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This can represent someone who has flown away from their old life or will continue to soar above their old way of thinking.
Cranes have a very delicate body structure, which makes them look like they might break if you touch them too hard. Their legs are thin and long, which makes them look fragile yet sturdy at the same time.
They also have long necks that end in a pair of large beak-like structures that form their head. The wings on cranes are usually small and delicate, so they don’t carry much weight when they fly through the air as birds do.
They are also known for flying backward without falling out of the sky like other birds. This means crane tattoos are perfect for women who want something small but substantial, like their personality.
Depending on your preference and appearance, this tattoo can be applied on either arms or at the back of the neck. It looks great with long hair and makes you look like an independent person who knows how to care for herself without relying on anyone else’s help.
If you are considering getting this tattoo, ensure to check with your doctor first if you have any health conditions or if you are pregnant because the process can be pretty painful.
Crane design idea inspiration:
Most popular wading bird species: – Black crowned crane
– Black-necked Crane
– Blue Crane
– Brolga
– Common Crane
– Demoiselle Crane
– Grey Crowned Crane
– Grus
– Hooded Crane
– Red-crowned Crane (Japanese)
– Sandhill Crane
– Sarus Crane
– Siberian Crane
– Wattled Crane
– White-naped Crown
– Whooping crane
General ideas to consider:
– Nests
– Eggs
– Flying birds (migration)
– Japanese themed
– Attraction dance
– Bird watching themed
– Origami folded paper birds
I love the impression of “flight” that this crane shoulder tattoo gives off. It’s as if the crane is descending from her upper body downwards. The wing gracefully touches the lower portion of her neck as well. Note the really nice dotwork details and black ink design, which places an added emphasis on super clean lines.
Don’t you just love neo-traditional tattoos? This large arm design, while not technically a sleeve, gives off a major “Wow” factor. The female portrait is exceptionally well done, but yellow flower, wheel earrings, and bloody arrow really impress me. All of these elements give this body art piece a visually amazing look that engages the eyes. Just below the face, you’ll find the beautifully done crane bird which has been struck by an arrow. One has to wonder the meaning behind this tattoo. For a little more pop, the artist has added some nice purple and white ink stars around the design. This women’s arm tattoo is a winner in my book; incredible all-around!
With a bird as delicate as the crane, why not place it on an equally delicate area of the body? With soaring wings, this crane back tattoo is placed perfectly on the left side of the spine. I like how the lower back placement gives the impression that the crane has plenty of room to ascent upwards. Personally, I find that to be an important factor when considering the placement for any animal tattoo that needs to convey movement. Instead of focusing on the perfect spot for your bird design, consider the ink-free room around it instead. Think of it as a runway of sorts to give the impression of unrestricted movement.
There are a lot of paper origami tattoos out there, most of them being of crane birds, but this one in particular is truly unique. Placed on the forearm, this crane design features no color, a dotworkk design, and super fine lines of white ink. Even a a tiny tattoo, the shaded black and grey themed gives off so much detail and depth. When going for that 3D, realistic look, consider going small instead of large.
This is a cute, elegant design idea situated on the back of a leg. Inky watercolor black lends to intense contrast as the body of the bird is bright white. A beautiful red sun hangs near the top, placed between the lovely branches of a tree.
An outstretched crane looks upward in this women’s inner arm tattoo design. The striking redhead draws your eye out with the bird, as its realistic, lanky legs anchor the crane in place. The detail of the feathers is remarkable.
The size of this women’s design is large – a full leg sleeve tattoo design- and it’s full of interest and specifics. So many fine lines create intricate detail in the crane’s feathers and the fibers of the rope. The lack of color in this black and white creation makes it intense and striking.
A pair of cranes stand together in this outer arm tattoo for women. The black and white birds rest under a red sun that gains intensity at the top. This understated body art design idea is elegant in its simplicity.
This women’s crane tattoo design idea is full of movement. The crane steps out of the water, which is shown rippling. Two koi fish circle below. The long and slender legs of the bird provide contrast to its full and outstretched body.
The full wingspan of the crane is featured in this highly detailed black and white tattoo. It fits perfectly on the outer arm. This classic depiction of a crane in flight is timeless and graceful.
