Cherry blossoms come in a range of pinks; they are an important part of both Japanese and Chinese art. To the Japanese, cherry blossoms reflect the transience of life. In China, they represent feminine grace and love. You may choose to have several cherry blossoms growing on a stark black branch tattooed on your skin, or you may prefer to have drifting cherry blossoms accenting a larger piece.
The hibiscus comes in many different colors. It is the national flower of both Malaysia and South Korea. The hibiscus is a flower that is widely found in Hawaii, where it has associations with love and relationships. This flower can be used as a symbol of delicate, fleeting beauty, as the blossoms only remain open for a short period during the day.
The lotus is a water plant that comes in a wide variety of colors. It is a deeply meaningful flower to those of the Hindu and Buddhist faiths. The lotus can be a symbol of detachment from the pleasures and pain of the world. A white lotus stands for purity, while a red lotus can stand for courage and compassion. Blue lotuses represent intelligence, while pink lotuses are associated with the Buddha. The lotus can be a beautiful center image for a large Eastern-themed tattoo.
The rose might be one of the most common flower tattoos out there. Red roses are the most conventional subject for tattoos, but roses themselves come in thousands of different varieties and colors. You might choose to have a rose in full bloom tattooed on your skin, or a rosebud or even a garland of roses. Roses do well in the usual colors or in black and white, due to their iconic petals and thorns. A rose can stand for everything from courage to love to compassion.
The lily is a tall and elegant flower that comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. A white lily can stand for purity and innocence; it has strong associations with Christianity. The bright, orange tiger lily can stand for adventure and would make a wonderful tattoo choice if you want something vibrant. The white Calla lily is also associated with mourning and can be used as part of a memorial tattoo for someone who has left your life.