The Character of the Koi Tattoo
Koi, or carp play an integral role in the stories and mythology of both the Chinese and Japanese. Many of these stories reward the Koi fish for their perseverance by turning them into dragons or allowing them to climb waterfalls. Of course this has given the koi the impression of strength of character.
As for the koi in tattoo art, it can symbolize courage, achievement and overcoming obstacles, particularly if it is combined with flowing water.
Koi actually means carp in Japanese, and most of us are familiar with these brightly coloured creatures who decorate ornamental ponds around the world. They have an amazingly long lifespan and can fetch a fair price depending on their size and coloring.
The Chinese and Japanese both admire the koi as a talisman of masculinity and strength. It is said that if you catch a carp it will await its death with the constitution of a samurai warrior. In Buddhism the koi represents fearlessness and courage, meant to inspire humans on their road of life.
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