Tattoo Symbology
78 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.
Seahorse Tattoos: all about their symbology
When the underwater currents push harder, these likeable little creatures cling to the cliffs or coral so they don’t get swept away… Seahorses (scientific name: Hippocampus Rafinesque) have been venerated…
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Elton John: our rave review of “Rocketman”
The biopic about the English pop star, just released at Cannes, is a fairytale cocktail of musical, friendship and excess. Let’s celebrate it in a riot of ink… Anyone who…
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Gambling Tattoos: why it’s impossible to win
From ancient China to modern day casinos, gambling has always exerted an irresistible attraction on mankind. Even on their skin… The origins of gambling are lost in the mists of…
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All the secrets of Toucan tattoos
With its colourful bill (a brilliant yellow-orange), The Toco Toucan is a fascinating creature with a docile character. Let’s find out some more about it… The Toco Toucan (scientific name…
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Parrot tattoos: freedom and sensuality
A fetish of pirates, but also an intelligent creature that can imitate the human voice and an incorrigible suitor: there’s always some excuse for a parrot tattoo There can be…
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Barcode: the ultimate critical tattoo
This symbol, which became famous thanks to the actress Jessica Alba, even now at the start of 2019 remains an effective antidote to mass conformity. Let’s see why. Let’s retrace…
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Cowgirl: tattoos and Gus Van Sant’s cult movie
The female counterpart of the cowboy brings to mind an old movie that came out in 1993 with Uma Thurman as an utterly unforgettable cowgirl Our new tattoo gallery dedicated…
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Torches Tattoos: the symbology in flames
From the myth of Prometheus to the Olympics or the crests of the most prestigious universities: torches seem to be everywhere, even on skin… For thousands of years, the torch…
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Rose of No Man’s Land Tattoos
It all began as a French song, but even in the third millennium, the Old School figure of the Red Cross nurse nested in roses is still the ultimate symvbol…
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Hot Stuff Tattoo: the story of a good Little Devil
A cartoon devil in an asbestos diaper, he made his first appearance in 1957 from the pen of Warren Kramer, and was destined to become a classic of American tattoo.…
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Mandala Tattoos: creative relaxation as skin art
Observing, colouring and drawing these ancient Indian designs composed of circles and squares is a way of attaining that much longed for inner balance… Mandala is a Sanskrit word generally…
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Peacock: the tattoo explained by a Sufi legend
The story of the argument between the Peacock and the Snake, in the words of Adi the Calculator, is an effective metaphor to better understand modern-day concepts like beauty and…
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Cobra Tattoos: Symbols of the Afterlife
The ultimate symbol of the Afterlife, this particular snake was so important to the Ancient Egyptians that the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was even buried with one… Cobra is a word of…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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