Tattoos are a very personal work of art that stays with you for a lifetime. There is a unique story behind every tattoo. Tattoos are not just a fashion statement that complements your look. Tattoos have become an expressive art form that highlights your personality.
Getting a tattoo is not an overnight decision. You must choose a tattoo carefully because the wrong tattoo can be painful, expensive and inconvenient. Also, if you choose something embarrassing, you'll probably have a hard time explaining it to your friends and family.
That's why we say "think before you paint". Choosing the right piece of tattoo is very essential. There are many things you should consider before getting a tattoo on your body. You need to think about size, color, design, style and placement. Also, you need to choose a tattoo that suits your purpose and something that has a deeper meaning.
Tattoos are often enigmatic and only tattoo bearers know the reason behind a tattoo. There are many traditional tattoos that have been maintained over the centuries. These tattoos are symbolic and have great meaning for the tattoo bearer and their culture.
The koi fish is one of the iconic symbols of Japanese culture. It is part of their heritage and many people use this symbol as a tattoo to represent power and transformation.
There are many variations of the koi fish tattoo. Each one with a unique meaning and design.
Whether you are deeply immersed in Japanese culture or just inspired by the history of the koi dragon, give the koi fish tattoo a try.
What is a koi fish?
Koi are a variety of colorful carp from East Asia. your japanese nameNishikigoi, means “brocade tent.” Koi is an ornamental fish commonly found in ponds and water gardens. Many people in Aisa keep this fish for its vibrant color.
The first koi were bred almost exclusively in Japan. These vibrant looking fish have been around for thousands of years. These iconic Japanese fish were first introduced to China when Chinese farmers used to raise carp in rice paddies.
The legend of the koi fish
Legends of the koi fish go back centuries. The story originates in the Yellow River in China, where koi fish used to swim upstream.
A school of koi struggled against the current, swimming upstream until it reached the river's end, only to be obstructed by a waterfall.
Most of the koi returned, but a few of the braver koi continued their journey to the other side, trying to jump to the top of the waterfall.
As the koi fish continued their attempt to climb the turbulent waters, the demons laughed at their efforts and quickened the current to create a more challenging barrier.
Slowly, the fish began to give up, one after another. After hundreds of years of trying, only one of the koi fish has survived. When he reached the top of the waterfall, the gods rewarded his efforts by transforming the koi fish into a golden dragon.
koi fish symbolism
Due to this folklore, the koi fish has become a universal symbol of resilience and determination. Here we have selected some of the best koi fish tattoo designs that you will love.
1. Koi fish and lotus flower tattoo
The koi fish and lotus flower tattoo is a powerful symbol that represents spirituality and strength. The lotus is a delicate plant with an eye-friendly color that grows in marshy conditions. In many eastern cultures, the lotus flower is considered sacred as it has religious and cultural significance and is a symbol of spiritual awakening. It also sometimes symbolizes pristine beauty or enlightenment, while koi represents strength, determination, and sometimes good luck.
Like the lotus flower that grows in the mud, anyone can win the fight and win the critics. Together, lotus and koi fish tattoos represent growth and overcoming struggles.
2. Tatuagem de pez Yin Yang Koi
Yin yang koi tattoos represent balance and harmony in life. The yin yang has a deeper symbolic meaning as it deals with cosmic duality. It is a concept of duality where negative energy coexists with positive energy and how both energies are essential for cosmic balance.
The yin-yang symbol consists of a circle divided into two halves by a curved line. The black half of the circle represents the yin side, while the white half represents the yang side. The yin yang symbol combined with the koi fish represents perseverance and persistence.
The yin yang koi fish tattoo is mostly black and white tattoos, but if you want to add some color to your koi fish, there's no stopping you.
3. Koi dragon fish tattoo
The koi dragon is an ancient tale that has symbolic meaning in Japanese culture. Folklore has it that there was a large school of koi fish that swam upstream in the Yellow River. Thousands of carp fought the current, swimming upstream until they reached the end of the river and were blocked by a waterfall.
Some koi, however, kept trying to jump on him but failed. Slowly, the fish started to give up after trying for hundreds of years until finally a koi came out on top. To reward his persistence and bravery, the river gods transformed that fish into a golden dragon.
The dragon represents strength, power and ferocity, while the koi represents perseverance and willpower. These two tattoos combined represent transformation and resilience.
4. Small Koi fish tattoo
If you are looking for a small tattoo that is intricate and has a deeper meaning, then you can go for the small koi fish tattoo. The best part about getting a small tattoo is that you can hide it very easily. We don't always like to show things that are personal to us. If you want to keep your tattoo discreet and hidden, you can take this understated approach and get a smaller tattoo with symbolic meaning.
