Print-on-demand items cannot be returned or exchanged. Please measure your space carefully before purchasing.

Mythical Creatures: Taniwha (New Zealand) By Aaron Johnson, Joel Anderson, 2022

© 2024 Anderson Design Group, Inc. All rights reserved. It is a Federal Copyright offense to reproduce this image without permission.

In Māori mythology, the taniwha are supernatural beings that live in deep pools in rivers. Some legends suggest the creatures also live in caves and the sea, especially in dangerous regions of the sea, like areas with powerful currents or deceptive breakwaters. Much like the mermaid legend, some stories of taniwha suggest they are benevolent protectors, and others indicate they are dangerous predatory beings. The taniwha could take on different forms depending on where it lived. Deep sea taniwha were thought to look like a whale or a large shark. When living in rivers or inland lakes, the taniwha would take on the form of an enormous gecko or giant lizard. Still other stories suggest the taniwha could take on the appearance of a floating log, often to deceive passersby. Inspired by the legends of mysterious creatures and mythical monsters from around the world, Anderson Design Group poster artists hand-rendered a vintage-styled poster of this mysterious Māori legend. This classic monster design is available as a poster print, canvas, metal sign, mini-canvas, or as a notecard or postcard. To learn more about the history and stories of the taniwha, check out the website for the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

Choose a Product

Art Print

About the Frames

No print is complete without a stunning frame to complement it. We offer three different frame styles: Simple, Standard, and Deluxe, courtesy of our friends and neighbors at Belle Meade Framers. See below for features and measurements.

  • Simple Frames img
    • 1.25" flat wood-grain molding
    • Available in mocha brown, warm gray, and black
    • Ships ready-to-hang with attached metal wire and a wall hanger accessory
    • No mat is included, just the frame and your fantastic poster choice
    • 11x14" print—total frame size is 13x16"
    • 18x24" print—total frame size is 20x26"
    • 24x32" print—total frame size is 26x34"
  • Standard Frames img
    • 1.25" flat wood-grain molding
    • Available in mocha brown, warm gray, and black
    • Ships ready-to-hang with attached metal wire and a wall hanger accessory
    • Includes a classy cream-colored mat
    • 11x14" print—total frame size is 18x22"
    • 18x24" print—total frame size is 26x32"
    • 24x32" print—total frame size is 32x40"
  • Deluxe Frames img
    • 2" flat wood-grain molding
    • Available in mocha brown, warm gray, and black
    • Ships ready-to-hang with attached metal wire and a wall hanger accessory
    • Includes a supreme combination of cream and mocha-colored mat layers
    • 11x14" print—total frame size is 20x24"
    • 18x24" print—total frame size is 28x34"
    • 24x32" print—total frame size is 34x42"

Sign up for our weekly email and get 10% off your first order.