A richly shaded crane is pictured in flight over a detailed circle of red. The red shown on the bird’s head matches the circular lines perfectly and ties the whole piece together. The iconic “S” shaped neck makes a perfect focal point in the center.
Sharp lines and a variety of color make this a very unique women’s crane themed tattoo. The feathers feature white, gray, and light blue while the beak and eye are yellow. An orange sun and leaves add depth as a red ribbon weaves throughout the piece.
Inky black hues are offset with a brighter tone in this crane tattoo for girls. Detail abounds throughout, from the bird’s feet to its feathers. The sun in the background is a tangerine of orange. Crisp, clean lines make this artwork extraordinary.
The almost outstretched crane here has a clear sense of elegance. One straight leg against one bent leg adds unique detail to the bottom of the piece. The bright white and gray of the full body are offset by a sharp, slender beak pointing upward.
Thick black lines anchor this crane tattoo that illustrates a smoky cloud at the top. Black lines float like ribbon throughout the wings, as well. Slender legs stretch outward at the back, as intricate wings stretch upward.
A pair of cranes fly in the foreground while a red fan is shown in the background of this upper arm tattoo for women. This piece is delicate, despite its large size. The heart at the top provides another element of interest, as do the strings hanging from the base of the fan.
This girl’s crane sleeve tattoo is full and intricate. The crane appears near the shoulder, mixed into a collage of abundant foliage. A tiger lurks at the bottom, near the wrist and lush leaves fill in the middle of this black and white piece.
This woman’s neck tattoo, situated just above the collarbone is a graceful, singular crane. The bird is in flight, with a tear drop shaped keyhole formed in the bird’s neck – adding unique interest. The tail feathers are wispy and realistic.
Situated on the forearm, this bird themed body art is linear, but has elements that expand beyond. A small fan is the crown at the top near the trio of cranes. A large tree provides a central focal point. A sun on the left is the only point of color in this dramatic female crane tattoo.
There is so much art in this strip on the forearm. Vivid blues and greens in the mountains and trees and bright orange in the tiger. The crane appears under a sun of red, with a turquoise and red colored head.
Crisp lines make this women’s leg tattoo stand out. The crane’s neck extends through the center of a perfectly circular sun. Beautiful line work creates lovely feathers and full wings. An elegant branch with leaves is woven through the legs.
The crane is connected to a beautiful floral display through a circular sun. The crane’s wings appear to wrap around the sun and point up toward the flowers at the top left. The placement on the shoulder adds movement to the piece.
There are a lot of neat elements in this tattoo design idea for girls, but the crane is definitely the focal point. Waves anchor the piece as the crane rests just above them. A structure and sun rise near the top of the leg in this black and white tattoo for women.
Decorative elements emerge from the rectangular shape of this arm tattoo for girls. A realistic tree trunk and leaves come out of the top, while the crane perches at the bottom left. The art extends beyond the lines, but the rectangular outline is very evident.
Two cranes are featured in this piece – separated by mountains and a tree branch. Dark coloring at both the top and bottom of this tattoo create interest and allow for a bright spot in the center. The crane’s wings are the only thing that spill out beyond the rectangular shape.
Two crane birds intersect at their necks in this abdomen tattoo. The birds’ lanky legs point toward each other to anchor the tattoo, and full wings extend to the side. Subtle red provides the only color in the tattoo, shown in the heads at the top.
This three part back women’s tattoo shows the evolution of an origami piece. A paper origami piece turns into a crane, extending in flight toward the shoulder. Fully extended legs, neck, and wings make this bird appear to glide.
Multiple cranes are shown on the side of the abdomen. The birds are outlined in red, creating a visually stunning and artistic tattoo idea. Each crane looks upward in this large tattoo that wraps around the ribs, creating movement.
The forearm is a perfect spot for this women’s brightly colored tattoo, focusing on the head of the crane. Yellow is the dominant color here, shown in fans, the eye, and the beak of the crane. Pink flowers appear at either side of the head.
The “S” curve of the crane’s neck takes center stage in this women’s full back tattoo. Feathers and large wings flank the sides of the piece, while the head and neck are located up the spine. Lots of curved, soft lines keep this large piece looking delicate.
