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The Japanese Foo Dog is a mythical creature that is said to protect the family, its home, and its belongings. The Foo Dog tattoo is a symbol of strength and loyalty. It can also represent how you feel about your family, friends, and home.
Often paired with other Japanese tattoos, such as cloud or octopus tattoos, the foo dog is an iconic symbol in Japanese pop culture. Check out some of our favorites for tattoo inspiration.
What does a Japanese Foo Dog Tattoo symbolize?
A Japanese Foo Dog tattoo is emblematic of good luck and protection. It is believed to bring prosperity, health, and happiness to anyone who wears it.
The Japanese Foo Dog is usually depicted as a lion with a dragon-like head and a tortoise shell. The cat’s eyes are always closed, which symbolizes purity and serenity. They have been used as mascots in Japan since the Nara period (710-794 CE), when they were used to protect temples against evil spirits.
The meaning of the Japanese Foo Dog tattoo varies depending on the artist who creates it and the person who wears it. The most common interpretation is that it symbolizes protection from evil forces or spirits.
Best Japanese Foo Dog Tattoos
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Take Strength and Power with You
The Japanese Foo Dog is a representation of the Chinese guardian lion. It was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 6th century AD, and it has been a symbol of strength, courage, and protection ever since.
The lion is believed to have come from China; legend says that two lions were given as gifts to Buddha by the king of India. The lions became guardian spirits for Buddha and protected him from evil spirits. When Buddhism spread from China to Japan, these guardians were also brought along with it.
The Japanese version of the lion is called “Foo” dog, because Japanese people saw similarities between the Chinese lions and their own dogs (this one). The lion’s mane was removed so that it looked more like a dog, and its ears were made smaller as well. Its tail was also shortened so that it resembled a dog’s tail rather than a lion’s tail.
What is a Japanese Foo Dog called?
The Japanese Foo Dog, also known as a Shisa and in English as a “lion dog” or “lion dog statue,” is one of the most popular traditional Japanese tattoos. It is believed to be a symbol of good luck and protection against evil spirits.
While the exact origin of this particular Foo Dog design is unknown, it is thought to have been introduced to Japan during the Tang Dynasty by Chinese traders. The Foo Dog was originally thought to be an incarnation of a Chinese guardian spirit called Shi Ba (which means “lion dog”). The lion dog was believed to represent strength and power, as well as courage and loyalty.
The Chinese Foo Dog has also been associated with deities such as Guan Yu or Kwan Yin, who were both depicted with similar characteristics: they are normally depicted with three claws on each foot; they have large fangs; they wear long fur caps; they carry swords in their mouths; and they have a single horn on their foreheads.
