Lanterns Tattoo: a philosophical take
Whether it is drawn in the style of Old School or New Traditional, the lantern is no less than the ultimate answer to our need to embrace the light The…
Tattoo Symbology
65 articles
Iconography, graphic, artwork and symbols in the tattoo art
The symbology of tattoo recounted in images and words: a return to the origins for a better understanding of the present, through the hidden symbolism of our most beloved subjects.
Frog Tattoos: the Transformation on Skin
A frog tattoo is a rite of passage. This is self-evident from their colour: green, the same as the Heart Chakra. Let’s begin with evolution. The frog, which is an…
Ship’s wheels Tattoos: symbol of life path
The sea has always been a source of inspiration for landlubber tattoo artists. So let’s take a closer look at the wooden device which keeps a ship on course… In…
Turtles Tattoo: a moving and philosophical way of life
These animals are a mixture of the sacred and profane, wisdom and patience. Showing us through their own behaviour that haste is always the worst option… Turtles belong the scientific…
Nautical star tattoos: a faithful guide on our skin
Mistakenly believed to be the brightest star in our universe, to this day Polaris remains – symbolically and literally – our guiding star The Nautical star, as it is known…
Boxing tattoos: the beginning of the noble sport
Yes, we’re truly passionate about boxing. And maybe have a nice Traditional boxer tattoo somewhere on our skin. So let’s take a look at how it all began.… Boxing is…
Foo Dog Tattoos: defending our homes (and skin)
Dog or lion? From China or Japan? The origin of the legend of the “stone temple dog” is lost in the mists of time and, according to Feng Shui, they…
The symbology of cherry blossom tattoos
It stands for life, but also for ephemeral existence where all it takes is a breath of wind to start the never-ending cycle again. Meet the true star of Hanami.…
Horse Tattoos and the legend of Kelpie
Just maybe, behind this awful mythological figure which is present in Scandinavian and Celtic cuture, there might be a vague connection with the famous Loch Ness Monster… The Kelpie is…
The countless meanings of rose tattoos
From passionate devotion to blind jealousy, but also honesty, energy, admiration and even deceit. There seems to be no end to the symbolic meanings of your floral tattoos! One of…
Lighthouses Tattoos and the oldest lighthouse in the world
The story of the Tower of Hercules in the port of La Coruña. It is said that from the top, the human eye can see a thousand kilometres… In case…
Swallows Tattoo: the legend
An old European legend explains why these birds have a snow-white breast. Now you know what it is you are getting for a tattoo… Once upon a time – or…
The secrets of Peony Tattoos
Discover the secrets of a two-dimensional flower: what for the peoples of the Orient is a symbol of immortality is still seen in the West as something all too fleeting,…
Buddha Tattoos: meditate with the teachings
Some practical tips on how to get to the sacred places of Buddhism scattered around Japan and India. To plan a holiday based on the theme of meditation. Meditating in…
Zombies Tattoos: the legend and the symbology
Well-known mythical creatures mentioned in the Afro-American religion of Voodoo, the Living Dead have always been beloved of horror-style tattoo fans. The legend of the zombie originates in the enchanting…
The symbology of Shark Tattoos
Here’s why, whenever we get a tattoo of such a noble and dangerous creature, we should bear in mind the lessons of the Maori, Celts and Hindu peoples… For the…
Wolf Tattoos and the magical powers
The Nunamiut remain the world’s largest connoisseurs of this wild breed. Let’s find out more about a subject always in demand with tattoo lovers. For the Native Americans the wolf…
Some tips before getting a rooster tattoo
Well-bred, proud and decked out in bright colours, the rooster seems made to be transformed into a work of skin art… The domestic rooster is an animal which is to…
Crysanthemum Tattoos: Symbol of Life
Wrongly believed in Italian culture to be a symbol of mourning, this “golden flower” is actually the ultimate symbol of life and splendour. Let’s find out all about it… The…
Raven Tattoos: the symbolism
Beloved subjects for both Black and Gray and Traditional styles (but not only!), ravens represent wisdom and are the proud owners of beautiful dark feathers, that once were white… Ravens…
Pyramid Tattoos: the fulcrum of symbolism
Some see pyramids as altars raised to the gods, others as homes to the dead or even astronomical instruments… A flame toward the sky Pyramids are surrounded by an intricate…
Foxes Tattoos: wisdom or seduction?
Eternal symbols of cunning and shrewdness, tattoos of the fox have always been seen as a symbol of sexual potency, but also a sort of precious lesson in life… Wisdom…
Vampire Tattoos: a Dark Symbology
Lords of darkness, bloodsuckers or monsters of folklore? Legend or reality? We have dusted them off for you about a subject very popular with tattoo artists… Firs character created by…
Gorilla Tattoos: behind the Symbology
The gorilla is the master of the jungle and a noble creature, but also a “fetish animal” for hundreds of tattoos in all styles from all around the world. Beast…