The Language of Tattoos by Oliver Munden

Author:Oliver Munden
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Tanuki

In Japanese lore, the tanuki, or raccoon dog, is considered as mischief-maker. Since the 720s, depictions of the animal have shared tales of a particular magic: shapeshifting, to animal, human or material form, and a love of pranks.

Commonly, the trickery derives from a comic manipulation of the tanuki’s testicles. Illustrations from the 19th century highlight this portion of tanuki lore – testicles shaped as bowls, cloaks, drums, raincoats, weapons and more abound. Contemporary articulations of the tanuki are derived from Shigaraki, Japan, where ceramic figurines portraying the trickster god became common in the mid-20th century.

Tanuki tattoos follow this popular portrayal in form and offer a jovial way in which to symbolize wealth and prosperity. As such, the character and belongings of an individual tanuki are important. If one holds a bottle of saki, it is trustworthy. Exaggerated body parts hold different meanings, too. For example, a tanuki with large scrotum conveys wealth; small eyes relay amiability; and a big belly reflects boldness in decision-making.

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