The Mythical Guardian

Certificate of Authenticity Included

Framed by Artist

A$2,480

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Artwork Details

Medium Drawing, Paper, Framed by Artist
Dimensions 70cm (W) x 70cm (H) x 3cm (D)
Review Stars 21,258 Customer Reviews
Original Artwork
This artwork is one of a kind!
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Estimated Delivery Time from VIC

Saturday, Jun 20 - Monday, Jun 22

Artwork Description

This striking piece is a contemporary reinterpretation of the "Guardian Lion" (Kirin), a legendary creature in Eastern mythology known for its protective spirit and divine power. Using traditional mineral pigments and layered ink, I have sought to balance ancient iconography with a modern, textural aesthetic.

The deep, moody tones and intricate cloud patterns create a sense of dynamic energy, making it a perfect statement piece for a sophisticated interior. This artwork explores the connection between historical symbolism and contemporary artistic expression.

PLEASE NOTE: Styled in-situ images are for visual inspiration only. The actual artwork size is 60cm x 60cm.

Artist Bio

Art has never been just a profession for me — it's how I see and experience the world. At fourteen, I picked up a traditional brush for the first time and knew, in that moment, that this would be my life's work.

I'm a Melbourne-based transcultural artist and graphic designer, rooted in the classical traditions of the East. During my Bachelor's in Chinese Painting in China, I immersed myself in three disciplines that would shape everything I do: Mineral Pigment Painting (岩彩 / gongbi), Thangka art, and Lacquer Painting. These are patient, exacting practices — ground precious stones, metallic leaves, raw lacquer — materials that carry their own history and leave a physical presence on the surface that simply can't be faked.

Seeking a new perspective, I came to Australia and completed my Design studies at Monash University. The vast natural world of the Southern Hemisphere, combined with a contemporary design education, breathed new life into my practice. My aim isn't to replicate tradition — it's to discover what these ancient mediums have to say in a contemporary context.

My work is a conversation between two worlds: the rigorous, meditative framework of Mineral Pigment and Thangka, given new voice through a designer's eye for colour and composition. My hope is that these pigments and lacquers — carrying centuries of memory — might still resonate with something deeply human, here, under the Southern Hemisphere sky.

Commissions

Cheng's studio is in Melbourne, Victoria