Tattoos are a fascinating work of art, but in some cultures or high places, they are still considered taboo. But nowadays, small tattoos have become very attractive as they are subtle yet cool.
5. Traditional japanese koi fish tattoo
In Japanese culture, the koi fish is a symbol of determination and perseverance. Some people even believe that koi fish brings prosperity and good luck in your life. The traditional Japanese koi fish tattoo has vibrant colors and a highly detailed look defined by thick lines. There are many traditional Japanese tattoos that include animals and mystical creatures. Each tattoo has a different meaning and is very important in Japanese culture.
If you are looking for a bold tattoo design that has a powerful and symbolic meaning, you can try the traditional Japanese koi fish tattoo.
6. Red koi fish tattoo
The color of the koi fish is important because each hue has a different meaning. The red koi represents bravery and courage. If you associate yourself with any of these qualities, you might want to consider getting a red tattoo.
A red carp tattoo can have many different meanings. It can be a symbol of intense love, motherhood, power, strength or bravery. It is a popular koi fish tattoo color. If you want to make a bold statement, this is the perfect tattoo for you.
7.koi fish tattoo
Koi fish tattoos are often combined with other animals and symbols. The koi fish tattoo is often used to represent a zodiac sign, Pisces. Similar to the yin yang tattoo, you can get a visual representation of two koi fish swimming in a different direction.
This tattoo represents the balance of life and the interaction of both positive and negative components. The rich symbolism of this Pisces koi tattoo is often associated with the concept of duality. It can also represent the tattoo wearer's conflicted mind.
8.Koi fish with cherry blossom tattoo
Many people are fascinated by Japanese culture as it goes back thousands of years. If you are someone who admires Japanese culture or are of Japanese descent, a koi fish with cherry blossom tattoo might suit you. Like the koi fish, the cherry tree is very important in Japanese culture. The cherry blossoms in spring with a hint of pink and white roses that are so nice to look at. It is a symbol of renewal and the ephemeral nature of life. The cherry blossom tattoo is a reminder of how short yet colorful our lives are, while the koi fish symbolizes good luck and wealth. The combination of these two elements of life can create a powerful metaphor for existence.
9. Koi fish avatar tattoo
We are often inspired by movies and music and get a tattoo related to them to show our love and devotion for these things. Many fans of the Avatar: The Last Airbender series are doing the exact same thing. If you're a fan of this series, you've probably already noticed the two koi fish in the series.
In the animated series, the moon spirit Tui is depicted as a white koi fish with a black spot on her head, while La is the ocean spirit and is black with a white spot on her head. Together they symbolize cosmic balance. If you want to get a bold tattoo with a meaningful meaning, then you can get the koi fish avatar tattoo.
10watercolor koi fish tattoo
Koi fish are beautiful creatures with vibrant colors that have more symbolic than aesthetic meaning. Therefore, adding color to your koi fish tattoo will bring out the meaning and true representation of the tattoo.
Nowadays, many people are getting interested in watercolor tattoos as they look more attractive and detailed. A watercolor koi fish tattoo is a bold choice and will certainly help you stand out from the crowd of people with black and white tattoos. Body art looks more like a realistic painting, which makes it more attractive and can work as a conversation piece.
If you want to get a watercolor tattoo, make sure you choose the right tattoo artist, as it can be a tricky process. There are a lot of details involved in the watercolor koi fish tattoo, but when you are done inking it, it will look really attractive.
FAQs
What do koi fish represent in Japanese tattoos? ›
The Koi Fish Tattoo Meaning In Cultures
They symbolize strength as well as good fortune, especially with wealth. The Chinese also represent the koi fish as the yin and yang symbol, meaning balance. Koi fish are popular symbols of Japanese culture and part of Japan's national identity.
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typically shown swimming alongside one another, two koi fish represent the duality of life and the balance of opposing life forces. These two koi fish are sometimes portrayed in the yin and yang configuration, representing the harmony between opposites.
What do koi fish colors mean? ›Each koi has a particular significance in Japanese culture based on its color: Gold Koi: Wealth, prosperity, growth. Kohaku: This common color pairing, red and white, represent career success. It can also mean love and compassion. Ogon: The platinum koi signifies business success and material wealth in career.
What does 7 koi fish mean? ›7 Koi Fish represents togetherness for Peace and Unity. 8 Koi Fish represents prosperity and incoming Wealth arriving into your home and business. 9 Koi Fish represents unity, prosperity and longevity.
What does 12 koi fish mean? ›12 koi fish meaning have strong symbolic meaning Japanese, Chinese Feng Shui Meanings include: Tenacity, Courage, Wealth & Abundance.
Does koi mean love? ›In Japanese, both "ai （愛）" and "koi （恋）" can be roughly translated as "love" in English.
