Nanzu

Nanzu [做遂; なんず] is the Kantonese word for tattoo, and although often used to describe traditional or ceremonial tattooing, it can also be used as a blanket term for all forms of tattoo, including foreign. Outside of Kanton, the word is used exclusively to refer to traditional Kantonese skin art.

*Nanzu* is known by a variety of different names, many of them regional versions. They may be known as *annan*, *zakii*, *sukina* or less commonly, the English loanword *tattō*.

All forms of *nanzu* are applied by hand, using wooden handles and metal needles. This method also requires special ink, which is known as *gezaki*, and was traditionally derived from the indigo plant. *Nanzu* is a painful and time-consuming process, practiced by a limited number of professionals known as *nancha*. Historically, *nancha* were admired as figures of bravery and grit, as they were almost always heavily tattooed themselves, and were believed to possess a roguish kind of sex appeal. This image continues even to this day, and generally in Kanton tattoos are viewed as being attractive and desirable on the body of a man.

## *Nanzu* in history

Throughout Kantonese history, tattoos became symbolic of different ideas and were associated with different things.

* In the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries, when tattooing was considered bold and courageous, nanzu was often associated with warriors and chieftains. In fact, it was very common for high-ranking soldiers and clan leaders to decorate themselves with multiple tattoos. There is an account of an apprentice *nancha* being trained dating to the mid-10th century.
* From the 1100s until the 1300s, *nanzu* was still used frequently by warriors, but also by prostitutes and street performers. According to historical sources, many brothels had their own specific emblem which all of their girls had to get tattooed on their arms or legs. Street performers and actors would use *nanzu* to identify themselves as free-spirited and creative people, expressing their individuality through their tattoos.
* In the 15th century until the 17th century, tattooing was at its most liberated. Many people, almost exclusively men, would get tattoos in order to appear attractive - having suffered the pain of the process, they were considered stoic and brave. At the beginning of the 1500s, it became a fad for lovers to get matching tattoos, even writing each other's names on their bodies, and additionally men would often start inking tally scores on their ears to signify [allegedly] how many women they had slept with. This practice is the origin of the modern-day phrase '*zakii nanai*', the equivalent of 'notch on the bedpost'.
* In the 1700s, the practice of *nanzu* became linked with religious pioty, and getting a tattoo of a certain deity or religious figure was considered a strong act of faith. For a long time monks and priests could be identified by their extensively-tattooed bodies. The *kome-zakii*, or 'third-eye tattoo', was a particularly popular type which involved the inking of a third eye on one's forehead or chest. From here on, tattoos began to take on connotations of ascetism, sacrifice, and spirituality. In order to protect the image of monks, the government banned anybody else from getting tattoos. They were not used widely for self-expression again until the late 20th century.

## Traditional symbolism

Since the invention of *nanzu* itself, there have been many important and significant symbols which have been associated with certain ideas. Some of the most common and well-understood symbols used throughout history include:

* dove or white bird: representing integrity, honour, valour, and pride.
* dragon: representing bravery, ferocity and strength.
* third-eye: representing spiritualism, enlightenment, and a clear perception.
* wristband or ring: representing justice.
* circle: representing eternity.
* chrysanthemum flower: representing patriotism, or affection for a lover.
* swallow: representing migration, going away and returning. Often used by sailors.
* dragonfly: representing wealth and good fortune.
* tiger: representing determination and strength.
* fish: used in punishment tattoos [*saizakii*].