Tattoo Symbology
85 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.
Oni Tattoo: malignant spirits or guardian spirits
We have taken a closer look at the symbology of these creatures from Japanese folklore. Even centuries on their role is far from clear, so it’s better to tread carefully……
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The Evolution of the Pin-Up Tattoos
With pouting lips, hourglass figure and a lusty look in her eyes, the Pin-Up Girl is synonymous with tattooing for her alluring looks and celebration of the female form. As…
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Angel Tattoos and the symbology of the guardian angel
A princely subject much loved by tattoo enthusiasts, this winged protector differs widely from one religion to another. Let’s find out why. According to the Christian tradition, a guardian angel…
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Cats Tattoos and the right way to pet and feed our furry friends
Some recent university studies have shown how we could do better for our furry friends in terms of feeding them and expressing our affection… Cats obviously like to be petted,…
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The legend of the Griffin tattoos along the gold road
Symbol of courage, strength and unwavering faithfulness, the origins of this mythological creature date back to the times of Marco Polo and the Silk Road. Grifins, as anyone knows, are…
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Happy Fourth of July with the colours of tattoos
his year we’ve decided to celebrate Independence Day by creating a gallery for you of tattoos of symbols of the United States of America Independence Day, also known as the…
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Robin redbreast tattoos: symbols of hope and happiness
From its encounter with Jesus in the Christian tradition to its unmistakable joyous song. Let’s find out more about the secrets of a much-loved Traditional tattoo… For the Norsmen, the…
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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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