Long-eared Owl in Ginkgo by Ohara Koson, 1900

Long-eared Owl in Ginkgo by Ohara Koson (1900) is a poised nocturne from one of Japan’s great masters of kachō-e, the bird-and-flower print. In this woodblock, Koson settles an alert owl among the broad, fan-shaped leaves of a ginkgo, letting quiet space, delicate linework, and a softly graduated sky work together to create an atmosphere of stillness. Rooted in the ukiyo-e tradition and flourishing through the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa eras, Koson’s nature scenes marry close observation with refined decorative balance—qualities that make this composition feel both serene and luminous.

This listing offers a high-quality fine art reproduction from The Unique Maps Co., available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes with optional framing and matting, and add a personalized caption or dedication to the print. Custom sizing and curated framing combinations are available to help you create a ready-to-hang piece that suits your space perfectly.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) is celebrated for his sensitive kachō-e, where birds, flowers, and quiet landscapes are rendered with crisp key lines, whisper-soft gradients, and meticulous textures. Working at a moment when traditional woodblock printing was both preserved and renewed, he became a leading figure admired for compositions that feel intimate yet elevated, attentive to the seasons and their subtle moods.

This print’s subject is especially evocative: a long-eared owl (Asio otus) perched within the foliage of the ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), also known as the maidenhair tree. In Japanese culture, ginkgo is a resilient urban icon with leaves that flare like folded fans—symbols of longevity and endurance—while owls are often associated with wisdom and, by folk play on words, good fortune. Together, bird and tree form a calm, contemplative emblem of autumnal night.

Koson’s color sense is quietly dazzling. The ginkgo’s luminous yellows and beiges glow against a dusk-toned ground that shifts from lavender to pale gray, while the owl’s feathers are articulated with fine, blended strokes that suggest downy depth without losing graphic clarity. A single dark branch anchors the scene, and a delicate moon glows behind the leaves, heightening the sense of air and distance. The restrained palette, generous negative space, and elegant asymmetry make this an effortless focal point for interiors from Japandi and minimalist to classic and eclectic—equally striking above a reading nook or layered in a gallery wall.

Consider this artwork as a thoughtful gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, a housewarming, or for anyone who loves birds, Japanese design, or serene nature scenes. It’s also a meaningful memento for someone who has recently traveled to Japan or who is cultivating a tranquil, sophisticated atmosphere at 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.

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.