Chinese, Korean, and Japanese Dragon Art

The dragon is a very revered creature in China that has many symbolic meanings in Chinese culture. Unlike the European dragon, the Chinese dragon is a creature that symbolizes auspicious omens and is a symbol of good luck, fortune, and power. The Chinese dragon also, according to legend, symbolizes control over water and bodies of water, such as rain, floods, waterfalls, rivers, and typhoons.

Throughout Chinese history, the dragon has been associated with the Emperor of China. The first Chinese emperor, Huang Yi, is said to have been transformed into a dragon at the end of his reign and ascended into Heaven. His brother Yan Di is said to have been born by his mother's telepathic communication with a dragon. This is why the Chinese refer to themselves as "descendants of the dragon" and why the dragon has been symbolic of the Emperor of China throughout Chinese history. In fact, the dragon became the national flag during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912, 1917 AD)!

Dragons have been depicted in Chinese art almost as long as the Chinese people themselves have been in existence. The earliest examples of dragon art were found at the Xinglongwa culture (6200-5400 BC) archaeological sites where some depictions of dragons were found. In Xi'an province, clay pots with dragon motifs were found at the Yangshao culture (5000-3000 BC) archaeological sites. In modern-day Inner Mongolia, jade amulets made in the shape of coiled "pig dragons" (a coiled dragon with a pig's head) and embryo dragons were found at the Hongshan culture (4700-2900 BC) archeological sites. Coiled jade dragon amulets have also been found at Shang period sites.

Even in the midst of the modernization of China, the dragon still has an important place in Chinese society. Dragon carvings, statues, and sculptures can be found in many buildings and temples across China and jade dragon pendants are still worn by many Chinese today. Dragon boat races where boats with carved dragons at the head of the boat are held in many Chinese festivals (in particular the Duan Wu festival) throughout the year. Also, during the Chinese New Year and during various other festivities throughout the year, giant dragon puppets that are controlled by a team of people dance to the sound of drums and music.

Another common dragon theme in Chinese dragon artwork are the duelling tigers and dragons. In traditional Chinese beliefs, the dragon and the tiger are said to be eternal enemies. This battle between the two creatures has been the subject of many a painting in China. Artwork featuring the two in their duel has become famous all over the world, and many modern-day paintings, tattoos, etc. sometimes feature the two fighting against the backdrop of a Yin Yang symbol.

In Korea, the dragon is traditionally regarded as a benevolent being that is associated with water and agriculture. It is said to live in the rivers, oceans, lakes, or even ponds deep inside mountains. Dragons have long been a principal being in Korean legends and mythology. In ancient Korean texts, the dragon is said to have actually had the ability to speak and understand complex human emotions such as kindness, devotion, and gratitude. One legend of King Munmu says that on his deathbed, he wished to become a "Dragon of the East Sea in order to protect Korea."

Dragons are also a popular subject of Korean folk - or Minhwa - paintings. These paintings were particularly popular in the Joseon period and are still painted by some Korean artists today. Dragons are often depicted as being a bringer of rain and repeller of evil spirits.

Dragon statues can also be found in many places across Korea and dragon motifs are prominent in some Korean temples and monasteries. A dragon's head was placed on the stern of the famous Geobukseon ("turtle ship") ships such as those comandeered by Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and his navy when they defeated the Japanese navies at the end of the 16th century.

Dragons are also a common motif in pottery and vases. Celadon vases with dragon designs have been made in Korea for many centuries. These vases are popular among collectors around the world today and one sold at an auction in 2011 broke a record for the highest-price ever fetched for a Korean antique!

The Japanese dragon is one of the most famous in the whole world and Japanese dragon art is some of the most well-known in all of Asia . In Japan, the dragon has been revered for many centuries and occupies a special place in Japanese legends, folklore, and traditional beliefs. Dragon motifs can be found on many of Japan's temples (both Shinto and Buddhist) and dragon paintings, statues, and carvings are many of the art forms where the Japanese dragon has been manifested. Dragons are also a popular subject on some of the famous Ukiyo-e woodblock prints from the Edo period.

Physically Japanese dragons resemble dragons from other parts of Asia, with long, snake-like, wingless bodies and clawed feet. This is reflected in most dragon artwork.

It is generally agreed that the Japanese dragon, like the Korean dragon, is related to the Chinese dragon. All three dragons are associated with water and according to legend, the first Japanese emperor Jimmu is said to be a descendant of Ryujin, the dragon god. However, the Japanese dragon also shares quite a few of the same legends and characteristics of the Indian dragon. This is because many of the legends about snakes and dragons from India and other southeast Asian nations were brought to Japan over time. As a result, Japanese dragon lore is largely associated with Buddhist temples, where, according to legend, dragons are often said to live in bodies of water nearby.

For many thousands of years dragons have been one of the most drawn, sketched, carved, and chiseled creatures in all of Asia and will continue to be so for many more generations to come. As Asian societies evolve, the dragon will no doubt keep its place as a "water being" and a harbinger of good luck and fortune.

All dragon images except Korean dragon image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. Hokusai dragon image copyright: Petrusbarbygere (public domain picture) and Kunisada II dragon image copyright: Amcaja (public domain image). Chinese dragon image copyright: Kit. Korean turtle ship image copyright: unknown. Japanese tiger and dragon screen copyright: BlingCheese.com