What fish represents love? ›Koi fish are known to swim in pairs, and are naturally known in many cultures as a symbol of love and affection, just how these two fishes swim side by side in matrimony.
Do koi know their name? ›Strikingly like us, koi are equipped with a long-term memory and they also have the same senses that humans do. Not only are Koi great at remembering faces but they can even recognize their own names – try it at home!
What color are female koi? ›There are two main indicators of sex in koi. The easiest way to tell is from fin shape and color. Male koi have smaller, more pointed fins that are opaque and generally colorful. Female koi, on the other hand, have larger, rounded fins that are partly or completely translucent or even transparent.
What is the lucky number for koi fish? ›
You can use fish either in a koi pond outside your home or in an aquarium inside your home. Both uses are auspicious. Most Feng Shui practitioners agree that the number nine is the most auspicious number, so it's no wonder that this is the favoured number of fish for your tank or aquarium.
What is the rarest koi color? ›Ki Utsuri. Ki Utsuri, by far the rarest type of Utsuri, combine patterns of yellow over a lacquerish black body. Ki Utsuri are judged by the same criteria as Shiro and Hi Utsuri. Variations of Ki Utsuri include Gin Rin Ki Utsuri and Kin Ki Utsuri.
What are 9 koi? ›The typical number of Koi fish in a feng shui is 9 because it means unity, prosperity and longevity. The number nine represents attainment and completion. One of the nine fish is in black color which is representing protection.
Do blue koi fish exist? ›Koi varieties are distinguished by coloration, patterning, and scalation. Some of the major colors are white, black, red, yellow, blue, and cream.
Why are koi lucky? ›Koi is one of the strongest living creatures in the water, and can swim vigorously even in a cold pond. They are also large and sturdy, which may be why they look so tough compared to other fish. Because of their size and ability to live a long life, they have become a symbol of good luck and health.
How many koi should be together? ›For most people, limiting yourself to one Koi per 250 gallons of pond water is still conservative assuming you have a quality life support system on the pond and you aren't opposed to some routine maintenance.
How old is a 7 inch koi? ›Koi Genetics
Under the right conditions, the average Koi will be between 6 and 8 inches by the end of its first year, and by the time it is 3 years old it will have reached its full adult size.
3 Years. Many Koi are almost adult-sized, measuring around 15 to 16 inches, while others may grow 20 inches or above by the age of three. Koi needs roughly three years to reach adulthood.
What tattoos last longer? ›Overall, black and gray tattoos are faster, cheaper, and classier than colored tattoos. They last much longer without any significant fading than colored tattoos.
What does 81 tattoo mean? ›Gangs often use numbers to signify membership. People bearing 81 may be in the Hells Angels (8 = H; 1 = A). A 12 signifies US prison gang the Aryan Brotherhood.
What tattoos last a year? ›
Ephemeral is the first and only tattoo that's made-to-fade in a year. Applied by real tattoo artists, Ephemeral tattoos are formulated to have a shorter lifespan– giving you the freedom to get tattoos without a lifetime commitment.
Should I get a tattoo or not? ›More recently, research also has uncovered some good news. Most people don't experience any problems from a tattoo. And in them, getting inked body art may confer health benefits. The inking process may actually turn on the immune system, helping to keep such individuals healthy.
How long does a tattoo take to heal? ›After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.
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Best Tattoo Colors that Last the Longest
With proper aftercare, black and gray colors last for up to 10 years or longer before requiring a retouch. Dark blue: Like black ink, dark blue tattoo colors are suitable for dark skin. They have long-wearing pigments and can also last for up to 10 years.
Thin lines, shading, small words, and small tattoos all fade much more quickly. Some like the effects age has on their tattoo. However, that tattoo will likely blur together if it's got too much detail. Bolder lines, thicker lines, and larger designs will better stand the test of time.
Which type of tattoo is lucky? ›A lot of people ink a four-leaf clover or a horseshoe, among other common symbols associated with luck." So if you have a good-luck symbol you feel particularly attached to, getting that as a tattoo may attract positive energy in your life.
What are the Japanese 3 words for love? ›Here is a non-exhaustive list of words and expressions that could turn out to be useful if you were to find yourself in a situation where you have to talk about love in Japan: 愛 (ai): love. 恋 (koi): love. 恋愛 (renai): love, falling in love.
What is the best symbol of love? ›The Heart: The most popular symbol of love, a heart is used to represent the center of emotion, including affection and love, especially romantic love. A heart pierced with an arrow is meant to symbolize romantic love.
Are koi loyal? ›All joking aside, Koi fish are known for their great memory, loyalty to their owners, and for their striking personalities.
