Oriental by Wassily Kandinsky, 1909

Wassily Kandinsky’s Oriental (1909) captures a pivotal moment in the artist’s journey from representation toward pure abstraction. Painted in the crucible of early Expressionism, the work channels mood and music-like rhythm through sweeping shapes and vibrant contrasts instead of literal depiction. Its evocative title hints at the early 20th-century European fascination with the “Orient,” while ultimately foregrounding Kandinsky’s deeper pursuit: a visual language capable of conveying inner feeling through color, movement, and form alone.

Offered here as a museum-quality fine art print by The Unique Maps Co., Oriental (1909) is available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas using richly pigmented inks. Choose from a range of sizes to suit your space, with optional framing and matting to arrive display-ready. Personalization is available—add a discreet title, date, or dedication on the border—and we’re happy to discuss custom sizes to fit your interior perfectly.

Kandinsky (1866–1944) is celebrated as a pioneer of abstraction and a leading figure in the Expressionist movement, later associated with the influential Blue Rider group and renowned for his teaching at the Bauhaus. His theories on the spiritual in art redefined how modern painters understood the relationship between sight, sound, and emotion—an approach that made color and form the primary carriers of meaning.

Created in 1909, Oriental stands at the threshold of Kandinsky’s break with naturalism. Rather than describing a literal scene, the painting summons the energy of a place and time through suggestion: interlocking forms imply architecture and ornament one moment, then dissolve into pure sensation the next. The dynamic push and pull between legible motif and abstraction places the work within the broader cultural flux of the early 20th century, when artists grappled with identity, modernity, and the expressive possibilities of paint.

The composition’s strength lies in its bold chromatic orchestration—dominant blues ground the eye while reds and yellows flare across the surface, accented by passages of green. Rounded and angular shapes surge forward and recede, their edges defined by expressive, textured brushwork. The painterly, almost impasto handling heightens tactility and depth, creating a sense of movement that feels both musical and architectural. Displayed at scale, the print becomes a commanding focal point; at smaller sizes, it reads as a sophisticated harmony of color fields that enriches a study, hallway, or reading nook.

A thoughtful gift for lovers of modern art, design aficionados, or anyone drawn to saturated color and expressive form, this fine art print suits occasions from housewarmings and birthdays to Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and beyond. For travelers and culture-seekers, it’s a conversation-starting piece that brings the spirit of early modernism—and Kandinsky’s search for emotion in pure form—into the everyday home.

If you're not sure what size to order, or you're looking for a custom order of some kind – a different size, a different colour, a special frame – then please contact me. I usually respond within a few minutes.

You can see an example of my fine art personalisation service in the fifth image. Zoom in and take a look. My personalised artwork is always very well received. Take a look at more examples of personalisation.

You can also choose to age your art print to make it look older. This is popular amongst my customers who want their artwork to look like an older, antique print. You can see an example of ageing in the sixth product image, or go ahead and check out lots of examples of other aged artwork.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.

I can print and frame this beautiful piece of art at sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). If you are looking for a size or framing option that isn't available online, please get in touch.

This artwork is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. My standard frames come in six colours (black, dark brown, dark grey, antique gold, oak and white), and custom framing is available for an additional charge. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.