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The same design reads differently depending on who wears it and where.

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Where it sits drives visibility, pain, healing and how it ages.

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What the design depicts, and what it has traditionally meant.

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Tattoos in public life.

45 Traditional Geisha Tattoo that Inspire your Artistic Side

Lovers of Japanese culture are fascinated by how deep the Japanese traditions are entrenched into their tattoos designs. Geisha tattoo is one of the popular tattoos with its origin from the Japanese culture. Geisha tattoo symbolises beauty and mystery and is often done in bigger designs and worn in larger places like the full back, full arm and other places.

Geisha tattoo is a rather unique design as Geishas are often misunderstood to be women of the night. However, the Geisha culture is much more than a mere prostitute; it represents the powerful attraction and seduction that a beautiful and intelligent woman can create. Among the Japanese culture both men and women sport tattoos of a Geisha. One thing that you have to remember about a Geisha tattoo is that it has many details in them making it necessary to go for a large sized one.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 1

Traditional geisha tattoo design is an expression of a perfect woman with a mysterious demeanor. Geisha tattoo design symbolizes a beautiful woman who is artistic and perfect. The geisha tattoo below is a demonstration of that real feminine beauty and is well blended with beautiful flowers and other features.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 2

According to the Japanese culture, geisha was known as consort who could entertain men by exciting them and making them feel great. The beauty and style demonstrated in the geisha tattoo design is quite evident just like in the design below. The geisha tattoo design looks stunning and the place its worn makes it to more appealing.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 3

The Geisha tattoo design below looks perfectly done with the colour combinations and the flowers incorporated in the design greatly enhancing the general outlook. The tattoo fits well in the back of the wearer with the complexion of the wearer making it look more appealing and fascinating.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 4

Geisha's were not exactly prostitutes but acted like call women who were well versed with the topics that appealed to men more like topics of wisdom and arts. Geisha tattoos are worn by both men and women and are taken to symbolize the specific elements demonstrated in the ancient geisha.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 5

Geishas are essentially beautiful women who are bred and trained in the art of entertaining men. This was not necessarily restricted to pleasing them in bed, but being the perfect entertainer or companion, even if on a temporary basis. Geishas were required to be well-groomed, elegant, adept at singing and dancing, well-versed in conversation and maintain the ability to be good listeners. In essence, they were trained to be the perfect companion, however their reputation negated their status - since they were shared prizes, they were often not permitted to marry.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 6

Looking at the level of training the Japanese geisha's were to go through in order to be valuable for giving company and entertainment to men, it can clearly be seen from the geisha tattoo design the actual beauty the girl's demonstrated and sophistication in dressing and jewelry that they adorned. Identifying with geisha tattoo like in the tattoo design below in indeed a demonstration of beauty and elegance in the character of the wearer.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 7

Traditional geisha tattoos involve use of motifs and patterns that make them quite versatile. The design of the geisha tattoo below is cool and a bit sophisticated. The brown and black colour looks stunning with the great features like the umbrella and the costumes.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 8

Geishas were indeed an epitome of beauty and elegance. The geisha tattoo below exemplifies the outstanding beauty of the geishas looking at the wonderful combination of colours and the stylish outfit. The tattoo blends quite well with the flowers with the hair perfectly done.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 9

A geisha had to project an air of mystery and allure which made men want to be with them. Usually petite women, wearing a white mask and having jet black hair - a Geisha would always be dressed in vivid colors. She would be the epitome of feminine beauty and a person well-versed in the arts. Their life goal was to ensure that the men who visit them have a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere, where food, wine, music, conversation and dance flowed as per the mood. The Geishas would even provide interesting insights into politics and history during the course of their conversation with the visitors. Over the years, women of all walks of life have become privy to Geisha tattoos to express these qualities in themselves and their personality.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 10

It's good to understand the meaning or symbolism behind geisha tattoos before deciding to be inked. Most women who choose to wear geisha tattoo often love identifying with geisha qualities like perseverance, attractiveness, beauty, wisdom and more.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 11

Though most geisha tattoo designs are inked with the usual Japanese attires, the geisha tattoo design below looks quite complex with a combination of various elements and features. The various colours used on the tattoo design below makes the entire tattoo look classy and stunning. The geisha feature is surrounded with an array of beautiful flowers and butterflies.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 12

