Foo Dog?Lion of Buddah question

Hey guys, I have a quick question for you... I have a sort of asian fire/water theme going on (left side fire, right side water). So I know the whole meaning of the foo dog etc, just not sure which side/element it would flow best with. I'm leaning towards fire, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. I've gotten some kinda mixed opinions about it so far, so I figure the more opinions the better right!?!? Please lemme know what you think!

Aw crap I messed up the title... I hate when I do that lol should be a "/" not a "?" DAMNIT >_<

Hey J: Nice idea!! They are temple guard dogs... I don't think it matters. Almost always seen in pairs though... so one on each arm would be really cool!!

Hey man, I was kinda thinking that... one going up one side of the ribs and one going down the other... It probably won't be for another 6-8months before I start the piece(s) though. Thanks for the quick reply!!

Hey man, I was kinda thinking that... one going up one side of the ribs and one going down the other... It probably won't be for another 6-8months before I start the piece(s) though. Thanks for the quick reply!!

I think I was right... Here ya go... Foo Dogs are the ancient sacred dogs of Asia who guard Buddhist temples. The association between these dogs and Buddha is one of great significance. Foo Dogs have the appearance of a lion. The lion in Buddhist religion is seen as sacred, and has sometimes been offered to Buddha as a sacrifice. The name given to these guardians originates from China. The Chinese word for Buddha is Fo, which led to the original title– “Dog of Fo”. There have been other theories that the name developed from the city of Foochow; however, there is no actual proof of this. Another name given to the beast is “Lion of Korea”. This, of course, is due to the creatures close appearance to a Lion. Foo Dogs can be traced as early as the Han Dynasty. Their first appearance was in Chinese art, which dates back to approximately 208 BC to about 221 AD. Foo Dogs vanished for nearly 400 years after their first appearance. They later returned in the T’ang Dynasty that was in power from 618 to 917 AD. Foo Dogs were popular because of their meaning. The Lion is a creature of the feline race that is known as the proud master of all cats. Its introduction into Chinese art coincided with Buddhism. The Foo Dog was the protector of sacred buildings and a defender of law. The dogs were commonly placed at business institutions, temple gates, home entrances, and estates. It was also not uncommon to see these sacred dogs guarding tombs or placed in front of government buildings to scare evil spirits. Through out the ages, Foo Dogs were frequently given as gifts to the Emperor. They would be presented in sculptures or in the form of artwork. Foo Dog artwork varied. Buddha was sometimes depicted on the back of the great beast, but Foo Dogs are more often displayed in a powerful guarding position. The creature is usually presented holding a spear in its paw. This was the representation of the peace and serenity the animal would maintain for the sanctuary it was guarding; thus discouraging any wrong doers and demon spirits from entering the place of tranquility. The Foo Dog comes in many shapes, sizes, different materials, and colors. Their faces have a mischievous and almost devilish look about them; and their eyes are normally wide open with a tiny speck in the middle. This threatening appearance is what gives the idea that they guard against evil spirits. It is important to point out that the Foo Dog is also known as the Celestial Dog, and the Happiness Dog. The animal is a symbol of energy and value, and is often displayed in a male/female pair. The male plays with a ball that symbolizes the Earth, while the female holds a cub.

Al man!!! That's some great info to say the least! I've recently acquired a high level management position in a staple Canadian company, which is kinda why I'm looking into the whole "temple guardian" thing. It's pretty much where I always saw myself in life, and hell dude I'm 25 and I've got the position I assumed I wouldn't see for another 10 years. Anyway I'm in charge of one of the company's sites so I feel it's only right to memorialize it, regardless of where I go from here (if anywhere lol).

Kinda like the thought of this Tat J: That's some nice thought, and seriously, it's one of the most traditional and respected of Buddhist images. That's pretty fuckin' great! I applaud that!

Well man, I definately respect your opinion, and I appreciate the feedback more than you probably know!!

Seriously man, when you get this drawn up, I'd love to see what it looks like. Keep us posted, eh?

Daddy Rose, very good info re:Foo Dogs, been into 'em for years, I'm a bit of a student of Oriental stuff/philosophies etc. And I must say it is SO good to hear someone who actually knows wtf they're talking about. Panterajay, I think it's a great idea and I applaud the thought put to it, DO keep us posted but on a note of caution, don't post the art or drawings on the post, email it to us or it could get stolen/copied...Doc

Jay...I would follow Als advice and do TWO of the foo dogs one on each side!!...What a killer concept!!!...TAz

One of em with some flames and the other with some oriental waves!....Good contrast!

