sun tattoo
A sun tattoo in line art is a circle with radiating lines, and it is one of the oldest motifs in tattooing, appearing in both Polynesian and Japanese traditions as well as modern minimal line work. Its meaning shifts sharply depending on whether the rays are straight, wavy or flame-like.
Size guide
Small sun: 3–4 cm. Radiating sun with 12+ rays: 8–12 cm. Spine sun piece: 15–20 cm.
Where should a sun tattoo go?
The forearm and calf suit the circular form best, and the chest gives a centred, symmetrical placement that works for a radiating sun. The wrist and ankle work if the design is small, though at 3 cm the individual rays start merging into a solid ring.
What is the difference between a rising sun and a setting sun?
In Japanese iconography the difference is a convention, not a feeling: the rising sun is drawn with rays below the horizon line and the setting sun with rays above it. Reversing it is one of the most recognisable errors in traditional work, so tell your artist which direction you want rather than letting them guess.
Frequently asked questions
Where to place a sun tattoo
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Sample designs
