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Japanese Tattoo Imagery

Common Japanese Images - Peonies (Paeony)

By admin ⋅ May 30, 2009 ⋅ Email This Post Email This Post ⋅ Print This Post Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment
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Woodblock Peony Flower

Woodblock Peony Flower

Peonies are another common image in Japanese Tattoo’s, they are often found as more of a focal piece of the tattoo (whereas Sakura or Cherry Blossom Tattoos are mainly used to highlight and accentuate a background) simply because they in real life are a large flower.

They are native to Asia, as well as parts of Europe and North America, and are available in many different colours including red, white and yellow - so feel free to pick and choose whatever colour will suit your design best!

According to London Ink, the Nikole Lowe Episode - In Japanese culture, the Peony is regarded as a symbol of wealth, good fortune and prosperity although it can also suggest risk taking and a devil may care attitude.

You can also see a tattoo of a peony in our recent blog post on japanese imagery of tigers

Discussion

3 comments for “Common Japanese Images - Peonies (Paeony)”

  1. i wouldnt really trust london ink on the symbolism of japanese tattoo… according to most westerners, anything japanese symbolises happiness or wealth… id find a better source

    Posted by twoshay | June 17, 2009, 9:10 pm

  2. How would you describe the symbology of Peonies Twoshay? Happy to hear better/more accurate descriptions and update the blog as required!!

    At the end of the day it’s Nikole’s opinion on what she feels they represent, and as such an opinion it can neither be right nor wrong, as it is just her view…

    Posted by admin | June 17, 2009, 11:58 pm

  3. BOTAN (peony) is the symbol of nobility and considered to be the “king” of flowers.

    SHISHI ni BOTAN (lion dog and peony) symbolizes bravery and elegance, and thought to represent the spirit of the SAMURAI. Legend has it that the lion dogs loved to eat the flowers from the peony tree, so these are often together.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peony

    http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoos_designs_symbols_peony.htm

    http://students.washington.edu/ianli/japan/botan/meaning.php

    http://www.tattoosymbol.com/articles/peony.html

    http://www.kitsunegaroo.com/Dessymbolism.asp

    there are a few sources stating different symbology to the Botan/Peony, but as always its pretty tricky to get an accurate meaning behind it. Although these tattoo sites do mention it sumbolising wealth and properity, i am always a little suspect unless its come from someone who has spent time studying and practicing in japan.. none the less, the above articles should give people something to think about…

    btw, great blog, good to see something dedicated to japanese tattoo

    Posted by twoshay | June 18, 2009, 5:09 am

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