The Kanji 瑠璃 (Ruri) evokes the captivating beauty of lapis lazuli, a gemstone revered across cultures for its deep blue allure. It symbolizes not only preciousness but also profound spiritual and cultural significance.
The atmosphere of a Kanji character changes dramatically depending on the font style. A character that looks elegant in a brush style might look bold and modern in a different font.
Recommendation:
Since a tattoo is permanent, we strongly recommend comparing various font styles beyond what is shown here. Use our designs as a trusted reference for the correct structure, but feel free to explore different artistic variations to find the perfect match for your vision.
The Deep Meaning Behind 瑠璃
The compound “瑠璃” (ruri) originates from the Sanskrit word “vaidūrya,” referring to a precious blue stone. Both characters incorporate the radical for “jewel” or “king” (王, often written as 玉 when on the left, signifying precious stones), indicating their association with gems. The character 瑠 combines the “jewel” radical with 留 (ryū), a phonetic component suggesting its sound.
Similarly, 璃 combines the “jewel” radical with 離 (ri), also primarily serving as a phonetic element. In Japanese culture, Ruri is primarily known as lapis lazuli, a highly prized gemstone. It holds significant spiritual importance, especially within Buddhism, where it is counted among the “Seven Treasures” (七宝, shippō).
These treasures symbolize purity, wisdom, and the impermanence of material wealth, often appearing in temple decorations and sacred artifacts. The deep, celestial blue of lapis lazuli is associated with the pure land of Yakushi Nyorai (Bhaisajyaguru), the Medicine Buddha, representing healing and enlightenment.
Kanji Breakdown
Each character in 瑠璃 contributes to its meaning as a precious gemstone.
Meaning: Lapis Lazuli, a type of glass or gem. This character is composed of the radical 玉 (gyoku/tama), meaning “jewel” or “jade” (often simplified to 王 when used as a radical on the left side of a character), indicating its connection to precious stones. The right-hand component, 留 (ryū/ru), serves primarily as a phonetic element, giving the character its “ru” sound, and also carries meanings like “to stop” or “to detain.”
Meaning: Lapis Lazuli, glass. Similar to 瑠, 璃 also features the 玉 (jewel/jade) radical on the left, again signifying its nature as a precious material. The right-hand component, 離 (ri), functions mainly as a phonetic element, providing the “ri” sound. It also means “to separate” or “to leave,” though this meaning is not directly related to the gem itself in this compound.
Conclusion
“瑠璃” embodies the profound beauty and spiritual depth of lapis lazuli, a gemstone revered for its striking blue hue and its place in Buddhist iconography. It represents not just a material treasure but also purity, healing, and enlightenment.
Choosing “瑠璃” for a tattoo is a testament to an appreciation for natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual symbolism. Its intricate design and rich meaning make it a truly inspiring and elegant choice, symbolizing preciousness and a connection to ancient wisdom. Remember to discuss appropriate sizing with your artist to honor its detailed composition.
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