Foo, or Fu Dogs as they are known as in the West are Chinese lion guardians called Shi. These creatures are both guardians and good luck charms. When placed outside buildings they are meant to protect those inside from negative energy and to stop those with intent to harm from entering. These ancient symbols have been around since the Han Dynasty (206 BC- 220 AD).
American traditional Foo head by Alex T. Frazer at Bravest Kids Tattoo, Manchester UK.Realistic Foo statue done by Andy Pho at Skin Designs Tattoos.Huge rib piece with Foo and flowers by Danh Vu at Inkman Tattoo in Brooklyn, NY.
As a tattoo this creature is also meant to be protective. Keeping the wearer safe from harm. This creature is also tattooed to be a representation of the wearer’s strength, courage, and heroism.
Realistic stomach piece by David Hoang at Chronic Ink Tattoos in Toronto.Back of neck foo by Tristen Zhang at Chronic Ink Tattoo in Toronto.Brilliant Japanese backpiece by Hori Taka in Kyoto, Japan.
Foo dogs are firstly a Chinese tattoo, but are also associated with Japanese tattoo’s and can be incorporated into Japanese pieces. They are often also done as black and grey pieces, American traditional, and realism pieces.
Golden foo and daruma doll and flowers by Horiei Shinshu in Matsumoto City, Japan.Foo and flower chest piece by Jin Q Choi at Seoul Ink Tattoo Studio.Black and grey foo by Kentzho Starbrade at Black Bamba Ink and Orc tattoos.Forearm filler foo by Steve Black at All of One Tattoo Studio.Foo head chest piece by Sue Kidder at Old Ironside Tattoo, Honolulu.Bright foo sleeve by Yan Jingdiao in China.
Foo dogs are often placed on hands, with the head fitting perfectly, lining up with the knuckles.
Blue foo by Anna Waychoff at Powerhouse Tattoo.Red and blue foo head by Brian Donovan at Davidian Tattoo Studio.Black and grey foo with a third eye done by Nicolas Malagon Casas in Columbia.Colourful hand foo by @pandern8er at Main Street Tattoo Collective in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Foo Dog’s make a brilliant and powerful tattoo for those seeking protection and good fortune.
Vince is a Canadian tattoo artist working out of Emerald Club Tattoo in Selkirk, Manitoba.. Vince does brilliant American traditional work, creating his own original work as well as doing the shop’s flash work.
Classic clasped hands and wreaths.Badass wolf head!Bright lighthouse.Aboriginal girl head.Angry snake head.Classic swallow, lantern, and “dad”.Skull, scythe, and spider web.Disney piece featuring Chip from Beauty and the Beast and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan.Eagle!Beautiful stag and traditional flower.Japanese peony!Bold stomach scorpion.Aboriginal styled bear paw and head.American traditional deaths head moth.Brilliant traditional dragon!Bart Simpson skull.
Vince is a must visit artist for you walk in and American traditional needs!
James Mckenna is an artist at Foothills Tattoo Byford – Western Australia. James is a painter as well as a tattoo artist, with a focus on surreal and horror themed pieces, mixing American traditional and neo traditional styles.
Multiple skulls as a gap filler.Elbow ditch surrealist skull hidden within spider webs.Vicious demon above a skull and snake piece.Leopard within a leopard within a leopard.Traditional elbow mandala.
The majority of James’ work features skulls, often hidden within designs. Other work includes lady heads, animals, and demons.
Neo traditional lady head.Leg sleeve castle with secret passages and a snake mixed in.Big ole’ jaguar, scorpion, and flower. Heavy on the black!Skull added to the stomach piece!Neo traditional bear and skull in a tender spot!Healed blackwork snake within a snake!Leg snake!Evil looking demon under the armpit.Butterfly lady head!New twist on a classic skull and snake.Jaguar and lady head.Knee big cat and butterfly.
James is a must see artist if you’re travelling through Western Australia.
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