What color fish is good luck? ›
Gold fish can be kept at home as feng shui fish because they bring in wealth and good luck. Also, Arowana fish, Butterfly Koi, Rainbow fish can be your choice.
What does fish mean in Bible? ›The Greek letters for ichthus (meaning “fish”, pronounced “ICK-THOOS”) became an acronym: I=Jesus; X=Christ; O=God's; Y=Son; E=Savior. Today, the person who displays the fish symbol has accepted the same New Testament teaching that these early Christians accepted: that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.
Which fish is loyal? ›French Angelfish
This marine fish is notable for its loyalty to its mate. Although they do not care for their small fry once they have hatched, French angelfish mates live together forever and defend each other from attacks from other fish.
Sure, the occasional brush on the fingers as they swim past your hand in the pond or a kiss on the hand while you feed them is ok, but not picking them up out of the water. In some instances, with illness or distress, a koi keeper will have to handle his or her koi, but not otherwise.
What are blue koi called? ›Shusui was the first Doitsu variety of koi and are one of the only two blue koi! They are a Doitsu (scale-less) version of Asagi. Shusui was first bred in the early 1900's by Yoshigoro Akiyama mixing the Doitsugio, a German scale fish, and the Asagi.
What color are koi born? ›Even the most colorful and vivid koi will produce eggs that hatch into dull-colored fry. This likely serves as a survival advantage, as predators are less likely to spot plain-colored fish. Healthy koi eggs will have a yellow-ish color and have little eyes begin to develop after a few days.
What does a koi fish tattoo facing down mean? ›Koi fish swimming downstream: don't yet possess the strength to make it against the obstacles; or haven't achieved the goals. it can mean having already overcome all obstacles and no longer needing to fight against the current.
What does 9 koi fish mean? ›The typical number of Koi fish in a feng shui is 9 because it means unity, prosperity and longevity. The number nine represents attainment and completion. One of the nine fish is in black color which is representing protection.
Are koi fish good luck in Japan? ›Koi have been loved in Japan and they have been characterized by strength and success for a very long time. Koi fish stands for basically anything that is good; luck, prosperity, vitality, and longevity and is very closely associated with the Japanese cultural identity.
What does koi yin yang mean? ›The Koi fish paired with the yin-yang symbol holds great significance in Chinese culture. The sides are said to resemble a female and a male koi swimming together, representing the harmony of two opposite energies coming together as one, creating a perfect balance.
Do koi symbolize love? ›
Koi is a homophone for another word that means “affection” or “love” in Japanese; koi are symbols of love and friendship in Japan among many other symbols. Koi are becoming a universal symbol of peace all over the world. By the Heian period (794-1185), koi fish were already popular and kept by nobles in Japan.
What is the dead fish symbol? ›Dead Tree Dead Fish - Environmentally Hazardous Substance Markings. Help shippers and transporters easily identify any liquid or solid material classified as a marine pollutant with Labelmaster's Environmentally Hazardous Substance Markings.
Is it inappropriate to get a koi fish tattoo? ›Koi fish are popular in tattoos, but they also hold meaning in Japanese culture. Add to that the deep history of traditional Japanese tattooing, which has its own set of rules, getting a koi fish tattoo without that understanding can be seen as appropriation.
Which koi fish is lucky? ›Gold fish can be kept at home as feng shui fish because they bring in wealth and good luck. Also, Arowana fish, Butterfly Koi, Rainbow fish can be your choice.
How many Kois are lucky? ›You can use fish either in a koi pond outside your home or in an aquarium inside your home. Both uses are auspicious. Most Feng Shui practitioners agree that the number nine is the most auspicious number, so it's no wonder that this is the favoured number of fish for your tank or aquarium.
What makes koi happy? ›A happy Koi fish has adequate room (not overcrowded with other fish), well oxygenated water, a diverse environment with places to hide (bubbles, waterfall, plants, etc.), clean water (correct filter), and is fed with quality food.
What is the luckiest animal in Japan? ›Cats – 'Maneki Neko'
The lucky cat is regularly represented in talismans, and is thought to bring luck, happiness, wealth, and prosperity.
In fact, the Japanese believe black koi to be good luck, an omen of prosperity, bringing wealth and fortune to the owner.
What does yin energy look like? ›One cannot exist without the other. Yin and yang are often represented graphically with the tai qi symbol, which depicts a circle that holds within it two teardrop shapes, one black (yin) and the other white (yang).
What is the meaning of a koi dragon tattoo? ›Dragon koi tattoo symbolizes overcoming obstacles, as koi fish travel up the Yellow river and once it reaches the end of the river it transforms into a dragon. Hence, overcoming adversity represented by the strong river to fulfill its own destiny and reaching its goal is another popular symbolization of koi tattoos.