Yes indeed, don't think having just one would honor the meaning and I like the fire/water suggestion as it 'feeds' into the Yin-Yang concept as an added 'bonus', good suggestion,Taz...Doc

THINK you THINK you berry berry much!!

Taz, Pantera and Doc John and others... Due to all the years of martial arts, Asian cultures and Buddhist legends, etc. have a really big place in my heart and I really look forward to discussing this stuff with you guys!!! Sounds like there's a few of us who are really into the Asian cultures... It's always fun to kick things around with people who have common interests... Lookin' forward to more!!

Al tattooing has had a HUGE oriental influence forever! But until just the past few years have many of us really started delving into the traditional meanings of the oriental designs. I am happy to see people actually researching that wonderful mysterious world of the Orient!! There is so much to learn and appreciate... oriental styles of tattooing are just classic and timeless!...TAz

Right! And the contrasts in Japanese, Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese etc. stories and beliefs are as different as can be. It's so cool. Like did you know that the meaning of a dragon changes drastically with the number of toes you put on it?

Daddy rose-Taz, thanks, I needed this after the last post I read/responded to. I've long been fascinated by Oriental Art/Culture, the beauty of it and the deep meaning behind it, the long heritage-all of it. I know 'some' but not nearly as much as I'd like, cuz, as I'm sure you guys agree, the more you learn, the more you want to know. If ya came to my Studio ya'd quickly see I'm 'into' it. Oh, this is really gonna be cool. ...Doc

Holy shit guys!!! Thanks for all the input and stuff! I'm really psyched for this piece (or pieces eventualy). I wanna start on it now, but my artist is so booked it's retared... on top of the fact that he hasn't finished the coy/dragon tat I have started lol. I'll DEFINATELY keep you all posted, and I am now fully convinced the fire/water and up/down (yin/yang) theory is what I want!!! Can't wait till I can update you guys on it!!!

BTW guys, just so you know... the asian influence started from my muay thai training and a couple trips to Japan and Mongolia.... Not that it really matters, but that's kinda where I drew my inspiration for my tattoos.

BTW guys, just so you know... the asian influence started from my muay thai training and a couple trips to Japan and Mongolia.... Not that it really matters, but that's kinda where I drew my inspiration for my tattoos.

Thats cool Jay! Your tattoos come from not just picking them off the wall of a shop but from something important to YOU!!! While there is absolutely nothing wrong with a tattoo that is chosen purely for aesthetics a tattoo that is a part of who you are is just ...well... SPECIAL!!!

Hell yeah TAz, I'm not much into universal tattoos... I'm not a flash guy to say the least. Everything I have had done (aside from one bad descision) was well thought/planned out custom work that means something to me. That's all that really matters right...? the fact that I have some amazing artwork to display is more of a BONUS than anything!! Thanks again to everyone who's offered advice or comments!!1 I love the positive feedback and it's incredibly reassuring to hear such positive coments. I value "The Familly's" opinions more than most of you probably know!!

Cool! Thai Boxer Huh? We're gonna get along really well. Mongolia! That's cool too! I have a friend who went there and for dinner one night I guess they slit a goat right in front of hiom and made some kind of soup from the blood. So what did he do? When in France... But he said it tasted horrible. (lol)

yeah Al! did Muay thai for about 7yrs... I wish I had never given it up!! I miss the competition AND the cardio workout lol... I still box on a somewhat recreational level, but damn, I can't help but wonder where I could have gone had I stuck with it at a"hardcore" level! As for the food out there... man, eat first and ask questions later is all I can say!! haha the more rural the area, the crazier the traditions but most are aquired tastes that eventually you yurn(sp??) for. I can't explain it really... tastes like shit, but I want more LMAO...

yeah Al! did Muay thai for about 7yrs... I wish I had never given it up!! I miss the competition AND the cardio workout lol... I still box on a somewhat recreational level, but damn, I can't help but wonder where I could have gone had I stuck with it at a"hardcore" level! As for the food out there... man, eat first and ask questions later is all I can say!! haha the more rural the area, the crazier the traditions but most are aquired tastes that eventually you yurn(sp??) for. I can't explain it really... tastes like shit, but I want more LMAO...