Some geisha tattoo designs are inked alongside other features like cherry blossom tree. The geisha in the tattoo design below looks pretty cool with that outfit flowing to the feet. The tree feature blends perfectly with the design creating such a dynamic geisha tattoo design.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 13

A Geisha, in essence, was the symbolism of womanhood, a desire that every man longed for - making it another popular meaning for a tattoo design. Geisha tattoos often represent complete femininity, softness, beauty, wisdom and core of subtle strength. The Geishas were renowned for their role in tea ceremonies as well as taking part in other cultural functions. A Geisha would usually don the color red as it is supposed to be the color of attraction and fertility. Colored Geisha tattoos will often depict a brightly red color robe or dress that flows and forms to the Geisha's body.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 14

One thing that is dominant in the geisha tattoo design is the sophisticated hair styles, with facial makeup and beautiful costumes. The geisha tattoo below is an ideal expression of beauty with the lady in the tattoo looking quite composed in her beauty. The incorporation of the big flowers makes the whole geisha tattoo look perfect.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 15

Geisha tattoos are also fancied by men especially those that love women with mysterious qualities and abilities like the geishas. The geisha tattoo design below looks great on the man's back with the actual tattoo artistically inked with a combination of many features and element including the red moon that makes the whole design quite eye-catching.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 16

The geisha tattoo below is quite versatile and a demonstration of great artwork. The back where it's worn is wide enough making every bit of the design clearly visible. Men who wear geisha tattoo are often perceived to be having the tattoos as a symbol of their ideal woman.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 17

In paintings and art the Geisha would be represented immaculately turned out in terms of dress and coiffure and show along with trees and nature. They have also been shown as part of the Cherry blossom that is much venerated in Japan. The overall look of Geisha would be strong attraction and elegance but would never cross the border to crush appeal.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 18

Wearing a sophisticated geisha tattoo is an expression of a character of the wearer as strong willed, beautiful and one that's open to new ideas. The design below entails an elaborate hair style of a simple nice girl with the face shown as hiding some deep issues of the heart. The green, brown and red hues combines quite beautifully.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 19

This is one of the most beautiful geisha tattoo design that's well inked with perfect colour combination to go with it. As a signature mark with most geisha tattoos, the hair is perfectly done with the incorporation of flowers and the tree making it look quite fascinating.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 20

Geisha tattoos come in different sizes and styles and there are quite a number that the tattoo lovers can choose from. Some of the features that evokes the memory of the Japanese geisha are the black wig with accessories, the porcelain face and the beautiful 'kimono' which creates an aura of mystery to a geisha.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 21

A tattoo having the Geisha as the design at the center are worn by men and women. Men would like a geisha tattoo because it represents what they want and women would want a geisha tattoo to try and inculcate some of the unique qualities that a geisha is supposed to have. If you are looking to get a geisha tattoo you need to find an artist who can do justice to this design. A well done geisha tattoo is going to be large and a thing of beauty. But to capture the immense beauty and grace of a geisha the tattooist has to be good at detail work.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 22

A geisha normally undergoes a lot of training to perfect their art with some of the training including acquiring skills like poetry, traditional music and dance. The below geisha tattoo design looks simple when compared to other sophisticated designs with many additional features. The arm where the tattoo is worn brings out the theme of the geisha tattoo quite perfectly with the gadget held in the hand creating some element of sophistication.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 23

One of the main duties of the geisha's included using intelligent conversation and etiquette to appeal to the warriors and noblemen in the society. An ideal geisha was a learned woman with proper etiquette and entertainment skills. The geisha tattoo below shows is fully packed with different features and elements that comprise geisha tattoo.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 24

The appearance of geisha's in the movies has greatly contributed in popularising the geisha tattoo design amongst non-Japanese tattoo lovers. Geisha tattoos are so large just like the one below which is covering the entire back. The geisha tattoo below looks great with the exquisite colours and patterns with the wings design making it look a bit unique.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 25

The geisha tattoo design below is simple and elegant without much sophistication. The one colour used makes it look simple yet stunning with the elaborately decorated hair. The use of pins and flowers on the hair brings out that real geisha look. The geisha tattoo design below depicts a modern day girl with a seductive face and enhanced lip well enhanced to allure men.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 26

You have many choices when it comes to Geisha tattoos. They can be portrayed in many scenes along with other things that are symbolic of Japanese culture. You can show the Geisha amidst the accoutrements of the tea ceremony or as part of the cherry blossom festival. Or you can have a geisha along with Samurai warrior or with some profound saying the Japanese script. Often Samurai are shown as protecting the Geisha which can be used as a theme for your tattoo design to depict beauty and protection.

