Bring the opulence, intricate craftsmanship, and striking symbolism of 19th-century Asian decorative art into your living space with this exceptional fine art poster. Directed by architect and scholar George Ashdown Audsley for his monumental publication The Ornamental Arts of Japan (1882–1884), this breathtaking chromolithograph plate depicts a proud rooster (Ondori) and hen perched atop a decorative Japanese war drum (Taiko).

Rendered in brilliant jewel tones, the rooster showcases fiery saffron, vermilion, and metallic green tail feathers, standing against a deep indigo-blue backdrop filled with stylized cloud trails. The drum beneath features a coiled golden dragon, all enclosed within an intricate brocade floral border. Meticulously restored against a clean off-white paper base with authentic publisher credits reading “G. A. Audsley, dir.”, “Sampson Low & Co. Publ.”, “Imp. Lemercier & C.ie, Paris”, and “Pralon, lith.”, this print serves as a grand, regal centerpiece for modern walls.

The History: In the late 19th century, the Western world was swept by Japonisme—a profound fascination with traditional Japanese art, lacquerware, textiles, and woodblock prints following the end of Japan’s isolationist period. British architect George Ashdown Audsley spent years documenting Japan’s finest imperial and private collections to create The Ornamental Arts of Japan, published in London in 1882. To achieve unprecedented richness, Audsley partnered with Paris’s premier chromolithographic house, Lemercier & Cie, where lithographer Pralon painstakingly layered dozens of stone-ink impressions to recreate gold leaf, silk thread, and lacquer textures. Today, original folio plates from Audsley’s masterpiece are preserved in major museum archives, including the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Aesthetic: A masterclass in Asian ornamental design, textile geometry, and vibrant color blocking, this composition pairs a majestic avian silhouette with classic Japanese motifs. In East Asian iconography, the rooster perched on a drum (Kanko-dori) is an ancient symbol of peace, prosperity, and good fortune, while the dragon signifies strength and celestial wisdom. The intense contrast between the deep royal-blue sky, gold-patterned drum, and warm crimson comb creates a rich visual rhythm, bordered by an elaborate geometric flower-and-vine frame. Set against a clean paper margin, this high-impact artwork introduces an air of historic luxury, global elegance, and artistic sophistication to any interior.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Lovers of Japanese art, textile and embroidery historians, East Asian mythology scholars, rooster and bird art collectors, and admirers of Victorian chromolithography.
Grand living rooms, formal dining spaces, quiet home offices, private libraries, entryways, or as an anchor piece on a global gallery wall.
Eclectic, Japandi, Asian modern, maximalist, dark academia, or transitional interior design styles that value rich jewel tones and historic fine art.

Product Details

Artist / Editor: George Ashdown Audsley (British, 1838–1925) / Lithography by Pralon
Printer / Publisher: Imp. Lemercier & Cie (Paris) / Sampson Low & Co. (London)
Title: Japanese Rooster on Drum (The Ornamental Arts of Japan – Section II, Plate I)
Subject: Antique Japanese Textile & Embroidery Study, Symbolic Rooster on Taiko Drum
Original Year: c. 1882–1884
Style: 19th-Century Japonisme / Vintage Chromolithograph Fine Art

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.