Monet’s water lilies might have left the world in awe, but who’s to say you can’t do the same thing with a water lily tattoo? Whenever you’re ready to explore the wondrous world of permanent body art, consider opting for one of the most enthralling, eye-catching tattoo motifs out there.
Water lily tattoos are much more than meets the eye, too. Whether you opt for a simple and sleek linework tattoo or a statement piece that widens your pupils, water lilies represent beauty, purity, and peace. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite water lily tattoos to shower you with ink inspiration.
1. A simple and sleek water lily tattoo
If you want to stay on top of trends, you might opt for a simple and sleek water lily tattoo. With clean lines and a subtle design, this water lily tattoo is guaranteed to attract attention and make you feel like a million dollars.
2. A tattoo of koi fish and water lilies on the thigh
If you’re looking for something a little more different, you might want to get a tattoo of a water lily complete with a couple of other elements, symbols, and ornaments. It’s a great way for you to explore your creativity and come up with a design that reflects who you are. What about a tattoo of a koi fish with water lilies, for example?
3. A water lily tattoo on the thigh
When picking the perfect tattoo placement, don’t shy away from experimenting with your thighs, hips, or even your back. Bigger, bolder tattoos require more real estate, and that’s why these tattoo placements are perfect for statement water lily tattoos.
4. A water lily sleeve tattoo
If this isn’t your first rodeo, you might be interested in getting a water lily-themed sleeve tattoo. Sleeves aren’t for the faint of heart, but they’re a surefire way for you to stand out and demand respect. So, consider getting a water lily-themed sleeve tattoo.
5. A water lily tattoo on the sternum
We can say the same thing about sternum tattoos! Whether you’re thinking of going big or going home, you need to remember that sternum tattoos can be quite challenging, even for the most experienced tattoo enthusiasts. Sternum water lily tattoos are strikingly beautiful, nonetheless.
6. A water lily black-stringed norigae tattoo
If you’ve never heard of norigae tattoos, you’re in for a treat! Norigae refers to traditional Korean knot-based accessories with tassels which happen to symbolize good luck, eternal youth, and wealth. It’s one of the most mesmerizing accessories out there and it’s quite a popular tattoo motif, too.
7. A purple water lily tattoo on the upper arm
What about a purple water lily tattoo? If you’re a fan of colored tattoos, you might want to experiment with different colors that represent something meaningful to you. It might be a great way for you to add more value to your tattoo – a purple water lily, for example, represents modesty, innocence, virtue, affection, care, and love.
8. A blue water lily tattoo on the upper arm
A blue water lily represents a desire for uniqueness and stands as a symbol of one’s distinctive identity. After all, blue water lilies aren’t common and that’s what makes them perfect tattoo motifs.
9. A realistic water lily tattoo
A realistic water lily, on the other hand, represents purity, birth, and the beginning of something special. Realistic tattoos require a lot of time, effort, and energy, but they’re worth your while.
10. A water lily tattoo on the ribcage
A water lily tattoo on your ribcage? Absolutely! If you’re looking for an attractive, appealing tattoo placement, always opt for a ribcage tattoo. It might not be the most comfortable inking experience, but it’s a great way for you to work with the curvatures of your body and come up with a sensual design.
11. A pink water lily tattoo on the back
A pink water lily tattoo represents love, family, and friendship, and can be a great way for you to show your devotion to someone you love. Add a butterfly, a moon, or even a traditional Korean knot, and you have yourself a stunning piece you’ll want to wear forever.
12. A fine-line water lily tattoo on the thigh
A fine-line tattoo will always be a great idea! Fine-line tattoos seem to have taken the world by storm and for a good reason, too. Fine-line tattooing uses small needles (often a single needle) to create a delicate and dainty design.
13. A water lily on the back of the arm
If you want to have the ability to conceal or reveal your tattoo, you can always go with a back-of-the-arm placement. It’s a great way for you to express your creativity without committing to everyone seeing your tattoo (and commenting on it!).
14. A minimalist water lily on the wrist
Minimalist tattoos are becoming more and more popular and we can see why! With a smaller, simpler tattoo, you don’t need to worry about going overboard or regretting your choice down the line. Wrist tattoos are almost always on display, too, and that’s why you’re better off with a minimalist design.
15. A water lily tattoo on the forearm
Whether you opt for a fine-line tattoo, a dotwork tattoo, or even a realistic tattoo, you might want to place it on your forearm. Forearm tattoos are super popular among first-timers and experienced body art enthusiasts, and they’re a great starting point for a sleeve tattoo. For what it’s worth, you can’t go wrong with a water lily tattoo on the forearm.
16. A water lily and delphinium tattoo on the back of the arm
If floral tattoos tickle your fancy, you can always add a couple of different flowers to the final design. A water lily works wonderfully with a delphinium, for example. A delphinium tattoo represents dignity, grace, and the power of youth.
17. A water lily tattoo on the collarbone
What about a water lily tattoo on the collarbone? Collarbone tattoos are super sensual, and they’re perfect for when you want the entire world to see your tattoo – but you also want to keep a veil of mystery around it. With a water lily collarbone tattoo, you can count on everyone commenting on how great it looks.
18. A water lily tattoo on the hip
If you’re itching to get a hip tattoo, a water lily might be the right motif. Hip tattoos can be bigger or smaller, depending on your preference, but there’s no denying that they’re a great tattoo placement for everyone who prefers “hidden” ink.
19. A water lily tattoo with dots and ornaments
If you’re going to get a water lily tattoo, you might as well embellish it with dots and ornaments. Ornamental tattoos are meant to be decorative rather than functional or meaningful, and that’s what makes them special. Of course, it’s up to you to assign meaning to your tattoo, anyway.
20. A water lily and larkspur tattoo on the back
We already brushed over the fact that you can add different flowers to your water lily tattoo to amplify or completely change the meaning (or to simply embellish it). A larkspur tattoo, for example, represents a beautiful spirit, swiftness, positivity, and strong bonds of love.
21. A water lily ankle tattoo
If you’re unsure of the placement of your tattoo, consider getting one on your ankle. It might not be the most visible placement, but it allows you to work with your tattoo artist and come up with a unique and memorable design.
22. A symmetrical water lily tattoo on the collarbone
Water lily tattoos are wearable and versatile, and that’s why they’re one of the most popular floral tattoo motifs out there. If you’re looking to stand out, get a tattoo of a water lily – on each of your collarbones. It’s symmetrical, satisfying, and freakin’ cute!
23. A barely-there water lily tattoo
Black and gray tattoos are elegant and effortless, but that doesn’t mean that colored tattoos aren’t meant for tattoo-getters who prefer modern, minimalistic ink. With a barely-there water lily tattoo, you can work with your aesthetic and come up with a tattoo that represents who you are.
24. A delicate and dainty water lily tattoo
We can say the same thing about a delicate and dainty water lily tattoo! Work with your tattoo artist and come up with something sweet and simple. Whether you opt for a colored tattoo or a black and gray one, you can keep the clean line and simple design and make it your own.
25. A water lily ribcage tattoo
We’re ending the article with a beautiful, barely-there water lily ribcage tattoo! You can easily make it your own with a couple of symbols and ornaments, and you can place it higher or lower on your ribcage. You do you, boo.
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