Mallards and Lotus under Snow by Ohara Koson, 1936

Mallards and Lotus under Snow by Ohara Koson introduces a moment of hushed winter stillness, where waterfowl shelter among drooping lotus stems beneath a soft quilt of snow. Created circa 1936, this refined woodblock print reflects Koson’s mastery within the shin-hanga revival, blending the poetry of traditional ukiyo-e technique with a modern sensitivity to atmosphere. The scene pairs the quiet persistence of lotus pods with the poised forms of mallards, capturing that luminous pause when color, light, and breath all seem to soften in the cold.

Offered as a museum-quality fine art print by The Unique Maps Co., your piece is produced on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas for lasting beauty. Choose from a range of sizes with optional borders and professional framing, all carefully profiled for faithful color. Personalization and bespoke options—such as custom sizing, titling, or inscription—are available to help you create a print that fits your space and style perfectly.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) was a leading figure of shin-hanga, known especially for kachō-ga—bird-and-flower subjects rendered with precise linework and tactile shading. Working with skilled carvers and printers, he reimagined the classic vocabulary of ukiyo-e for the early 20th century, preserving its elegance while enriching it with nuanced tone and depth. His works distill the natural world into serene, contemplative designs that feel both timeless and intimately observed.

In this composition, mallards nestle among snow-laden lotus, a pairing rich in cultural meaning. Ducks in Japanese art often symbolize fidelity and harmonious partnership, while the lotus, associated with purity and renewal, hints at life’s return beneath winter’s quiet cover. The circa 1936 date places the print at a mature point in Koson’s career, when his control over seasonal mood—especially winter’s pale light and muffled sound—was at its height.

Color and craft converge gently here: a calm field of beige snow sets a meditative tone, accented by touches of warm orange on the plumage and cool blue notes in the rippled water. Fine feather detailing and subtle gradations suggest volume without heaviness, while delicate wave patterns animate the surface just enough to keep the eye moving. For collectors and nature lovers alike, this is a restful, lyrical image with enduring appeal—an elegant ode to the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), and a superb example of shin-hanga’s soft, atmospheric “borrowed light.”

This print makes a thoughtful gift for Christmas, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, weddings and anniversaries (a nod to the symbolism of paired ducks), housewarmings, or for anyone who loves Japanese art, birding, or serene winter landscapes—especially those recently returned from travels to 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.