50+ Japanese Peony Tattoo Design Ideas That Will Take Root in Your Imagination

There are so many different types of Japanese peony tattoos for you to choose from! The designs range from blackwork tattoos all the way to historic theatrical concepts.

I love designing peony tattoos for my clients because there are just so many design options. You can choose to do something minimalistic, historic, modern, or combine a variety of styles. These are tattoos that don't get boring.

In addition to showing you the top Japanese peony tattoo design ideas, I have also given you some background information on the cultural and artistic significance of these tattoos. Let's get started!

The Best Japanese Peony Tattoo Designs

Here are the top peony flower tattoo designs for you to choose from:

Blackwork Japanese Peony Tattoos

If you are someone who enjoys black or black and grey tattoos, then I would recommend that you check out these blackwork Japanese peony flower tattoos.

As the name suggests, these kinds of peony flower tattoo designs, are typically done all in black. However, this doesn't mean that these Japanese peonies are simplistic or boring - far from it!

This is because you can bring these peonies tattoo designs to life using just black ink. The key to doing this is with a variation of outlines, proper shading, and adding plenty of detail to your tattoo. Also, you can switch things up with your Japanese peony tattoo tattoo by using additional styles like dot work.

If you would like to create a bit more contrast with a peony flower tattoo like this, then I would suggest keeping certain sections of the flower flesh-toned and other elements colored in black. You will be surprised at how beautiful these designs can look!

Irezumi Peony Tattoos

Irezumi is the traditional art of Japanese tattooing. This term tends to be used to describe a variety of styles used to create Japanese tattoos. It is believed that Irezumi has existed in Japanese culture for a very, very long time.

There have also been various changes associated with Irezumi. For instance, at one time, Irezumi was fairly common, sometimes used to depict certain social classes while others would be used as a form of protection by sailors. Later on, they were also done for aesthetic purposes and included certain Japanese art forms in the tattoos as well.

However, at some point, these tattoos were outlawed and then later became associated with criminals, the yakuza in particular. While stigma about these tattoos - as well as other tattoos - may be fading in Japan, they may still be looked down upon by some.

In any case, there are a lot of beautiful Irezumi peony flower tattoo designs to consider. If you would like you can only include the Japanese peony flower designs in your tattoo. As it is a decorative plant, you can still create a breathtaking tattoo with these flowers alone.

There are also plenty of other elements that you can add to such a design. In case you want to keep your peony design and background relatively simple, then you can consider including waves in the tattoo design. Here, you may want to create a contrast between these two elements.

So, you may want to do the peony tattoo in black and the waves in white or vice versa. You can also consider adding a warrior into the mix. If you would like something a bit more supernatural, perhaps include a foo dog in the design.

There are also several options to choose from when it comes to the color of your peony tattoo design. If you want, you can have the flowers inked in black while in other instances, they may only have a black outline. This can be a great idea if you would like to create a contrast between other elements of the tattoo.

Or, you can get this traditional Japanese peony tattoo done in color. The color red or a peachy orange color is typically used for the flowers. However, you are free to choose your own shade if you would like to make your peony flower tattoo a little different. Due to the intricacy of these tattoos, I would suggest working with a tattoo artist who has some experience with this art form and designs.

You can find inspiration for your own design from these Japanese peony tattoos.

Traditional Japanese Peony Tattoos

Now, I don't want you to get confused. These peony flower tattoo designs are a bit different from Irezumi. This is because these Japanese peony tattoo concepts are a combination of Irezumi and the American traditional tattoo style.

With American traditional tattoos, you have thick black outlines and bold colors. The resulting tattoos have a vintage or classic appearance to them.

As you will see from these peony tattoo designs, though, the lines are a bit thinner. However, these tattoos still have that vintage look. So, it is a good combination of eastern and western peony flower tattoo designs.

This kind of peony tattoo can be a good option for someone who admires the Irezumi tattoos but is hesitant to get a tattoo with such a cultural significance.

Also, since you aren't strictly adhering to the designs typically found in Irezumi tattoos, this means that you can play around a bit more with the peony tattoo design as well as with colors.

Of course, it is up to you just how to combine Irezumi with the traditional style. You can choose to get a peony tattoo with an equal combination of these two design elements. Or, one style may take precedence over the other.

It is a good idea to workshop a few different combinations to determine which peony tattoo design resonates the most with you.

Neo Traditional Japanese Peony Tattoos

Next up, you have the neo-traditional peony tattoo design. This peony flower tattoo has a style similar to that of the traditional design. In this instance, however, there is a bit more variation when it comes to the thickness of the outlines.