Boy, I dunno if I miss it all that much man... Takes a hell of a toll on your bod. I'm not all that old really... realistically, I only have 5 years to Master if I kept going, but when I get up in the morning, if the weather has changed, my poor old bod gets all curled up like a dead dried out spider....

Really neat topic here, My question concerning the whole asian culture and tattoos is this ,,,, would it be disrespectful or cliche (sp?) to combine cultures in one piece? I've been seriously contemplating a large neck piece , both sides and the back , combing many of the symbols in both cultures , like the cicada , which is for rebirth and continuous life in the chinese side but a source of inspiration apparently on the japanese end of the deal , along with the mantis , aka Praying Mantis , which is somewhat like I direction facilitator of sorts is what i've gathered info wise so far, to help children find their ways home. And of course the panda , I've done a bit of research on the foo dog but've decided to stick with real animals , not meaning any disrespect I think you've got some great ideas , I've always loved the duality pieces in this art , all the way from the extensive pieces you're talking about acquiring to the gawdy sun and moon combos that seemed to be prevail for quite a while there. Just looking for some professional opinions on the combination of cultures subject from some people who have had a bit more experience with the matter.

Oh and any help with some of the floral arrangements would be great as well , I'm from ks and well I'm not real fond of the pretty golden color of wheat or the bright green of corn ya know? Although i've seen some really neat wheat tattooed here lol PROMISE , I really like the way the lotus has been done by a few people , I already have koi , the bamboo would be a must but I'm troubled finding ones I like. and I think it's a cherry tree that I'm seeing alot of the geisha girls done beside , but I"m not 100% certain of any of that. Might be time to hit the library again lol .

When it comes right down to it Jer...the tattoo you were is on YOUR skin and if the combination of styles/cultures appeals to yo ..go for it!!!...TAz

Well yeah I get that much for sure. I just well i've had tattoos that I know I should haev put more thought into and done some research on, luckily no regrets, but still should have put more thought into. There's also some artists that won't touch necks , I've always wondered what their reasoning was behind that. Feet and hands I understand , but why not necks? I think I may be getting off the original post here sorry.

Hey Jer, I don't think there's really any disrespect issue with combining things that you like from different cultures, I mean, if anything, you are showing respect for several ideas that you find meaningful. I mean, non of us are actually Asian in this thread, and we're not trying to pretend we are, we are just expressing thanks for cultures that have influenced us... so I say, go for it.

i've got some dogs http://www.inkednation.com/r/r.cfm?t=48&DisplayUser_ID=50196&photo_ID=243537

About the neck tattooing...I think some artists shy away from neck work because the skin is a bit harder to work on...its kinda like chicken skin usually ,Not always....its stretchy and a bit more difficult to saturate unless you know the tricks...all I can think of! Well and its awkward too ya just can't find a comfy position! Doc how bout you?...And Mario and you other artists?

I try to steer clients away from neck work, have only done 2-one to cover up a pimps name this former crack whore had on her neck, the other on an old friend of mine I reworked because it had been done so shittily. The main reason I don't do it is due to the fact that it can seriously limit somebodies job future, although it is a pain in the ass to do and have heal properly as well. Incidently, I've had numberous phone calls from people knowing if I can refer them for laser removals for tattoos on their necks because they were having problems getting a job due to that, one from a woman trying to get into the Marine Corps who wouldn't let her join until/unless she got it removed (Guess ya can't kill people as well if you have a tattoo on your neck, eh?)...Doc

aboyandhisrobot: those dogs look good man! If anyone else has one/some, I'd love to see pics!

Hey guys, just a quick update, but I talked to my artist about the whole 2x foo dog fire/water on the ribs idea and he's 100% into it! So once my current tattoo with him is done we're getting started on it. Again, it probably won't be for another 6months or so, but hell I'm pumped for it already!!

I am sorry for replying to this thread so late, but... The Foo Dogs and their positions are important. One Foo dog is male or yang, while the other is female or yin. If you look at their feet one (yang) has a globe under his foot and the yin has a cub under her foot. Traditional Chinese places the yang dog on the left facing outside and the yin on the right facing outsdide of the front doorways of buildings. This is due to their particular charistics.

In other words....the cub and the globe are to be positioned towards the INSIDE...otherwise, you loose protection! I looove my foo lions!