Ryū shōten (1897) by Ogata Gekko

Ryū shōten (1897) — Ogata Gekkō

Clouds boil, wind rises, and a dragon coils skyward—scales catching flashes of light as ink-dark vapour parts. In Ryū shōten (“Dragon Ascending”), Gekkō distils Meiji-era drama into pure movement: bold contour, rippling pattern, and a mythic surge that feels both ancient and intensely alive. A striking print that brings focus and energy to any room.

Why it captivates

• Myth in motion — the dragon as power, protection, and auspicious ascent.

• Graphic poetry — crisp linework and rhythmic clouds that read beautifully at scale.

• Meiji modernity — late-ukiyo-e elegance tempered by a modern, atmospheric touch.

• Timeless palette — indigo, ink, and cloud-white for calm yet commanding presence.

• Conversation piece — bridges folklore, design, and Japanese print history.

• Statement artwork — serene but dynamic focal point for living rooms and studies.

What you’ll see

A sinuous dragon rising through layered cloud; whiskers and fins streaming; finely articulated scales and claws; drifting vapour forms that frame a decisive S-curve climb. Up close: delicate patterning and crisp impressions. From a step back: a poised, ascending silhouette with strong visual rhythm.

A richer historical frame

Ogata Gekkō (1859–1920) worked at the crossroads of Meiji tradition and modernity—blending ukiyo-e line with painterly shading and contemporary subjects. Dated 1897, Ryū shōten embraces the centuries-old dragon motif as a sign of vitality and good fortune, rendered with late-19th-century graphic clarity.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

591 × 841 mm (approx. 23.27 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.703 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A1 portrait (594 × 841 mm) with a custom mat

• Framing tips:

  • Classic: cut the mat window to ~587 × 837 mm for a clean 2–3 mm edge overlap.

  • Contemporary: float-mount within an A1 frame for a slim, elegant reveal.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Japanophiles & ukiyo-e admirers

• Design lovers drawn to clean lines and mythic symbols

• Collectors & stylists curating calm yet powerful interiors

• Gift-givers marking milestones, new ventures, and housewarmings

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then hand-checked and packed so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Let an auspicious rise take centre stage—order your fine-art print of Gekkō’s Ryū shōten today.