Also, you will typically find a broader selection of colors to choose from. In short, this peony tattoo works well if you would like an updated take on the traditional design.

Now, some of these peony tattoo designs are great if you want a softer option. You will find that the lines are thinner and that the artists have used light or pastel shades. This is great if you want a brighter or more positive vibe to your peony tattoo.

On the flip side, you can also go bolder and darker with your peony flower tattoo if you like. This is great if you want a more gothic approach to your tattoo. This also works well if you want to add an otherworldly element to your tattoo too.

Surrealist Japanese Peony Tattoos

As a concept in art, surrealism is about creating images or art that bridges the gap between reality and fantasy. Due to this, tattoos that are based on this idea tend to be a bit more abstract or unique.

Now, when it comes to tattoos, there are even fewer rules when it comes to surrealistic art. So, you can make your peony tattoo as crazy or as unusual as you like. In fact, incorporating this style into your peony tattoo can be a great way to make the design truly your own.

At the same time, there is no need to get too crazy with your peony tattoo if you don't want to. Instead, you can use a contrast between black and flesh tones to add a slightly zany or unnerving appearance to your peony tattoo.

Once again, it is entirely up to you to decide just how far you want to push artistic boundaries when it comes to designing your peony tattoo. So, it is a good idea to consider a few different options before settling on the right one for you.

Japanese Peony and Noh Mask Tattoos

Japanese Noh masks were masks that were used in a form of Japanese theatre. These masks are based on a variety of archetypes that are used to create characters for plays. These masks are a work of art, with the expressions changing based on the angle from which the mask is viewed or how the light hits the mask.

These masks are sometimes referred to as Hannya masks. However, Hannya specifically refers to a horned demon mask that represents a jealous and vengeful woman.

If you love how beautifully these masks have been created, love what they represent, or are a big fan of theatre, then you may want to consider adding a mask to your peony tattoo. The good news for you is that there are plenty of designs for you to choose from.

Keep in mind that these masks are a cultural element of Japan. Due to this, these Japanese designs should be depicted with respect. So, make sure to research the different types of masks and what they refer to before you decide to get your own tattoo.

Japanese Tiger and Peony Tattoos

If you want to double up on elements found in Japanese art, then you can also consider adding a tiger to your peony flower tattoo. Now, considering that tigers aren't native to Japan you might be wondering why you may want to do this. Well, some Japanese artists were influenced by images and pelts that they saw coming from other countries and included tigers in their art.

What is even more interesting about this is that some of the Japanese artists took a bit of liberty in designing the tigers. Due to this, the tigers sometimes have unusual features or a distinctly supernatural element to them. This is something that you may want to include in your own tattoo in addition to the floral design.

Another reason to consider a tiger for your tattoo is that this animal has some pretty great symbolism - power, bravery, and sometimes even protection!

Snake and Peony Tattoos

When doing my research into snakes in Japanese culture and mythology, I found varying stories. In some cases, snakes are revered to a certain extent due to the belief in a snake god. It is also said that you shouldn't harm certain snakes as this will result in harm done to you. In other instances, there are reports of the Japanese being frightened by snakes.

Regardless, you can include a snake in your peony tattoo for a different reason. See, in some cultures snakes are seen as symbols for change and transformation due to their ability to shed their skin. So, if you are trying to turn over a new leaf, then this can be a great design for you to consider

Dragon and Peony Tattoos

If you would like to take an even more fanciful approach to your peony tattoo, then you can consider getting a dragon along with your peony.

Unlike in Western cultures, the dragon is a positive symbol in Japan. It can symbolize wealth, bravery, balance, and strength. If you do want to draw Japanese dragons keep in mind that while they can be depicted flying, they often don't have wings. So, make sure to check historic artwork to get the design just right.

What Does the Peony Tattoo Mean in Japanese?

Before you can understand what a peony tattoo means in Japanese culture, you must first understand:

What does the peony symbolize in Japan?

Now, before I begin, I do want to point something out. Peonies are sometimes mistaken for chrysanthemum, the national flower of Japan. They do share a passing resemblance but are entirely different kinds of flowers.

Peonies can be referred to as the king, queen, or empress of flowers. This may have something to do with the luxurious appearance of the multiple petals on the peonies.

As for the peony tattoo meaning, these flowers traditionally represent good fortune, wealth, bravery, and honor in Japanese culture. Some people also associate them with female beauty.

Well, there you go - all the Japanese peony tattoo ideas you could possibly want or need! From simple to complex and nuanced, there are plenty of tattoos that showcase the Japanese culture as well as the symbolism of the peony within it.