Japanese Wagtail on Lotus Plant by Ohara Koson, 1925

Japanese Wagtail on Lotus Plant by Ohara Koson introduces a moment of poised stillness in nature: a slender wagtail balanced lightly among broad lotus leaves and pale blossoms, rendered with the refined sensitivity that defined Koson’s kachō‑e (bird‑and‑flower) prints. Created in 1925 during Japan’s early 20th‑century print revival, the work draws on the Ukiyo‑e tradition while speaking in a fresh, modern voice. Subtle gradations, crisp linework, and a serene, closely focused composition invite the eye to linger on quiet details—the tilt of the bird’s head, the curve of a stem, and the gentle play of light across water and leaf.

This listing offers a high‑quality fine art reproduction, printed with archival pigment inks on your choice of acid‑free museum paper or artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. produces each piece to order, with a range of sizes to suit intimate corners or statement spaces, and optional custom framing in complementary finishes. Personalisation is available—add a gift message, select borders or a title caption, and tailor proportions so the artwork fits your room perfectly.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945), also known as Shōson and Hōson, was a master of kachō‑e within the shin‑hanga movement, which revitalised traditional woodblock printing for modern audiences. His work is celebrated for luminous surfaces, precise observation, and a poetic restraint that lets nature’s character lead. Koson’s birds are never merely decorative; they are portraits of behaviour and temperament, their forms distilled into elegant silhouettes animated by a suggestion of movement.

The subject here is both specific and symbolic. The Japanese wagtail (Motacilla grandis) is shown with its long tail and alert stance, a subtle nod to the species’ lively, tail‑flicking gait. It perches among lotus leaves and blossoms—most closely associated with the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)—a motif that in East Asian art often conveys purity, renewal, and the beauty of the passing seasons. The composition balances the restful spread of water and leaf with the bird’s bright presence, embodying a harmony between stillness and life.

Koson’s colour language is understated yet radiant. Warm yellow, beige, and white notes illuminate the wagtail’s markings and the pale lotus petals, while softened greens and blue‑grey tones create a gentle, atmospheric backdrop. The woodblock’s fine carving captures the filigree of veins in the leaves, some edges subtly curled or weathered, acknowledging wabi‑sabi beauty in natural aging. Delicate bokashi gradations deepen the water and sky, lending a quiet depth that rewards close looking. As a print for the home, it brings a measured calm and a touch of refined nature to contemporary or traditional interiors alike.

A thoughtful gift for bird lovers, gardeners, and admirers of Japanese design, this print suits birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, housewarmings, or welcoming home someone recently returned from Japan. Timeless and contemplative, it adds a serene, lyrical note to any living room, bedroom, study, or reading nook.

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.