Joker Tattoos

Joker Tattoos are a popular and playful form of body modification. Inspired by the ancient tradition of the court jester, mixed with the mythology of playing card characters, these tattoos represent a mischievous and trickster archetype that has fascinated mankind for hundreds of years.

Joker tattoos are often a mix of many different legends and traditions including the fool, the court jester, and the clown. The fool was a common character in Shakespeare who often spoke the most profound truths and court jesters were seen as “lunatics” who were allowed to say anything they wished---even if meant insulting royalty.

Joker tattoos usually incorporate the joker that graces the deck of playing cards. This joker figure, with the strange velvet hat and bells and rattles, is a descendant of the ‘Fool’ card in a tarot deck. The joker is always ‘wild’ in a deck and belongs to no specific suit---and this is where joker tattoos get much of their significance. Joker tattoo designs symbolize a character that belongs to no class or group and can virtually do anything under the aegis of mockery.

They are also flexible and can be drawn in a myriad of different tat styles. They can be neo-tribal, old style, Irezumi, Celtic, or any other style that you can imagine. Joker tattoos and their message can also be adjusted by just how nefarious the joker in the tat appears. Evil clown tattoos continue to grow in popularity, while many others depict the actual ‘Joker’ from Batman as a way to pay homage to that well-loved villain of the Batman Comics.

If you’re interested in joker tattoos, make sure to take the time to get the tat design that you want. Check out other joker tattoo examples and take a look at your tattoo artist’s portfolio to see other designs that they’ve done on people. This will make sure, when it comes to joker tattoos, the joke isn’t on you. (Sorry for the Bad Pun.)

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