In Japanese culture carp are a symbol of love and friendship and their image can be seen on kites at children’s birthday parties, to wish the youngsters strength and virtue.
In the tattoo world, the carp, especially if associated with running water, is a symbol of the bravery which enables you to overcome obstacles and leads you to do great things.
This interpretation comes from the belief that the carp is able to jump easily up waterfalls and, if caught, can face the blade of a knife without quivering.
In this issue: carp, lettering, stars, blades, angels and wings, flowers, tribals and the gallery featuring owls, ladybirds, cherries, ornaments, small tattoos and unusual tattoos.
285 colour tattoo photos and 46 colour tattoo flashes!
The “Tattoo Artist” special is dedicated to Pat Fish, who is considered one of the best Celtic tattoo specialists in the world.
Cover model of the month is Femme Fatale photographed by Ihsan Kemal.
If you are a tattoo artist, send us some pictures of your latest creations and we’ll find a special place for them in Tattoo.1 Tribal.