Tattoo Symbology
73 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.
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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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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