koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
Koi fish tattoo sleeves have become increasingly popular over the last decade, not only among the tattoo world, but the mainstream as well. Beautiful and majestic, Koi are renowned in Japanese culture and mythology. One myth tells us that a Koi swimming against the current and falls of the Yellow River, will instantly become a dragon. They are symbolic of the struggles we all must face in our lives, and that we become stronger with each battle.
It's difficult to say if the above is the most viable reason the Koi have captured the Western imagination. Perhaps with modern technology and communication, it was inevitable. The lines of cultural divides are getting blurrier every day, and it seems that within each major culture is a subsection reserved for another. The Western world is consumed with Buddhism and many New Age traditions that originated in the Middle- or Far-East, much as the Orient have become infused with American clothing, hair-styles and music.
Whatever the case may be, Koi tattoo sleeves have helped to extend a hand to the mainstream and welcome them to the underground world of tattoos.
It is easily apparent that it is the Koi rather than other fish that have gained notoriety as of late: their vibrant colors and wispy, carefree fins are hypnotic. They seem to sway with the movement of the current in a display of rare elegance, just as they do on the skin of the tattooed.
Many people I know have told me that if it weren't for Koi, they would definitely not have any interests whatsoever in tattoos. Moreover, those I have encountered throughout the years rarely have just one. They are perfect for full-arm tattoos because of the variety of colors, and as the saying goes in the tattoo world: "if you get one tattoo...you'll be back".
Although I do not have any Koi tattoos as of yet, I fully appreciate their beauty, and when I see them on skin I am amazed at how brightly colored most are, and how they seem perfectly at home near the elbow, shoulder, or wherever they may be.
It seems the tattoo world is indeed expanding. Twenty years ago it was unique to find someone with a tattoo that wasn't a skull, heart, cross, dragon or devil. It has turned from the realm of outlaw bikers to a true art form, and because of the Koi, I'm certain we can all look forward to tattoos being as socially acceptable as jewelry.
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
koi fish tattoo sleeve
