8 Best Kitsune Tattoo Designs With Their Meanings

If you are a fan of mythology and Japanese culture, kitsune tattoos. According to folklore, these tricksters are intelligent beings with shape-shifting abilities. They may be good or villainous and their tattoos may symbolize qualities like wisdom, strength, and protection. You can get these tattoos in many designs, ranging from kitsune masks and cartoonish foxes to more realistic and grayscale designs. They may also include meaning-enhancing motifs like cherry blossoms and Geisha. In this article, we will take you through the different symbolism of Kitsune tattoos. We will also explore some of the coolest ink designs that capture the essence of these mystical beings. So, without further ado, let the scrolling begin!

Meaning Of Kitsune Tattoos

A kitsune tattoo may mean a lot of things depending on the form of kitsune. In Japan, the kitsune is seen as a shapeshifting creature that is often depicted with multiple tails. It represents intelligence and magic, but it can also symbolize protection and loyalty when associated with Inari, the Shinto god of rice. This tattoo may symbolize adaptability and versatility. Similarly, kamaitachi, also known as the wild kitsune that travels in a group of three, can ride gusts of wind and give mysterious scratches to their enemies. Their tattoo may represent power and strength in unity. Apart from this, a kitsune tattoo may also mean the following:

• Good Fortune: Nogitsune, the kitsune of good fortune has white or gold fur. A tattoo with it may symbolize prosperity and good luck.
• Connection To God: Some stories consider kitsune as messengers of god. One of these forms is Tenko, the heavenly form of kitsune. A tattoo with it may symbolize a bridge between the divine and the humans.
• Protection: Folklore also showcases good kitsune as beings that can cast powerful illusions to protect themselves or their loved ones. Their tattoo may serve as a talisman for protection.
• Playfulness: Kitsune often uses their wit and illusionary powers to trick and outsmart humans. Therefore, a tattoo of them may showcase your playful personality. It may also represent your intelligence.

Apart from this, some people may simply get this tattoo for its aesthetic appeal or to showcase their love for Japanese culture. Irrespective of your reasons, there is a kitsune tattoo design for people of all genders and tastes. The following section offers some of the best ideas you may try.

8 Best Kitsune Tattoo Ideas

Here are some of the most popular and meaningful kitsune tattoo designs that are sure to make head turns wherever you go:

1. Kitsune Mask Tattoo

Look how stunning this black and gray design on the leg is. The tattoo starts with a kitsune mask on the outer thigh and features floral elements that cascade down the leg. The mask has a cunning expression, but the flowers and leaves add softness and beauty to the design. Overall, these elements represent the balance between strength and grace.

2. Feminine Kitsune Tattoo

If you prefer something on the softer side, this elegant piece will be perfect. The tattoo showcases an orange-colored kitsune with its flowing, silky fur. With its piercing eyes, the fox symbolizes wisdom and determination. You can also notice ink splashes around the watercolor design, adding to its mystic appeal. The tattoo is also perfect for placements, such as the thigh, forearm, and upper back.

3. Black And White Kitsune Tattoo

Monochromatic tattoos like this one are perfect for both men and women. The artist has brilliantly used negative shading to give it a black-and-white appearance. The lack of vibrant colors in the design immediately brings our attention to the fox’s piercing golden gaze. It perfectly captures the cunning nature and intelligence of the majestic creature. The tattoo will also look great on placement, such as the forearm, outer thigh, calf, and back.

4. Japanese Kitsune Tattoo

Paring kitsune with Akatsuki, the red moon, and cherry blossoms is a great way to honor the Japanese culture. It represents the promise of a fresh start and good fortune. The fox in the design has a cunning expression and its white fur appears as if it is flowing like silk. The dark shading adds to the appeal of the design. Overall, this Japanese back tattoo represents the spirit of renewal and prosperity.

5. Traditional Kitsune Tattoo

This traditional Japanese tattoo design is all about vibrant colors and bold lines. It features a sly fox with stony eyes that add a touch of mystery to the design. It also has a dark circle surrounding its head like an aura that represents the night. The floral elements add to the overall beauty of the tattoo. Overall, it symbolizes the kitsune’s nocturnal nature and ability to move easily through shadows.

6. Kitsune Girl Tattoo

Instead of a kitsune, you may also get a tattoo of a girl wearing a half-kitsune mask. This tattoo is a perfect example of it. The girl in the design symbolizes beauty and grace, while her mask represents kitsune’s traits like cunningness and intelligence. The hollow eyes of the mask add a touch of mystery to it. Overall, this design represents duality and the perfect balance between opposing forces like good and evil.

7. Kitsune Back Tattoo

This tattoo on the back features an orange kitsune with a gentle expression. Its fur is flowing around to form a circle as if the animal is mid-shapeshifting. You can also notice cherry blossoms on the bottom that add a touch of beauty and elegance to the piece. The fox tattoo represents the wisdom of the fox and its ability to transform. It reminds the wearer to embrace change with grace.

8. Kitsune Hand Tattoo

A tattoo on the back of the hand makes a bold statement. This fine-line kitsune design represents it perfectly. The simple tattoo captures the essence of the mythical fox spirit perfectly. Along with the head of the kitsune, it also has several flowing structures attached to it that represent its many tails. Just as each of these tails represents kitsune’s age and power, this tattoo symbolizes strength, agility, and resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What styles are popular for kitsune tattoos?

Popular art styles for kitsune tattoos include traditional Japanese Irezumi, bold neo-traditional, and detailed black-and-gray realism.

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Rodrigo CascoProfessional Tattoo and Body Piercing Artist

   

Rodrigo Casco is an Argentine tattoo artist. He has 21 years of experience designing tattoos. He has done tattooing by hand as well as created his own tattoo machines. He has won multiple awards and stood first in national and international tattoo conventions, is a judge at events, and also gives many seminars.

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Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

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Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Pahul Nanra is a content writer with a penchant for all things fashion and beauty. She has two years of experience in writing across beauty and lifestyle genres. She is an English Honors graduate from Delhi University with a diploma in Fashion Designing from YMCA.

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