Koi & Geisha Tattoo

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 27

Some of the features that are used alongside geisha tattoo include the koi fish, cherry blossom, umbrellas, dragons and animals. Some tattoo lovers make their geisha tattoo designs more complex by incorporating features like zombie, ghosts and many more. The geisha tattoo design below looks quite complex with different features used to bring out the ideal geisha tattoo.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 28

The way the colours have been used on the geisha tattoo design below makes it look so beautiful. Using one colour for each feature makes every feature on the tattoo to be visually enhanced and dominant. The use of black, red and green creates such a perfect blend making the whole tattoo to look quite classy.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 29

Since only the nobility were associated with Geishas these tattoos represent beauty, elegance, mystery, sensuality, the exotic, grace and many other attractive qualities. The traditional geisha tattoo below looks stunning with the enhanced eyebrows and well styled hair with pins. The colour of the costumes combines well with the features used in the traditional geisha tattoo design.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 30

The geisha tattoo below is a perfect expression of a learned, elegant geisha with great skills to entertain and influence men. The hair style and the facial expression is all seduction with the eyes fully focused on her ideal man. The colours used in the tattoo looks great and blends well with the wearer's complexion.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 31

The word geisha according to the Japanese is a combination of two words which are gei and sha meaning a performing artist. The sophistication and the features that the geisha tattoos consists of clearly explains the character and meaning of the tattoo designs. The geisha tattoo design below looks pretty cool with the pink colours and elegant hairdo expressing real femininity.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 32

Before doing the actual act of inking the tattoo it's good to take time and be sure if the tattoo design you've chosen resonates well with you and the quality it portrays. However it can be disastrous if you go ahead and do the inking only to realize later that the features you've incorporated in the traditional geisha tattoo does not match your interests.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 33

The traditional geisha tattoo design below can be perceived to have very special meaning to the wearer given the place it's worn and its simplicity. The geisha tattoo looks beautiful and use of one colour makes the tattoo look dominant and blends quite well with the complexion of the wearer.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 34

This traditional geisha tattoo design is quite unique and small compared to the other designs of geisha tattoo. The black colour used with the small flower designs makes the tattoo design quite appealing and elegant.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 35

The tattoo design below is quite versatile with a combination of many features and colours that blends quite well. The traditional geisha tattoo below looks great when worn by a man given the complexity of the design with the geisha feature looking quite appealing with the beautiful costume and the well-styled hair.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 36

The traditional geisha tattoo below demonstrates the alluring and seductive look with which the geishas seduced men with her mesmerizing. The geisha tattoo design looks beautiful with the entire body covered with beautiful artistic work. The colours used also blends well with the wearer's body complexion.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 37

Use of lotuses in a tattoo design are known to represent beauty and purity with the traditional geisha tattoo design below demonstrating like the girl is walking in a jungle filled with beautiful trees, flowers and creatures. The beautiful colours of red purple and light blue make the whole geisha tattoo look fabulous.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 38

The beautiful innocent face is a great feature on the geisha tattoo below. The black and red hues that's used all the geisha tattoo design creates such a magnificent look. The hair style looks quite stylish with the costume blending so well with the body complexion.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 39

The geisha tattoo design below looks quite elegant with the flowing costume and the floral hair design. The design fits perfectly well on the back of the body with the facial make-ups and the jewellery blending perfectly well. The dance moves makes the whole design look stunning.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 40

Geisha tattoo designs with Japanese attire and makeup looks great especially when inked by an expert tattoo designer. From the hairstyle to the costumes and the shoes, the tattoo design looks fascinating. The geisha feature in the design shows the girl offering some floral gift.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 41

The Japanese traditional geisha tattoo designs show how complex the geisha girls were though their is a misconception of the girls being used for sexual escapades. The girls are learned and trained in their skills and different from the prostitutes. The Japanese geisha tattoo design below looks cool on the ladies back and the wearer clearly identifies with the meaning of the tattoo.

Traditional geisha tattoo design, idea 42