Japanese art consists of a variety of styles and media, including wood and bronze sculpture, pottery and ink painting. Different themes reflecting the artistic expression of the country have inspired the art forms and media, one of which is Japanese zodiac art.
History
Zodiac symbols are remarkable in Japan's art history. The zodiac symbols and arts developed from a Chinese influence using 12 units in measuring time shifts. Ancient Japanese believed a person could control his attitude and personality based on the zodiac or ring of constellations under which they were born. Ancient Japanese associated each individual character with an animal to specify each constellation zone. Through the years, Japanese have used these animal and zodiac symbols as inspirations in the arts.
Japanese Zodiac Art Symbol Meanings
Japanese use an animal symbol to represent each zodiac. All of them have particular meanings for Japanese, reflected in their art works. In Japanese culture, the rat is one of the most important Japan zodiac symbols; people believe those who are born under this zone are honest, ambitious and hard-working. People born under the ox are patient and mentally alert, while individuals under the tiger are often short-tempered and stubborn but deep thinkers. The rabbit sign signifies extreme fortune, and people born under this zone are considered ambitious, virtuous and talented. Another important zone is the dragon, which means good health and energy. People born under the dragon sign are known to be brave, sensitive, honest and trustworthy. The snake sign signifies immense wisdom, while the horse represents passion and elegance. The sheep represents love for religion, elegance and passion, while the monkey symbolizes skill and cleverness. Those born under the rooster are deep thinkers.
Japanese Zodiac Art Paintings
Japanese painting, or kaiga, is one of the oldest forms of Japanese visual art. Many used this medium to present zodiac art, which became extremely popular. Paintings showing animal zodiac symbols, such as dragon are done on canvas as well as on walls and ceilings. An example of a very famous dragon painting can be found in Myokenji and in other Buddhist temples all over the country.
Japanese Zodiac Art Tattoos
The modern look of Japanese zodiac art comes in the form of inked skin art or tattoo. There are Japanese texts representing the zodiac zones, and individuals who want to get a zodiac art tattoo commonly choose them.
