The Language of Tattoos: 130 Symbols and What They Mean

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This beautifully illustrated guide delves deep into the meaning and significance of different tattoo symbols, exploring the rich cultural history around the world of this widespread form of body art.
Tattoos are everywhere: one in three of us has at least one. Body art is one of the most popular ways of expressing our identity and beliefs.
But whether we’re aware of it or not when we choose a design to be permanently inked on our skin, a complex language of meanings lies behind the visuals we choose. A lotus flower, koi carp swimming upstream or a dragon rising towards the sun: in the language of tattoos these are all symbols of strength and overcoming adversity.  
 
This book uncovers the meanings behind tattoo symbols, delving into the history of the most popular motifs that recur in many different tattoo styles, including tribal, traditional, Japanese, and realistic. Over 130 symbols are grouped according to their meanings, whether it’s good luck, freedom, wisdom, power, spirituality, or love.
Each symbol is illustrated with stunning, specially drawn visuals by acclaimed artist and tattooist Oliver Munden, and accompanied by an explanation by tattoo expert Nick Schonberger which delves into its history, significance, and application in tattooing.
Both a visual delight and a fascinating insight into the rich cultural heritage of tattooing, this is the perfect book for anyone wanting to learn more about tattoo symbolism, in need of inspiration for their next tattoo, or who just loves tattoo art.
 

From the Publisher

Cherub

Not to be confused with Christian cherubim, which are assigned several different roles, the figure detailed here references desire and love. Stemming from ancient Greek and Roman mythology (as Eros in Greek and Cupid, son of Venus, in Roman), the character often appears as a winged child or young man, with bow and arrow.

This image has persisted for centuries, exploited by everyone from Renaissance painters to opportunistic greeting-card companies. By the 1900s, the image of Cupid benefited from the widespread adoption of Valentine’s Day as a holiday. While ancient forms were, at times, moderately mischievous, the later, more secular visions of the boy helped express ideas of love or togetherness.

As a tattoo, the cupid serves a variety of styles, including black and grey (as seen here) and western traditional.

Daruma

Common in Japanese culture since the 18th century, the daruma is a good-luck charm modelled after Bodhidharma, the monk credited with founding Zen Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu . Bodhidharma was famed for extreme practices . For example, he gazed at a wall in meditative state for close to a decade .During this time, he took no breaks and closed his eyes only once – during the seventh year . He was so furious at this perceived lack of self-discipline, that he sliced off his eyelids .This mutilation, combined with loss of limb use from sustained sitting, inform the design of the daruma, complete with big, doll eyes and distinct beard (shaped like a turtle) and eyebrows (which reference cranes) . Together, the elements of the daruma read as tribute to longevity, and its lack of body speaks to the power of perseverance, regardless of struggle .

Swallow

The swallow tattoo is indebted to sailor lore . Several legends pay homage to the swallow’s monogamy, migratory mates returning to the same breeding ground year after year . Sailors also associated the swallow with experience and tattooed themselves with the bird as testimony to their success in travelling long and dangerous distances: a single swallow denotes 5,000 miles (8,000 km) sailed; a pair 10,000 miles (16,000 km) . The typical location of the swallow tattoo, on chest, hand or neck, follows sailor tradition, too . One further legend, from the British navy, suggested a swallow tattoo between thumb and forefinger upon the rounding of Cape Horn.

Today, the swallow tattoo appeals to those wishing to commemorate a journey or voyage . It has become a universal symbol of resilience and is one of the most recognized designs in the western traditional style .

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Frances Lincoln
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 22, 2022
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0711267863
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0711267862
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 1 x 9.1 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #121,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #4 in Lexicography #24 in Body Art & Tattoo #32 in Style & Clothing
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