The pharaoh’s horses are an American traditional design that dates back to the early 1900’s when it became a staple as a back and chest tattoo, along with other designs such as the Rock of Ages and The Last Supper.

Horses with horseshoe and eagle done by Alexander Tyrrell in Melbourne Australia.

Brilliant mix of red and black in this traditional piece done by Don Ritson at Rebel Waltz in Winnipeg.

Traditional blackwork piece done by Hamish Clarke in Brisbane Australia.

In progress back piece done by Kirk Jones in Melbourne, Australia.

Very old school looking design by Rich Hadley at Inri Tattoo in Manchester, England.

One of the earliest examples of this design is by Gus Wagner who worked as a tattooer, and circus performer from the late 1800’s until his death in 1941.

Horse, anchor, and roses done by Ben McQueen in Indianapolis.

Full traditional sleeve topped by horses done at Wild Rose tattoo in Seoul, South Korea.

Angry looking horses done by Herb Auerbach in Santa Cruz.

Bold design on the back of a head done by Matt Kerley in Asheville.

Gorgeous stomach piece done by Rich Hardy.

The design of the pharaoh’s horses comes from biblical times, when horses were seen as a symbol of wealth, status, warfare, and power. Horses are specifically linked to pharaoh Ramses II who lived more than 3000 years ago. These horses of course portray a sense of power, but there is also an implied reference to Exodus 14 which reads thus. “The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horse-men the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.” This appears to be a warning of following a singular pursuit without regard to the consequences.

Chest piece with some nice blue done by Colin McClain at Tide and Tattoo.

Smaller horse piece done by Duan Woo at Sick Rose Tattoo Parlour in Shanghai, China.

Chest piece with classic flowers done by Jason Donahue at Liberty Tattoo in Seattle.

Big stomach piece topped by an eagle done by Nick Mayes at North Sea Tattoo in Scarborough, UK.

Heavy black design by Shon Lindauer in Hollywood, CA.

These tattoos are often done as large pieces on backs or chests, but can also be done as larger parts of a sleeve or leg piece. The horses are often accompanied by flowers, horseshoes, chains, and other traditional pieces such as eagles.

Brilliant full front torso as a piece of armour by Dan Pemble at Sacred Tattoo Studio Marquette, MI.

Large stomach piece full of flowers done by Frank William in Chicago, IL.

Chest piece by Kai Soong at Sick Rose Tattoo Parlour in Shanghai, China.

Traditional blackwork piece done by Philip Yarnell at Skynyard tattoos, UK.

Fantastic back piece featuring an eagle, websm and flowers done by Tammy Kim at The Okey Doke Tattoo Shop in Toronto.

Which is your favourite tattoo?