On the Korean peninsula, tattoos have an interesting legend. For centuries, permanent body art was considered unsuitable for the working class or aristocracy, and was reserved for those living on the fringes of Korean society.
However, as tattoos became accepted into Korean culture in the 20th century, a new generation of ink enthusiasts sought unique ways to reinvent this art form using traditional Korean design elements. Masu.
Part of this project is an interpretation of the ornament known as Norige. Norige roughly translates to “playful object” or “decorative trinket.” In this article, let’s explore the meaning and aesthetics of norigae and see how tattoo culture in Korea, Japan, and other countries has embraced norigae designs.
History and meaning of Norige
Before we learn how norigae and tattoos have come together in recent years, we need to go back to the origins of the norigae trend in South Korea. Here we take a closer look at how Norigae is designed, what it means and how it is worn in the traditional sense.
Basics and background
Norige has been around for centuries, so more background is needed to understand its significance. To understand Norigae, it helps to understand the basics of Korean traditional costumes, mainly Hanbok.
Hanbok is a set of clothing for men that includes a vest, jacket, and pants, while women wear a jeogori, underskirt, shirt, and light pants underneath. Norigae has traditionally been used as an ornament, especially in combination with women’s Hanbok costumes.
These accessories consisted of intricately knotted strings, woven charms, and tassels that added length and elegance to the ornament. Tie it to the high waist of your skirt to add glamor to your hanbok and bring good fortune and fortune.
Regardless of a person’s class or background, norigae has been widely accepted throughout Korean culture for centuries and can still be seen on a variety of clothing and, more recently, tattoos.
Types of Norigae
The most interesting thing about Norige is that it’s just a design format, leaving plenty of room for interpretation. With so many different knots, materials, and trinkets, it’s up to you to put your own spin on the norige form, literally or figuratively.
Color is a key element in Norigae design, whether it’s using rich red strings, jade jewelry, pieces of gold or silver, or depicting animals or natural elements. Many Norigae designs include flowers or geometric patterns, while others are very minimal, featuring only a few subtle patterns.
Religious symbols, characters, and everyday objects are also part of many Norige designs. Ultimately, you can choose any type of design as long as you find it visually appealing and meaningful in your own way.
Norigae tattoo: trends and techniques
Norigae’s versatile nature makes the design perfect for customization, making it ready for a wonderful and memorable tattoo. This explains why this trend spread quickly as Korean culture moved towards a more modern identity.
Let’s explore why the Norigae tattoo style is so popular and how people tend to get Norigae designs in their own unique ways.
Why Norigae tattoo?
Considering the structure and meaning of norigae, it’s no wonder that this design became a staple of Korean tattoos as the culture changed.
When you think about your favorite tattoo motif, you’ll find that its meaning is rooted in history, popular culture, religion, and family structure. For example, people in the United States proudly wear designs that depict symbols of faith, family memories, and allegiance to organizations such as military or cultural movements. This concept is not far off from norigae, a widespread symbol of respect for Korean culture and tradition.
Additionally, Norigae is a great format for tattoos, featuring attractive designs and plenty of room for customization. Although many designs follow well-known structures, it is unusual for two Norigae to mirror each other precisely. This means that each Norige tattoo is truly unique, and the wearer can enter their favorite colors, shapes, symbols, and other important elements.
Finally, it is worth noting that tattoos in South Korea are a relatively new phenomenon, at least in their accepted modern form. People who get tattoos in Korea or abroad often want to maintain a cultural connection rather than simply adopting the latest trends from elsewhere.
There’s something to love about all kinds of tattoos, but norigae offers a sense of familiarity and comfort that many Koreans want to keep in mind.
Popular Norigae tattoo
There’s no denying that norige designs make great tattoos, but what are some common ways to tattoo this classic ornament onto the skin?
Although many Norige tattoo designs share some commonalities, the first thing you’ll notice is that most tattoos are on the smaller side. The shape of the norigae is already well suited for small tattoo designs, as it shows the delicate and subtle nature of the decoration.
Next, you’ll notice that many Norige tattoos use dark black ink and a limited range of colors such as red, and sometimes blue, green, and gold. This is faithful to the original Norige color set and coincidentally matches the usual colors of his tattoo artist’s favorite ink.
Finally, Norigae tattoos are often placed on inconspicuous areas of the body, such as the upper back, shoulder blade, upper arm, side of the torso, or upper thigh. This probably has something to do with the history of Korean tattoos and the fact that many people want their ink to be discreet in everyday situations.
Of course, there are no specific rules about where to place your Norige tattoo idea, what colors to choose, and other design elements. These are just some of the common discoveries found in the latest Norigae tattoos.
Tips for getting a Norigae tattoo
If you’re attracted to Korean tattoo designs, you’re not alone. This is one of the most popular tattoo designs available these days, especially with the rise of Korean popular culture on a global scale.
However, if you want a high-quality norige tattoo that will last a lifetime and exceed all expectations, we have some tips for you. Anyone can get a norigae tattoo, but these recommendations will work.
Search for Korean artists
Anyone can design and apply a Norigae tattoo, but if authenticity is important to you, consider finding a Korean tattoo artist who is familiar with the design.
This will allow your tattoo to be closer to the original material, and your Korean tattoo artist will be able to better discern what will look good in the norigae format. Our experienced tattoo artists are always available to help you create unique designs and perform the technical aspects of your art with greater skill.
fine lines and details
When it comes to skill, traditional Norige tattoos are best done with great precision and attention to detail. Since these tattoos are reminiscent of delicate decoration, thick, bold lines are usually not suitable for this form.
Of course, you can also look at Norigae tattoos from a different angle and request a design that incorporates elements of other tattoo techniques, such as neo-traditional, blackwork, or photorealistic.
However, these unique tattoos may not turn out as you imagine, so it might be best to stick with what works.
come up with a custom design
Remember that Norige is designed to suit your own tastes, including your favorite colors, symbols, text, and the composition of the threads and tassels. Gather a bunch of source material and share it with your tattoo artist, and do your best to help him or her create a clear representation of the design you have in mind before he or she draws the new one by hand.
Even better, try drawing the norige design yourself and have a more skilled tattoo artist give you the best interpretation. This is common in the tattoo world, so don’t hesitate to give it a try.
You can also rely on Asian-inspired tattoo themes, such as watercolors, cherry blossoms, Korean dragon tattoos, and tiger tattoos.
Take care of your new tattoo
All tattoos need to be taken care of after being inked, and Norige designs are no exception. In fact, the intricate details of Norigae must be preserved with great care, especially when the artist uses tiny needles to accurately represent the image.
Therefore, after receiving a Norige tattoo, be sure to follow proper care and recovery methods, using the correct cleaning and moisturizing methods. The Mad Rabbit Tattoo Aftercare Starter Kit has everything you need to repair and protect your masterpiece from the moment you leave the studio.
Fine lines tend to come together over time, so be careful not to fade Norige ink in the sun. The combination of SPF and lotion provides long-lasting protection for intricate inks, even the most detailed designs.
celebrate korean culture With Norigae-san
Whether you’re a proud Korean or just someone who loves the culture, Norigae designs are a great way to show off a beautiful and meaningful tattoo. Be sure to find the artist who knows the best and always take care of your tattoos, new or old.
Korean tattoos are finally making their way into the world, and Norigae is a great place to start. Stay tuned to what’s happening with Korea’s top tattoo artists so you don’t miss a beat.
source:
Norigae | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Norigae clothing | Nagaya Museum
Korean traditional costume, Hanbok | Visit to Korea
