Koi Fish
AnubisThe Japanese dragon (ryu) coiling through waves and clouds represents strength, wisdom and control over water and weather. Unlike Western dragons, it is typically read as benevolent, a guardian force rather than a destructive threat. In Japanese tattoo tradition it is often paired with wind bars, waves or clouds to signal elemental mastery.
Where it sits
This composition is built as a full circle, coiling the dragon's body around itself with waves filling the lower gaps, which makes it a natural fit for a back panel, chest plate or the round of a shoulder. Circular designs like this also work well on the thigh or calf where the limb's curve echoes the coil. Shrinking it down to forearm size would blur the scale detail on the body and lose the wave texture at the base.
Making it yours
Ask an artist for any of these.
