known as “Hanami” in Japanese, is an annual tradition that attracts visitors from all over the globe and celebrates the beauty of the cherry blossom.

In the east, the cherry blossom has many different meanings. For me personally (for obvious reasons). Japan embraced this flower’s symbolism perfectly in many ways. The cherry blossom is probably most iconically depicted in the Japanese woodblock prints series “108 Heroes of Suikoden”. Although a famous Chinese novel from the Song dynasty about a band of outlaws who become heroes, the story travelled to Japan.

Kuniyoshi (1797–1861), a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist, famously created a series of woodblock prints depicting the characters from the Chinese literary classic “Water Margin” (known as “Suikoden” in Japanese).

Kuniyoshi’s interpretation depicted several characters with cherry blossom tattoos.

To me, this is the perfect example ofHanakotobaand the Japanese cherry blossom. Symbolising spirituality, renewal and birth, and the transcendence of life. The stories behind these characters perfectly embodied the significance behind the powerful cherry blossom.

Appropriately, In China and Japan, the peony is known as the “King of Flowers”

And so, this noble term became prominent during the Tang Dynasty when emperors favoured the flower for its fragrance and beauty. During this period, the peony was cultivated extensively in the imperial gardens. The flowers represent courage, good fortune, honour, beauty and elegance.

While the flower is associated with feminine qualities like beauty and grace in China, it can be associated with masculinity, strength, and resilience in Japan.

Once again, Kuniyoshi translated this iconic flower of masculinity into his woodblock print series, “108 Heroes of Suikoden.”

The Japanese peony tattoo is often paired with its appropriate main subject matter, such as ShiShi, Dragon or Koi. However, it can also be the main subject matter, as part of a sleeve tattoo or Bodysuit.

The Peony’s vibrant colours have various meanings and symbolism.

These beliefs are not only reserved for Japanese mythology but also have strong symbolic meanings in other cultures. Here are some common interpretations of the most popular colours:

RED

The red peony was for those in a position of power and appropriately represents courage and strength. The red flower can also symbolise wealth and prosperity.

YELLOW

The yellow peony symbolises Joy, prosperity and good fortune.

PINK

The pink peony appropriately represents love, beauty, and affection. It can also symbolise happiness, grace, and femininity.

PURPLE

Lastly, the purple peony represents Royalty and nobility. They often symbolise wealth and extravagance.

In China and Japan, Chrysanthemum flowers bloom in late autumn.

Because of their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, they symbolise resilience and endurance.

Even more, It is believed that The flower of longevity, strength and the cycle of life has been used since the Heian period (794–1185 AD) as the imperial crest. During the Meiji period, no one was allowed to use the Imperial Seal except the Emperor of Japan, who used a 16-petalled chrysanthemum with sixteen tips of another row of petals showing behind the first row.

To this day, the imperial family still uses the Chrysanthemum crest.

The imperial throne is often referred to as the “Chrysanthemum throne”. While the Emperor’s role is mostly ceremonial today, due to the Japanese government political reforms, the institution of the Chrysanthemum Throne remains an important part of Japanese identity and heritage.

The Japanese chrysanthemum tattoo is very popular as a one-hit, stand-alone tattoo or a perfect addition to any large-scale project.

Traditionally, chrysanthemum flower tattoos are paired with Dragons (Ryu), Koi, Snakes (Hebi), Warriors, or Cranes.

The Lotus flower begins its life cycle as a seed in murky, muddy waters of a pond or lake and rises unblemished, blooming into an elegant flower.

Although The lotus thrives and maintains its beauty in adverse conditions, the elegance of the lotus flower is short-lived. The petals are delicate and are quick to wilt.

While the flower is quick to meet the end of its existence, it is a perfect reminder of the fragility of life.

In Japan and other Asian cultures, the lotus holds significant cultural and symbolic Importance. It represents beauty and elegance, resilience and strength, purity and enlightenment.

The lotus flower is very closely related to spiritual awakening.

For this reason, this flower is depicted in Buddhist and Hindu art. Most commonly, it is seen with the enlightened Buddha and various deities. Its timeless beauty and rich symbolism have been part of ancient religions for thousands of years.

While The lotus flower is not as prominent in Japanese folklore as it is in Chinese mythology, The lotus is still a popular choice within traditional Japanese tattooing (irezumi)

Because of its significance and history, it has been depicted in traditional Japanese art for centuries. This imagery has always been a constant source of inspiration and reference for Japanese tattoo artists (horishi).

The lotus tattoo is often paired with Koi fish, deities, buddha, and other water-themed subjects.

I know the Japanese maple is not a flower, But the maple leaf is very commonly used in Japanese tattoo designs and has a strong cultural significance.

However, It holds as much significance in Japanese style tattoos as the flowers and is absolutely worth mentioning.

The deep-rooted symbolism of the Japanese maple is evident in the culture’s ability to express meaning without words. Like the cherry blossom, the maple symbolises the transience of life. It represents impermanence and reminds us to cherish each moment.

Additionally, as the maple transitions from winter to summer, so do its colours, which represent change and the cyclical nature of life.

The maple is commonly paired with the Hannya mask, Snake, Koi fish, Tiger, Heroes and deities.

TO SUM THINGS UP

Understandably, most tattoo enthusiasts and collectors in the Western world are not concerned about powerful symbolism and correct pairing.

In fact, it’s absolutely fine if your tattoo is stand-alone or purely decorative; I don’t judge. If you are looking for a traditional-style tattoo or a Western tattoo artist yourself, it’s important to understand the symbolism and the correct pairing of these motifs.

Japan’s rich history of tattooing dates back hundreds of years.

Thus It is rooted in deep cultural meaning and folklore that most of us as Westerners will never understand. It is hard to grasp the nuance and cultural context unless you speak Japanese because of misinterpretation.

That being said, with the internet at our fingertips, we can now start to understand some of the basic interpretations behind these motifs and stories.

In short, the translation might not always be directly correct or, even worse, a complete misinterpretation. It is worth cross-referencing some trusted sources so you can begin to understand the intricacies and cultural contexts. I highly recommend Michael Foster’s ‘The Book of Yokai‘ as a great place to start.

All Japanese tattoos and paintings on the page were created by woody.

Head to his gallery by clicking on an image if you would like to view more of his work.

Alternatively, head to our contact page if you would like to make an appointment.