Robert Litcan is a tattoo artist based in Kilkenny, Ireland. Although Litcan produces tattoos in both color and black and white, the designs featured in this gallery are from his black ink collection. Robert Litcan ofen creates tattoo designs of mythological and fantasy characters like phoenix birds, fairies and dragons. Litcan has an eye for [...]
Yakuza tattoos are a source of fascination for many tattoo lovers. The high level of secrecy surrounding the tattoos, combined with the painful method of “hand-poking” the designs and the association with the Japanese underworld gives yakuza tattoo art a mysterious appeal. The History of Japanese Yakuza Gang Tattoos The history of the yakuza [...]
National Geographic takes a look at the link between the historical tradition of tattooing prisoners in Japan and the full body tattoo suits worn by members of the modern Yakuza gangs.
Koi fish are decorative ornamental fish that are kept in fresh water ponds in homes and businesses. The koi isn’t just a pretty fish; it has a deeper meaning in tattoo art. Because they achieve greatness in Chinese legend, they are a symbol of success and achievement, and because they are expensive, they are a symbol [...]
Wings are a popular tattoo design for placing across the shoulders and upper back. The wings can resemble those of insects, birds, dragons, demons and angels. The meaning of the wings tattoo depends on what creatures the wings come from, the color and pattern of the wings and whether there are other symbols or objects [...]
Dragons are mythical creatures that appear in fairy tales and fantasy novels. Although dragon tattoos have their roots in traditional Asian designs, there has been a recent rise in popularity of dragon tattoo designs, due to books like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larrson, and the appearance of dragons in film media [...]