Japanese Koi Fish
Koi Fish Tattoos – Meanings
The image of the koi fish is often used in tattoo designs not just because of its obvious elegance and vibrant colors, but more because of the symbolism surrounding it.
“Koi” is simply “carp” in Japanese, but the expensive fish that we are all familiar with are carp that have been especially bred since ancient times in China. This special breeding has produced the multi-colored varieties of koi fish that people now collect.
Koi are vigorous fish that can swim upstream. An old Chinese legend tells of koi brave enough to swim up the waterfalls of the Yellow River, and that any fish that could reach the point in the river called “Dragon Gate” would turn into a dragon.
While the fish originated from China, it is the Japanese who have made it a household name. The koi is a celebrated symbol in Japan-mostly associated with exceptional courage. It is said that this fish, if caught and placed on a cutting board, can lie still and wait for the knife to drop-without a quiver. That it can remain stoic in the face of imminent death is a quality likened to the samurai warrior’s unflinching courage to face the sword.
Generally, koi fish tattoos’ meanings include strength of character and the temerity to face adversity and seemingly impossible odds. With regard to the Chinese “Dragon Gate” legend, koi fish are also seen as symbols of high aspiration and accomplishment. Koi are also referred to as “living jewels,” and so are likewise associated with luck and good fortune. The image of five golden koi are said to mean “eternal wealth” and wellbeing.
Still another interpretation of the koi’s ability to swim upstream is “non-conformity.” It is an advisable tattoo motif for people who put great importance to being an independent thinker.
Koi fish tattoos’ meanings can vary for different people. Others also believe that the meaning of the koi tattoo design differ depending on the placement, colors and position of the fish, as well as other aspects of the design. Of course, the ultimate meaning of any tattoo would always be unique and personal for the person who has it.
Because koi are beautifully patched fish, it is best to have a koi tattoo design that has any of its natural combinations of the colors gold, white, yellow, red, and black.
About the Author
Darryl Paul is the author of this article and runs the blog
TattooDesignGuide , which features and reviews top websites and top design galleries.
KOI FOR SALE / KOI SUPPLIES / JAPANESE KOI FISH / UTSURI / GINRIN / GIN RIN
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $18.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $21.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $21.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $19.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Japanese Koi Fish Tee Shirt PICK Size Small-6XL & Color $17.78 |
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Teavana Prosperity Koi Cast Iron Teapot This cast iron teapot features several ornamental Japanese Koi fish contentedly gliding through a serene pond. The homonym of Koi means ‘love and affection’ making Koi the symbol of love and close friendship in Japan. Koi are also associated with bringing… |
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Now Designs Clarissa Apron For over 45 years Now Designs has created fashionable, fun, and functional kitchen textiles, table linens, gifts and decorative accessories for the home. Whether it’s kitchen basics, fashionable, trendy designs or gifts for any season, Now Designs’ quality and workmanship is unsurpassed. Cute, fun and fashionable, liven up any kitchen or event with these wonderful print skirt aprons. Made in India… |
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Blue and White Carp Koi Fish Tea / Coffee Cup and Saucer – hand painted underglazed porcelain (set of 2) $14.99 … |
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Koi: The Living Jewels: An in-depth look at successful Koi Ponds and their associated filter systems “Packed with hints & tips on obtaining successful FILTRATION, WATER QUALITY and ACTIVE, HEALTHY FISH, this video takes you to some beautiful Koi ponds, many of them captured on film for the very first time. Featuring many prize-winning Koi, this programme is a celebration of the graceful beauty of these ‘Living Jewels.’ The stunning video photography & informative content within this programme mak… |
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Vinyl Wall Art Decal Sticker Asian Japanese Samurai Fighters 88×60 #309 $79.95 The newest interior design trend is adding vinyl art on interior walls. It’s easier than hiring an artist and a lot cheaper. The smaller pieces can be put up within minutes. The larger pieces takes a little longer. The decals can be applied to all smooth surfaces, such as walls, windows, tiles, mirrors and doors. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow…. |
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Koi Fish Vinyl Wall Decal Graphic Sticker By LKS Trading Post $38.49 Vinyl graphics are a wonderfully easy, no mess, affordable way to add personality to your home or business! We use high-quality vinyl in a matte finish, to give a ‘hand-painted” look. Our vinyl graphics are easy to apply to any smooth surface. Put them on walls, wood, glass, tile, windows – Use your imagination! Our vinyl is considered “semi-permanent” for indoor use. That means your graphic wil… |
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Vinyl Wall Art Decal Sticker Japanese Geisha 20×32 Asian Decor #295 $39.95 The newest interior design trend is adding vinyl art on interior walls. It’s easier than hiring an artist and a lot cheaper. The smaller pieces can be put up within minutes. The larger pieces takes a little longer. The decals can be applied to all smooth surfaces, such as walls, windows, tiles, mirrors and doors. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design… |
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Carp Fish Koinobori Windsocks, 23 inch Nylon Set of 5 #L47 $27.00 Colorful set of five Japanese Koi (fish) windsocks to hang for decoration. One each of blue, black, red, green and purple windsocks, each 23 inches long. The set of long lasting koinobori nylon windsocks each have a string for easy hanging! These koinobori windsocks can be used indoors or outdoors for a colorful, festive decoration! Great for Girls and Boys day! A gold sticker embellishes each… |
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Vibratex Koi Vibrator … |
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Kohoku Greeting Card Card 5 x 7 inch premium quality folded paper greeting card. Any Occasion / Blank Note Cards cards for the whole family are available at Greeting Card Universe. Do something special this year with a paper card. Turn to Greeting Card Universe for all your Any Occasion / Blank Note Cards card needs. This paper card includes the following themes: koi, coy, and coi. Greeting Card Universe has the best cards… |