November 29th, 2021

60 Jovial Jester Tattoos

You'd be FOOLish not to want one of these tattoos.

Long before The Joker ruled Gotham or Pennywise terrified children in Derry, Maine, Jesters were the dominant performers of the court scene. Jesters were performers of noblemen and monarchs during the Medieval and Renaissance eras. They were known for wearing brightly colored clothing during performances and frequently wore a hat known as a cap and bells. These hats often featured ass’s ears and tails—which resembled donkeys. They were also often ornamented with bells and decorated in a Motley print. Motley has become synonymous with jesters, fools and harlequins, often featured a pattern of multi-colored diamonds.

Jesters of these eras often performed different skills, which ranged wildly depending on the performer. Some jesters were storytellers, jokesters or musicians. While others specialized in acrobatics, juggling and magic.

Throughout history, jesters have frequently been depicted in literature. One of the most prominent examples is in William Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” The Shakespearean fool was a reoccurring characters throughout his works, appearing in “The Comedy of Errors,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Twelfth Night,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “As You Like It.”

In honor of all the jesters of the past, present and future, take a look at 60 of our favorite jester tattoos from talented tattoo artists around the world. Then let us know if you’d get one of these tattoos in the comments section on social media.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@maggiefoxart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paraschos A. (@paraschos_a)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ☻ (@nicolesedef)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @tupamax_tattoo

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paraschos A. (@paraschos_a)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@wag.hz)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by O T A K U T A T T O O (@simonkbell)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kyle Plunkett (@tattoosbycharlos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@joseptattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@solemn_rose)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Ellie Livingston (@elliejoliv)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @tupamax_tattoo

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jack Barrow (@jvckbarrow)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by G.ghost (@gghost_tattooer)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jasper (@melancholy.moth.tattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by N I C O L E (@romatra_)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Aaron King (@akingtattoo)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natia (@swamplost)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Matthew Larkin (@matsy__)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Bryce Oprandi (@bryceoprandi)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natia (@swamplost)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Snowflake (Snow) (@inked_snowflake)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Chris_Spriggs (@chrisspriggs)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by alex gracia (@alxgracia)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by carlos torres (@carlostorresart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Punctum Ink (@punctumink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@bradlee_brixx)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lucy Harrington (@lunacy_tattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lemon (@thelemonart)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jacob Kearney (@jacobkearney)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by W.T.Norbert (@wtnorbert)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by (@nataliarosebutler)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Paraschos A. (@paraschos_a)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CRISTIAN CASAS (@kasasink)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Caleb Inks ☠️ (@calebinks)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by INDUSTRIA8 TATTOO SOCIETY (@fox.ttt)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Alice SB (@alicetattoos)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Natia (@swamplost)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ✨Morg Armeni✨ (@morg_armeni)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Joe Khay (@joekhay)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cody Philpott (@cody.tattoo)

Editor's Picks

Culture
Reviving the Soul of Tattooing in the Heart of Barcelona

Bhorn Tattoo & Design is rooted in tradition and built for what’s next.

Culture
10 Spellbinding “Harry Potter” Tattoos That Every Witch, Wizard, and Muggle Will Want ASAP

Ready to ink your Potterhead pride? Whether you’re Team Gryffindor or secretly rooting for the Dark Arts (no judgment!), these magical “Harry Potter” tattoo ideas will have you booking a trip to the nearest tattoo parlor faster than you can say “Alohomora!”

Culture
Art in a Bottle: The Unconventional World of Orin Swift

Orin Swift breaks the mold, delivering daring blends wrapped in unforgettable stories.

InkedMagCover