This sweet scene comes alive in a fan. Beautiful cherry blossoms, an orange sun, and a gently colored crane are featured. The light blue and classic red shown on the crane make it stand out within the scene.
Intense black and beautiful shading draw your eye into this piece. A pair of cranes perch on a branch, while holding the string of a red lantern. The lantern highlights the red pictured on the heads of the cranes.
Red provides the pop of color and adds brightness to the black and white tattoo. A pair of red headed cranes is shown nestled between beautiful bamboo leaves as a striking red sun hangs above. This is placed on the upper arm.
With florals at the wrist and elbow, the crane stretches between, extending the length of the forearm. It is beautifully outstretched, with hyper realistic details along the edges of the wings and down its legs.
This is a lovely shoulder piece with an ethereal effect. The crane is exquisitely detailed, featured within a handful of falling leaves. The gradient effect in the sun’s coloring adds subtle detail to the tattoo design.
The center of the back is a perfect place for a large and striking tattoo design idea. The crane’s wind feathers extend up the back of the neck, while purple feathers of the second wind extend around the ribs. Detailed feet and a wispy tail help anchor the tattoo near the small of the back.
Rich black is center stage in this crane tattoo design for women. Lovely shading offsets pockets of deep black as the crane stretches its neck above the fame of a candle. Detailed wings along the left are visually stunning.
The cute crane bird shown here is both playful and realistic. A vivid red sun matches the red featured in the crane. Yellow is also highlighted, shown in the beak and legs of the bird.
Unique details in the wings make this piece exceptionally interesting. The small dots throughout the bird’s body create texture, and flowers in the wings set this piece apart.
A duo of cranes are pictured here, among swirling clouds in the background. The curve of the bodies makes this piece circular, adding movement. Beautiful crane heads and beaks provide a focal point in the center.
This cool tattoo design for women, located in the center of the back, is full of movement. Your eye is drawn both upward and down with the linear details. Two cranes are shown, extended in flight, going opposite directions toward the shoulder blades.
Crane tattoo meanings and symbolism:
What do Crane themed designs mean and symbolize?: Cranes have been used for centuries in various cultures, from the Far East to Europe and even in America. In many cases, cranes are associated with good luck, longevity and happiness. In other cases, however, they have been seen as a sign of death or ill-fated events. No matter what the interpretation of crane symbolism is, it remains a powerful symbol that has a deep meaning for many cultures around the world.
In Japan, cranes are seen as symbols of peace and prosperity due to their graceful beauty and impressive wingspan. They often represent long life because they live up to 100 years in captivity and sometimes even longer in the wild. This longevity is also connected with their ability to fly great distances which often leads to stories about people who received messages from cranes sent by loved ones far away.
In China, these unique birds are seen as symbols of luck and prosperity as well as a symbol of immortality due to its ability to take flight from one place to another without ever touching the ground. In addition, it is believed that having a tattoo of a crane can bring good fortune into your life. Chinese folklore often speaks of white cranes bringing messages from Heaven while red cranes were thought to be messengers between humans on Earth and deities above them.
The crane is also associated with wisdom since it was thought that anyone who could observe these birds flying would gain knowledge regarding how best to traverse through life’s challenges with grace and poise – something quite difficult for humans alone! The bird was seen as an embodiment of balance between airy heights (heaven) and earthly foundations (earth).
Fertility can also be attributed to these birds due their mating dance which involves bowing down low towards their partner before leaping into the air together; this seemingly magical behavior inspired much admiration among those who observed it leading them to believe that the same dance could bring forth more offspring than just two birds! Furthermore, some cultures have believed that when couples perform this same ritual together it will result in increased fertility rates within their own family – making them prosperous!
Finally, these birds are symbolic of protection against evil forces or bad luck because these birds have large wingspans which can be interpreted as being able to create an “umbrella” over people so they won’t get hurt by whatever negative energy might come their way. Additionally, some believe that if you hang pictures or statues of these majestic creatures near your house or business then you will be protected from any kind of harm or misfortune brought upon you by external sources such as vengeful spirits/ghosts or enemies alike!
I love the positive values such as prosperity, good luck and protection against evil forces/bad luck that is attached to cranes!
