Discovering the history of Yakuza tattoos provides a rich and interesting understanding of the meaning behind the tradition. These are the shield or full body tattoos that have intricate designs with a subtle and striking combination of colors. The history begins in the time of the Shogun's in Japan. The designs have changed meaning over time, yet still provide a powerful message.
Ink designs were originally given to criminals to mark them in disgrace. The shame that went with the arm bands that were created was added to by adding bands with each conviction. In time, they began to be a status symbol of the feats accomplished by the criminals.
In the seventeenth century the first known marks were thought to appear. The crimes of the marked were often petty crimes that were often simple theft. The original people that were given these markings were thought to be ronin, or unemployed samurai that did not have a master to serve any longer.
These criminals were seen as Robin Hood like because they would often steal from the wealthy and give to the poor. When the master Shogun was killed or died, the samurai that followed him would no longer be able to be employed because their loyalty was to one master. This provided a large number of very skilled protectors with no one to protect. This contributed to their getting into mischief.
Organized crime was the result of these highly skilled criminals. In time, a boss would be selected and the Yakuza was formed. The tattoos became a symbol of loyalty to the boss. Even today, those in the organization are expected to be loyal till death.
The markings are now a symbol of pride instead of shame as intended. The ink is applied by being tapped into the skin with a needle attached to a wooden handle. The skill takes years to accomplish and often cannot be duplicated with modern equipment. It is very painful and can cost over $100,000 to be created over two years. The hands and face are often the only area that is not covered in the ink drawings.
The history of Yakuza tattoos completes the beauty of the drawings themselves. Understanding the loyalty they represent helps to appreciate the natural evolution they have had. There are between 80,000 and 100,000 members of this organization at any time. Though they have their beginnings in the 17th century, they still exist today.
Ink designs were originally given to criminals to mark them in disgrace. The shame that went with the arm bands that were created was added to by adding bands with each conviction. In time, they began to be a status symbol of the feats accomplished by the criminals.
In the seventeenth century the first known marks were thought to appear. The crimes of the marked were often petty crimes that were often simple theft. The original people that were given these markings were thought to be ronin, or unemployed samurai that did not have a master to serve any longer.
These criminals were seen as Robin Hood like because they would often steal from the wealthy and give to the poor. When the master Shogun was killed or died, the samurai that followed him would no longer be able to be employed because their loyalty was to one master. This provided a large number of very skilled protectors with no one to protect. This contributed to their getting into mischief.
Organized crime was the result of these highly skilled criminals. In time, a boss would be selected and the Yakuza was formed. The tattoos became a symbol of loyalty to the boss. Even today, those in the organization are expected to be loyal till death.
The markings are now a symbol of pride instead of shame as intended. The ink is applied by being tapped into the skin with a needle attached to a wooden handle. The skill takes years to accomplish and often cannot be duplicated with modern equipment. It is very painful and can cost over $100,000 to be created over two years. The hands and face are often the only area that is not covered in the ink drawings.
The history of Yakuza tattoos completes the beauty of the drawings themselves. Understanding the loyalty they represent helps to appreciate the natural evolution they have had. There are between 80,000 and 100,000 members of this organization at any time. Though they have their beginnings in the 17th century, they still exist today.
About the Author:
Yakuza tattoos represent the ultimate in full-color body art. The tradition of Japanese tattoos goes back into early history of the culture.. Also published at Exploring the History of Yakuza Tattoos.
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