Koi Fish Tattoos

Koi is called the king of river fish and has been long regarded as a joyful fish. Samurais in Muromachi period adored the bravery koi's possess. Koi, or carp, are a fixture of Japanese tattooing and play important roles in both Chinese and Japanese myths, legends, fables and stories.

The Huang Ho that is called as yellow river flowing across the Chinese continent. In order to reach its source, a carp must attempt an assent towards a valley of rapids called Longmen through the Jishishan mountain, which stands deep in the Kunlun mountains.

According to the legend of Japan, if a carp successfully swims up the Longmen Falls i.e. dragon's gate, koi are transformed through their efforts and perseverance, able to climb waterfalls or become dragons. Because of the legend, the carps became a symbol of human's success in life.

Based on the above mentioned legend, it became a symbol of worldly aspiration and advancement. More generally, the Japanese associate koi with perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals.

The Koi Fish is symbolic in the Buddhist Religion, representing courage. Humans 'swim' through the 'ocean of suffering' without fear, just like a fish swims through water. Thus definitions of tattoos and symbols koi fish of Japanese origin and come in several colors and spotted the koi is a sing of strength determination of ones will to stay the course and battles the water to release there off spring like the salmon do in Alaska thus the koi is a symbol of strength virtue and honor.

Here you can find the collection of koi fish tattoo designs and pictures.

Developed by TDDI, the tattoo designs expert.