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Japanese Koi Tattoos

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By relache

About Koi Tattoos

The history and mythology of koi goes back to China, over 2,000 years ago, and these images and stories were absorbed into Japanese culture like so many other things. They have been kept as auspicious pets dating back hundreds of years. They have been popular images throughout the history of Japanese tattoo designs and as that style is now very prevalent in Western tattoo culture, so is the Japanese koi tattoo.


Bleeding Koi Design

photo by ReLache, taken at the Folsom St Fair, SF, CA
photo by ReLache, taken at the Folsom St Fair, SF, CA


Japanese Tattoo Books - I own all three and highly recommend them!

The Japanese Tattoo The Japanese Tattoo
Price: $14.90
List Price: $27.50
Tattoos of the Floating World: Ukiyo-E Motifs in Japanese Tattoo Tattoos of the Floating World: Ukiyo-E Motifs in Japanese Tattoo
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Japanese Tattooing Now!: Memory And Transition, Classic Horimono To The New One Point Style Japanese Tattooing Now!: Memory And Transition, Classic Horimono To The New One Point Style
Price: $22.76
List Price: $29.95

The History of Koi

Koi is the Japanese word for "brocaded carp" and refers to the large, colorful fish that have been bred and kept in ponds for centuries. The formal name "Nishigikoi" translates as "living jewels." Careful breeding of these fish really got a modern foothold in the 1800s, and it has produced a rainbow of colors and a variety of specific body markings in the years since.

They are part of Japanese mythology and are symbols of strength, perseverance and courage. These fish are very long-lived under the right conditions and this is what has contributed to these interpretations and associations. In myth, the very strong koi will be able to swim upstream and leap the waterfalls, being rewarded at the end of the journey by being turned into a dragon.

Koi Pond - photo by Relache


See A Koi Coming To Life


From sketch to finished tattoo

Here is the line drawing of the koi tattoo design by Bill Liberty
Here is the line drawing of the koi tattoo design by Bill Liberty

The Story of Crystal's Koi

The tattoo you see here is on the leg of my friend Crystal. She'd had a few smaller tattoos before, but when it came time for something large, she picked a koi. I think the symbolism of perseverance fits well with how she's overcome many challenges in her life.

The tattoo was designed and tattooed by Bill Liberty. His shop, Liberty Tattoo, is located in Sacramento, CA, where Crystal lives. She's a big lady and she decided to put this tattoo on her thigh, so it's pretty large. It starts a little above her left knee and runs up to the top of her thigh. The entire tattoo took several sessions. Large, complex tattoos are most often done in stages, with the colors being added from darkest to brightest. So first the black outline and shading was done. Then all of the blue water coloring and shading was done. And finally, the brightly colored fish and flower were finished.


Koi and Flowers Tattoo

photo by ReLache, taken at the Folsom St Fair, SF, CA
photo by ReLache, taken at the Folsom St Fair, SF, CA

Comments About Koi Tattoos

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simplyjo profile image

simplyjo  says:
5 months ago

Amazing tattoos.. i love em and have a Chinese one on my right arm too - though its nothing like these :) lol

Reynolds_Writing profile image

Reynolds_Writing  says:
6 months ago

I love the bright colors in Koi tattoos.. Great hub topic.

muiomuio profile image

muiomuio  says:
12 months ago

I have just finished drawing a koi fish to a possible tattoo but I had a mistake on the koi's face :(

taylorblue profile image

taylorblue  says:
16 months ago

@relache...I'm in the process of getting that sleeve now...I have three sessions done. I took the fish from up here but he switched it up...I'll post pictures when it's done. :)

relache profile image

relache  says:
2 years ago

Full-body tattooing carries the strongest Yakuza connotations. And tattooed women are sometimes considered to be Yakaza property. However, younger people are embracing the Western perception of tattoos more as a fashion, and in a generation or two that attitude will most like have changed.

Robinson Rex profile image

Robinson Rex  says:
2 years ago

It might be beneficial for people to know that the Koi tattoo (and most tottoos in Japan) are linked in the public mind with the Japanese Mafia. There are even signs in public baths that say "No Tattoos". This could be why Kat Von D. won't do them.

ElatedState profile image

ElatedState  says:
2 years ago

Apparently these are one of the only things Kat Von D. of the show L.A. Ink will not tattoo. I'm not sure why...

gamergirl profile image

gamergirl  says:
2 years ago

Interesting fact: The common goldfish is related to the koi/carp. True story.

In other news, great hub relache. I -love- tattoo hubs.

relache profile image

relache  says:
2 years ago

Patty, if you ever attend a tattoo convention, that's where you'll find the tattoo contests.

trakker14 profile image

trakker14  says:
2 years ago

Wow awesome tattoos I have a few myself but those are great..

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
2 years ago

That's quite an investment! I watch Miami Ink sometimes -- a couple of the artists in that shop are extremely profroessional asnd put their whole selves into their artwork. Best of success with that sleeve!

Are there tattoo contests or shows in which folks can enter and win prizes - it would be better than an annual bodybuilding competition that we have here, imo.

taylorblue profile image

taylorblue  says:
2 years ago

I think my sleeve will be $1000 at least..I already have $600 worth of tattoos right now... :)

Volatto profile image

Volatto  says:
2 years ago

Nice hub! I have always wanted to know what koi meant. The art of tattooing is so beautiful :D

relache profile image

relache  says:
2 years ago

Tattoos don't have to necessarily be expensive, but they sure aren't cheap either!

Patty Inglish, MS profile image

Patty Inglish, MS  says:
2 years ago

What lovely artwork! Is it expensive?

taylorblue profile image

taylorblue  says:
2 years ago

i have done a bit of research and some picked out...

relache profile image

relache  says:
2 years ago

Do you have a design worked up already or are you doing research?

taylorblue profile image

taylorblue  says:
2 years ago

This is awesome...I am getting a koi sleeve in June...I can't wait!

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