(c) Chris Summertime 2010
This koi was the first tattoo design that I drew. I used a few photos of koi tattoos and other drawings as references to come up with this original composition.
Traditionally, Japanese tattoos of koi fish are accompanied by waves violently engulfing the fish - a symbol of perseverance, as koi fish can fight their way up a waterfall to the top. However, whenever I have seen koi fish in real life, they are usually calmly swimming in shallow ponds, thus why I have chosen a calmer, more serene background for the fish.
The cherry blossoms (another traditional Japanese symbol) are scattered around the fish as a reminder of how momentary and fragile life is. Cherry blossom flowers bloom early in the spring, before even the leaves grow, and only last a very short time before they fall to the ground. A momentary glimpse of beauty, while magnificently serving its purpose in its brief life.
Traditionally, Japanese tattoos of koi fish are accompanied by waves violently engulfing the fish - a symbol of perseverance, as koi fish can fight their way up a waterfall to the top. However, whenever I have seen koi fish in real life, they are usually calmly swimming in shallow ponds, thus why I have chosen a calmer, more serene background for the fish.
The cherry blossoms (another traditional Japanese symbol) are scattered around the fish as a reminder of how momentary and fragile life is. Cherry blossom flowers bloom early in the spring, before even the leaves grow, and only last a very short time before they fall to the ground. A momentary glimpse of beauty, while magnificently serving its purpose in its brief life.
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