Koi tattoo designs are popular due to its association with oriental (Japanese and Chinese) myths, it is gaining more attention from the western society due to its symbolical meaning. The koi is basically a symbol that represents perseverance during the time of adversity. It is perceived to be of strength in character and wisdom. It is also a symbol of longevity as koi fishes can live up to thirty years or for some lucky ones, up to 200 years. This character of longevity is further represented as perseverance and its color and form has charmed many artists. Koi is a Japanese word for carp and has been a staple pet in still water ponds. They are very beautiful and their colors and designs are intricate.
When you finally visit the tattoo parlor for your Koi fish tattoo you need to have a clear opinion of the color scheme you want the tattoo drawn in. A very popular color scheme is the time-honored Yen Yang design of black and white. For many of this classical arrangement is a little too conservative and tame and they prefer to choose another more vivid arrangement. For example if you have a dark or olive skin color it may be more appropriate to select a bright hue so the Koi fish tattoo is more noticeable. If you are wanting to go the more traditional style, you may want to choose one of the Koi's natural colors such as white, red, black, yellow or gold, or perhaps a mixture of those colors.
Have you any idea where you intend to position your tattoo? It is recommended that you make sure that your Koi fish tattoo has a place of honor on your body. You must also ensure it is in a place on your body that you can live with. For example, if your work place is of a conservative nature which frowns on employees having 'out there' body art or has a strict dress code you may not want your tattoo on your hand, face, neck or lower arm where the tattoo is readily visible and almost impossible to camouflage with clothing.
The koi has long been a symbol of manhood and the strength of masculinity. It leaps and can even turn into a dragon based on legends. For Buddhists, the koi is significant as it represents fearlessness and braveness as it journeys through the ocean. Koi tattoos designs therefore can be a metaphor of a human being's struggle to exist on earth. Where masculinity is valued, the koi tattoos designs are also popular. A young man can have a koi tattoo on his arm or leg and as he grows into a man, he might get a dragon on his back as a symbol of transformation as when a koi transforms into this mystical creature. The intricate design of the koi entices artists as its form, whiskers, colors, shape of each scale is lovingly tattooed onto a person's skin.
