Geese at full moon II by Ohara Koson, 1925

Geese at full moon II by Ohara Koson (1877–1945) is a serene woodblock print from the early shin-hanga era, first published around 1925. Koson—also known by the art names Shoson and Hoson—was celebrated for revitalizing traditional kachō-ga (bird-and-flower) subjects with refined naturalism and poetic atmosphere. Here, a pair of geese slices through the night sky, their silhouettes gliding before a luminous full moon. The composition distills a quiet moment from nature into something timeless and contemplative, echoing the Ukiyo-e tradition while embracing modern sensitivity to light and mood.

This is a museum-quality fine art print of Geese at full moon II, produced by The Unique Maps Co. on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. We offer multiple sizes—from intimate study pieces to statement-making large formats—along with professional framing and matting options. Personalization is available, including custom inscriptions, dedication notes, and subtle title plates. Each print is color-matched for fidelity, with carefully set borders or full-bleed cropping to suit your space.

Ohara Koson stands among the most admired artists of the shin-hanga movement, which reinvigorated Japanese printmaking in the early 20th century through collaboration between artists, publishers, and master printers. Koson’s specialty was avian subjects rendered with lyrical restraint—elegant shapes, clean silhouettes, and exquisitely judged surface textures. His bird prints captivated collectors in Japan and abroad, earning him a reputation for images that feel both meticulously observed and dreamlike.

The subject of geese beneath a full moon is steeped in cultural resonance. In Japanese iconography, wild geese often signify fidelity and companionship, as many species mate for life. Their autumn migration—paired with the round, glowing moon—evokes seasonality and the passage of time, themes central to classical Japanese aesthetics. Koson distills these ideas into a quiet drama: the curve of the moon anchors the space while the geese—neck outstretched, wings elegantly arced—carry a gentle sense of movement and story.

The color design is masterful. A tranquil field of muted greens and soft, misty grays yields to the buttery yellow of the moon, while the geese are accented with earthy browns and a hint of warm orange at the beak. Smooth bokashi gradations melt one tone into another, heightening the nocturnal calm and the silvery air around the birds. The restrained palette—green, yellow, and delicate beige—works beautifully in minimalist, Japandi, and nature-inspired interiors, adding a contemplative focal point without overwhelming the room. It’s a piece you’ll live with happily for years: quietly modern, deeply traditional, and endlessly soothing.

Thoughtful and versatile, this print makes a meaningful gift for lovers of Japanese art, birdwatchers, and design aficionados alike. It’s perfect for housewarmings, weddings (a subtle nod to fidelity), Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or for someone returning from travels in Japan.

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.

This artwork is taller than most, which would make it a perfect statement piece in a panelled room, on a gallery wall, or perhaps alongside another tall piece of art or furniture.

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.