Top 8 Monkey King Tattoos With Their Meanings

Are you a tattoo enthusiast with a love for Chinese literature and mythology? If yes, then Monkey King tattoos might just do the trick. Also known as Sun Wukong, the Monkey King is a fictional character from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. The creature from the Flowers and Fruit Mountain embodies rebellion, adventure, and enlightenment. Whether you want a simple design or a slightly more intricate one, check out this article where we take you through some of the most unique and coolest Monkey King tattoos that will surely make heads turn. Scroll down to get inspired!

Meaning Of Monkey King Tattoos

The Monkey King is a mischievous and powerful character with supernatural abilities. He is known for his incredible strength and martial arts expertise. The free-spirited character refuses to be bound by rules or authority and outsmarts his opponents with his quick thinking. Keeping all these characteristics in mind, a tattoo showcasing this legendary figure may signify the following:

• Strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome difficulties in life.
• A desire for freedom and independence.
• A zest for adventure and exploration.
• Intelligence, wit, and strategic thinking.
• A journey of self-discovery, growth, and spiritual awakening.

In Chinese culture, the Monkey King or Sun Wukong is an icon with multiple qualities. While he is loyal and capable of growth, he is known for his cleverness, mischievous nature, and power. So, a tattoo of the Monkey King can be a protective amulet representing a desire to receive divine protection from harm.

While the Monkey King is associated with Chinese culture, he also symbolizes a deeper cultural connection with its neighbor, India. The country is considered the home to the monkey god, Hanuman, a central character in the country’s mythological stories. In some other traditions, the character is also sometimes believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. Therefore, a tattoo of him may serve as a protective talisman and guard the wearer against harm.

The Monkey King is a meaningful symbol with rich cultural significance. If you are considering getting a tattoo that showcases him in his full glory, scroll down for some of the best designs.

8 Best Monkey King Tattoo Designs

Here are eight compelling Monkey King tattoo designs you can draw inspiration from for your next ink session.

1. Sun Wukong Tattoo

If you already have some tattoos on your arm, you can add this Monkey King tattoo to it. Alternatively, you can use the design as a reference to get a complete sleeve tattoo. Depending on the elements you add to the design, it could mean a lot of things. For instance, the image above showcases a sun and clouds which symbolize life, energy, and spirituality. Together, this tattoo may represent a journey toward personal growth and self-discovery.

2. Monkey King Back Tattoo

This tattoo featuring the fierce expression on the Monkey King’s face is gorgeous! The black and gray design has detailed linework and filigree that almost brings the Monkey King to life on the skin. This tattoo represents the character’s strength and serves as a constant reminder to strive for greatness and overcome obstacles that come your way.

3. Cambodian Monkey King Tattoo

This tattoo showcases a Cambodian Monkey King, also known as Cambodian Hanuman in black and gray with a fierce expression on his face. The tattoo represents power, confidence, strength, bravery, and resistance against enemies. The Monkey King commonly appears in the Cambodian retelling of the Ramayana and is a common motif that appears in sak yant or traditional Cambodian tattoo designs.

4. Japanese Monkey King Tattoo

You can tattoo the Monkey King in so many ways and this Japanese design is one of them. It features a fierce and strong Monkey King rendered in red that symbolizes his fiery spirit and unwavering determination. His gold crown exudes an aura of regal authority conveying his status as a powerful being. The tattoo encourages the wearer to tackle any obstacles that come their way just like the resilience and strength of the Monkey King.

5. Chinese Monkey King Tattoo

If you need a tattoo that represents China’s Sun Wukong perfectly, this one with the Ruyi Jingu Bang is perfect. Legend has it that this staff wielded by him grows on command and has the power to injure and even kill gods. Fascinating, isn’t it? What’s more – the Monkey King’s regal crown depicted in this tattoo signifies leadership, strength, resilience, and the ability to overcome obstacles.

6. Monkey King Leg Tattoo

Although people are mostly seen sporting Monkey King tattoos on the arm or back, you can try an area such as the leg as it provides ample space to cover the intricacies of Monkey King tattoos. For instance, this one features a realistic monkey king with a black and gray palette. Not only is the character highlighted perfectly, but you can also see the intricate detailing of his crown and surrounding floral elements that add to the appeal of the design. This tattoo represents strength, agility, and wisdom, making it perfect for those looking to emulate these traits in their life.

7. Monkey King Art Tattoo

Whoever said Monkey King tattoos cannot be fun and artistic, did not see this watercolor design. The Monkey King’s fierce expression further provides an interesting contrast to the vibrant hues and intricate details of the design. It represents the endless creative possibilities that come our way, similar to the way the Monkey King defies conventions.

8. Monkey King And Dragon Tattoo

Need a Monkey King tattoo that is a little different? This one features the Monkey King with a serene expression and a fierce dragon just below him in all its vibrant glory. This tattoo serves as a symbol of resilience and a strong fighting spirit needed to overcome challenges and achieve greatness in life.

Monkey King tattoos are rooted in mythology and represent strength, agility, resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. Getting a tattoo featuring it may symbolize a personal connection to any of these qualities or a desire to inculcate them in life. These tattoos signify that power goes way beyond the fictional and cultural narrative of the Monkey King. Since these tattoos are quite detailed, the best placement for them includes the arm, leg, and back. You may also customize them according to your preferences and add personal elements to them to add to their symbolism. The Monkey King offers endless inspiration and courage to tackle life’s complexities, making a perfect tattoo for those looking to add a little bravery to their skin.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist

   

Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in various tattoo styles, though she specializes in tattoos with fine details and floral elements. She has owned studios for 20 years in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues, and history.

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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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Eshna DasAssociate Editor

Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Vaishali SinhaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Vaishali Sinha is a beauty and lifestyle writer with five years of experience in writing for various genres. She has a master’s degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University. She combines her passion for beauty and lifestyle topics with her artistic background as an Indian classical vocalist to bring a fresh and creative perspective to her writing.

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