Tattoo Symbology
102 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.
Poseidon Tattoos: the god of the sea as skin art
Here’s how the brother of Zeus managed to escape death and become lord of the oceans in a period when the ancient Greeks had abandoned exploration over land. Poseidon (who…
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Nurses tattoos: the story of Florence Nightingale and a tribute to our heroes
“Every woman has in her charge the personal health of somebody. Every woman is a nurse.” Let’s find out more about the woman who created a profession out of nothing……
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Oysters and Pearls Tattoos: the perfect combination
Some get them tattooed and leave the tattooist complete freedom in choosing the style. But others dream about them and have lots of ideas of their own. Let’s find out…
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Electric Light Bulb: Tattoos and History
Three names (one English, one American and one Italian) claim the glory for a groundbreaking invention which brought light into our homes and ink to our skins. The invention of…
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Hawks Tattoos: the messengers of the sky
Celebrated over the years by the best tattooists, these birds force us – literally – to turn our dreams into marvellous opportunities. Read on to see how. Hawks, the most…
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Han’nya Tattoos: when jealousy turns us into monsters
A famous mask from Japanese theatre, this tattoo is not closely tied to wounded love, but rather seems to keep away evil spirits. Here is the story… Let’s begin with…
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Snakes Tattoo: eternal symbols immortalised in ink
They are among the most popular subjects in every style of tattoo art, perhaps because ever since ancient times, these reptiles have exuded a particular (sexual?) energy and air of…
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The eight Tibetan Auspicious Symbol
The parasol (in Sanskrit chattra, in Tibetan gdugs) is a symbol of regal dignity and spiritual power. High-standing religious figures in Tibet were always provided with a silk parasol: it…
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Rock of Ages: a timeless tattoo which mingles faith, sensuality, and love of the sea
Based on an old Christian hymn and a 19th century painting, the Rock of Ages has adorned the skin of thousands right up to the present day… Long ago in…
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The Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo Symbology: never give up
The scene from Exodus, with the three horses charging after the Jewish people was made famous by tattoo artist Gus Wagner in the 1920s. One of the most uncommon tattoos…
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The meaning behind the Mexican Catrina Tattoos
Created by Diego Rivera, who in turn was inspired by the characters of the Posada, this mysterious, sensual figure is here to stay in the third millennium. The Mexican Catrina…
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Battle Royale Tattoos: the dualistic to beat them all
First and foremost, the Battle Royale is a mixture of styles. A historical tattoo, it came about at the turn of the twentieth century as a result of the meeting…
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Elephant Tattoos: a myth of Ganesh and the creation of the world
A positive animal for almost every culture on Earth, a pachyderm tattoo can bring you wisdom and good fortune. Let’s find out why… There is a wealth of symbolism associated…
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Circus Tattoos and a Farewell to the Barnum Circus
A brief history of the world renowned Barnum & Bailey Circus, “The greatest show on Earth”, which finally moved on forever in May 2017. It closed down once and for…
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The Spider tattoos dedicated to perseverance and creativity
Eight legs which remind us of infinity and a constancy and creativity which would make a positive addition to our daily lives. There is so much more to the spider…
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Moon Tattoos explained in its four quarters
We have the waxing moon, full moon, waning moon and new moon. And what quarter do you prefer for your tattoos. Let’s take a closer look at them one by…
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Fire Tattoo and the equilateral triangle
Since the dawn of time, fire has always been represented as an equilateral triangle… The ultimate alchemical symbol and a dualistic element unlike any other in the sense that it…
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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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