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30+ Stunning Traditional Paintings of Chinese Dragons and Other Legendary Creatures

Last Updated on 2024/02/04

Chinese Dragons artworks

Dragons, as mythological creatures in Chinese folklore, hold a position of immense cultural significance and are a staple in the realm of Chinese art. Unlike the menacing dragons often depicted in Western mythology, Chinese dragons embody auspiciousness, strength, and the commanding control over water elements.

The dragon, or “龙” (lóng) in Chinese, has been a symbol of power, strength, and good luck for thousands of years in China. Its origin is shrouded in mythology and prehistoric folklore. Unlike its Western counterparts, the Chinese dragon is not viewed as a menacing or evil creature but rather as a benevolent being. It is believed to have the power to bring rain, which is vital for agriculture, thus symbolizing life and growth.

Chinese dragons symbolize an array of powerful attributes. They are seen as the embodiment of Yang (masculine energy) and are often associated with the emperor, representing power, nobility, and honor. The dragon’s ability to control water, causing rainfall, floods, and even typhoons, links it deeply with agricultural prosperity and natural disasters, thereby making it a guardian figure.

Today, the dragon continues to be a potent symbol in Chinese culture. It is often used in branding, art, and media to convey strength, prosperity, and cultural heritage. The dragon’s image has also evolved in modern artistic expressions, blending traditional elements with contemporary art forms.

Related: Chinese Black Magic, Hungry Ghost Festival imagesPaintings of Demons and Mythological Creatures of the Chinese Folklore

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Dragon and tiger

Dragon and tiger
Hanging scroll (mounted on panel). Ming or Qing dynasty, 17th-19th century. Ink and color on silk.

Dragons in clouds

Dragons in clouds
Album (8 leaves). Artist: Zhou Xun (1649-1729). Qing dynasty, 1684. Ink and color on silk. H x W (image, each): 20.7 x 32.7 cm.
Dragons in clouds
Album (8 leaves). Artist: Zhou Xun (1649-1729). Qing dynasty, 1684. Ink and color on silk. H x W (image, each): 20.7 x 32.7 cm.
Dragons in clouds
Album (8 leaves). Artist: Zhou Xun (1649-1729). Qing dynasty, 1684. Ink and color on silk. H x W (image, each): 20.7 x 32.7 cm.
Dragons in clouds
Album (8 leaves). Artist: Zhou Xun (1649-1729). Qing dynasty, 1684. Ink and color on silk. H x W (image, each): 20.7 x 32.7 cm.
Dragons in clouds
Album (8 leaves). Artist: Zhou Xun (1649-1729). Qing dynasty, 1684. Ink and color on silk. H x W (image, each): 20.7 x 32.7 cm.
Dragons in clouds
Album (8 leaves). Artist: Zhou Xun (1649-1729). Qing dynasty, 1684. Ink and color on silk. H x W (image, each): 20.7 x 32.7 cm.

Ten dragons

Ten Dragons
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.
Ten Dragons
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.
Ten Dragons
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.
Ten Dragons
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.
Ten Dragons
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.
Ten Dragons
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.
Ten Dragons

Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.

Ten Dragons

Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 15th century? . Ink on paper.

Luohans Moving Through Forests and Sea

Luohans Moving Through Forests and Sea
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Fanlong 梵隆 (active mid-12th century). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink on paper.

Dragons in clouds and waters

Dragons in clouds and waters
Handscroll. Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink and color on paper. H x W (image): 22.8 x 255 cm.
Dragons in clouds and waters
Handscroll. Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink and color on paper. H x W (image): 22.8 x 255 cm.
Dragons in clouds and waters
Handscroll. Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink and color on paper. H x W (image): 22.8 x 255 cm.
Dragons in clouds and waters
Handscroll. Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink and color on paper. H x W (image): 22.8 x 255 cm.
Dragons in clouds and waters
Handscroll. Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink and color on paper. H x W (image): 22.8 x 255 cm.

A Dragon’s head in clouds

A Dragon's head in clouds
Hanging scroll (mounted on panel). Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 1368-1644. Ink on silk.

Luohan with dragon and attendant

 Luohan with dragon and attendant
Hanging scroll (mounted on panel). Ming or Qing dynasty, 17th-19th century. Ink and color on silk

A Dragon and clouds

A Dragon and clouds
Hanging scroll (mounted on panel). Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 1368-1644. Ink on silk

Dragon Among Clouds

Dragon Among Clouds
Album leaf. Traditionally attributed to Chen Rong (active 1235-after 1262). Ming dynasty, 1368-1644. Ink on silk.

The dragon king revering the Buddha

The dragon king revering the Buddha
Hanging scroll (mounted on panel). Attributed to Chen Hongshou 陳鴻壽 (1598-1652). Ming dynasty, 1368-1644. Ink and color on silk.

Luohans and animals crossing the sea

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Luohans and animals crossing the sea
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Li Gonglin (傳)李公麟 (ca. 1049-1106). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink on paper. H x W (image): 27.8 x 362.6 cm.
Luohans and animals crossing the sea
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Li Gonglin (傳)李公麟 (ca. 1049-1106). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink on paper. H x W (image): 27.8 x 362.6 cm.
Luohans and animals crossing the sea
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Li Gonglin (傳)李公麟 (ca. 1049-1106). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink on paper. H x W (image): 27.8 x 362.6 cm.
Luohans and animals crossing the sea
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Li Gonglin (傳)李公麟 (ca. 1049-1106). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink on paper. H x W (image): 27.8 x 362.6 cm.
Luohans and animals crossing the sea
Handscroll. Formerly attributed to Li Gonglin (傳)李公麟 (ca. 1049-1106). Ming dynasty, 16th-17th century. Ink on paper. H x W (image): 27.8 x 362.6 cm.

Topic: images of Chinese dragons, Chinese dragons painting, Chinese dragon handscroll, Traditional Chinese Art, Chinese dragon art, Chinese dragon paintings

Source & Images: Smithsonian Institution

If you want to  know more Chinese Dragons, check this page and also this page.

Topic:dragon,dragon images,Chinese dragon images,dragon painting

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