Say that the irezumi are the japanese tattoos traditional is a bit redundant. The word itself means 'tattoo', as ire means 'insert' and zumi means ink.
However, the term irezumi has been used for some time to designate the traditional japanese tattoos. In this article we will see its origin.
The origin of the irezumi
The origin of tattoos in Japan is not very clear, although there are experts who venture that it could go back to 10.000 BC., since marks have been observed in the bodies of that time that could correspond to tattoos, although it is not a universally accepted theory.
You have to go back to 600 BC to find a more or less certain sample of Japanese tattoos. It seems that some visitors from China noticed them during their travels.
A fluctuating art
It seems that in an early period tattoos were used as spiritual motives and to mark status. But, in fact, even when there are mentions and witnesses of the irezumi at that time, also known as the Yayoi period, nothing is taken for sure.
Two great books of chronicles of the time, the kojiki and nihon shokiIn fact, they point out that tattoos in Japan did not exist, and that those who wore them were foreigners (with the exception of the Ainu, of whom we spoke recently).
In turn, this time of insecurity opens an extensive period in which tattoos are only used to mark criminals, thus taking negative connotations. It will not be until the Edo period (1600-1868), in which the irezumi reaches all its splendor, that things begin to change.
We hope you liked this article on the origin of irezumi. Perhaps another day we will talk about the Edo period and continue with the exciting history of this art. Tell us, would you like it? Do you have any Japanese style tattoos? Remember that you can tell us what you want, for this, you just have to leave us a comment!