About this artwork
A long green dragon winds through the top of the composition, its scaled body looping in S-curves through dense, swirling clouds. Its head turns to the left with mouth open, whiskers trailing and horns swept back, while clawed feet reach out from the coils. A cream underbelly and a ridge of orange spines trace the length of its body.
The clouds are drawn as rolling spirals in layered blues, giving way below to softer bands of sage, ochre and terracotta. Beneath them, the lower half of the print is almost entirely open cream space, finishing in a warm terracotta glow. That contrast between energetic upper detail and calm emptiness is what makes this Japanese dragon print powerful without feeling aggressive.
Dragons in Japanese Art
In Japan the dragon, ryū or tatsu, is a water deity linked to rain, rivers and the sea rather than a fire-breathing monster. Dragons are associated with rainfall, protection and good fortune, and the dragon is one of the twelve animals of the East Asian zodiac. Many Zen temples in Kyoto, including Tenryū-ji, have dragons painted across the ceilings of their halls. The cloud dragon, unryū, rising through storm clouds, is a classic theme in Japanese art.
How to style it
A bold match for living rooms, studies and offices with navy, green or dark wood accents. Pairs with the rising carp design, which tells the story of a carp becoming a dragon. Explore the full Japandi Wall Art collection.
Choose your format
- Unframed Art Print on 250 gsm archival matte fine-art paper with a soft off-white tone. Ideal if you already have a frame.
- Natural Wood Frame with shatterproof acrylic glazing. Arrives assembled, ready to hang.
- Black Metal Frame, a slim matte-black aluminium frame with shatterproof acrylic glazing. Arrives assembled, ready to hang.
- Aluminium Print, printed directly onto a rigid 3 mm aluminium panel for a sleek, frameless look.
- Wood Print, printed directly onto a 2 cm wood panel for a warm, natural, gallery feel.
Sizes
Seven portrait sizes from 20 × 30 cm (8 × 12 in) to 50 × 70 cm (20 × 28 in). Not sure which one? Read our size guide.
Shipping
Free tracked shipping to most countries. Every print is made to order and produced close to you, in more than 30 countries across Europe, the UK, North America and Australia, which means shorter journeys and fewer surprises at the door. See shipping & returns.
Questions & answers
What does a Japanese dragon symbolise?
A Japanese dragon symbolises power, protection and good fortune, and it is closely linked to water and rain. Unlike many Western dragons, it is usually seen as wise and benevolent rather than destructive.
Is this dragon print too intense for a calm room?
No. The dragon and clouds sit in the top half, while the lower half is open cream space with a soft terracotta base. The result is striking but balanced, so it works in calm interiors.
Is a frame included?
Only if you choose a framed format. The Natural Wood Frame and Black Metal Frame options arrive assembled with acrylic glazing and are ready to hang. The Unframed Art Print arrives without a frame, and the Aluminium and Wood Prints need no frame at all.
Which size should I choose?
As a rule of thumb, choose art about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it. 50 × 70 cm makes a statement above a sofa or bed, 30 × 40 cm suits shelves, desks and gallery walls. Our size guide shows every size to scale.
How is my print made and shipped?
Each print is made to order for you, then shipped with tracking from a production partner close to your address. You receive the tracking link by email as soon as your order leaves production.
Specifications
| Format | Unframed Art Print, Natural Wood Frame, Black Metal Frame, Aluminium Print, Wood Print |
| Print Size | 20 × 30 cm / 8 × 12 in, 30 × 40 cm / 12 × 16 in, 30 × 45 cm / 12 × 18 in, 40 × 50 cm / 16 × 20 in, 40 × 60 cm / 16 × 24 in, 45 × 60 cm / 18 × 24 in, 50 × 70 cm / 20 × 28 in |
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