The Lunar New Year in February will bring in the Year of the Dragon and to celebrate, whisky brand Johnnie Walker has collaborated with renowned Asian-American artist James Jean to create a bespoke limited edition design bottle. 

James Jean is one of the most influential visual artists in the world, known for his ability to work across different genres with a multifaceted approach to image making. As an artist, he fuses contemporary subjects with aesthetic techniques inspired by traditional Chinese scroll paintings, Japanese woodblock prints, and Renaissance portraiture. 

For the bespoke Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design, Jean has created a design inspired by the Year of the Dragon. The artwork features a dynamic interpretation of the Zodiac animal, the noble Wood Dragon, regarded by many as the mightiest of the Zodiac and as a symbol of life, creativity and prosperity in traditional Asian culture. A symbolism which Johnnie Walker also encapsulates as a brand, and in its brand motto ‘Keep Walking.’ 

In James’ illustration, he brings to life the Wood Dragon via a layered technique which also features springs from bountiful flora and fauna. Beyond the Wood Dragon James also found inspiration in the flavour of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, created by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Emma Walker and her team, to fuse the two concepts.

“With Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year, we wanted to create a dragon that felt different, new and innovative - respect for the past but also looking into the future with optimism; in the same way that Johnnie Walker stands for progress through that incredible Keep Walking spirit,” says James.

He continues: “The Year of the Dragon is rich in symbolism and tradition in Asia. Many consider the dragon the most powerful animal in the Chinese Zodiac and the Wood Dragon felt remarkably close to me because of the natural elements prevalent in my own work. Evolved from traditional depictions of Chinese dragons, my dragon is composed of flowers and organic elements, from which emerge tendrils and arcing lines, evoking the idea of roots and connection.”

James Jean also designed incredible artwork for the Lunar New Year John Walker & Sons XR 21 limited edition design. All Johnnie Walker Lunar New Year limited edition designs are available in selected markets globally. 

Bringing together cultures and art with the spirit of Johnnie Walker, the limited edition design is an embodiment of the Keep Walking values.