Moorhen at Flowering Plant by Ohara Koson, 1900

Moorhen at flowering plant by Ohara Koson invites the viewer into a moment of poised stillness: a sleek waterbird pauses among blossoming stems and tender foliage, its inky silhouette set against a luminous field of soft color. Created in the early years of the shin-hanga movement, this woodblock print distills Koson’s gift for bird-and-flower subjects (kachō-e), where quiet observation, seasonal nuance, and compositional grace meet in perfect balance.

Our edition is a museum-quality fine art print produced by The Unique Maps Co., available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes to suit your space, with framing options that include classic, gallery, or float presentations. Personalization is welcome: add a printed title, a subtle dedication, or adjust borders and margins to achieve the exact look you want. Custom sizing can also be arranged to fit your frame or design plan.

Ohara Koson (also known as Shōson) was a leading voice of shin-hanga, the early 20th-century revival of traditional Japanese printmaking that introduced modern sensitivity to light and atmosphere. Renowned for elegant avian portraits, Koson worked closely with master carvers and printers, achieving remarkably delicate textures and tonal transitions that continue to captivate collectors and designers alike.

In this composition, the moorhen—an emblem of quiet ponds and reed beds—shares the stage with arching stems and pale blossoms, a pairing that references Japan’s deep reverence for seasonal beauty. Shin-hanga looked to nature not as backdrop but as subject, celebrating transience and renewal. The scene’s calm restraint makes it as compelling in a contemporary interior as in a traditional setting, bridging eras with its understated lyricism.

Color and craft are the heart of this print’s appeal. A buttery yellow wash lends warmth, while fresh greens articulate leaves and blades that sweep across the picture plane. The warm beige ground reads like fine washi, and the bird’s velvety black plumage anchors the palette with dramatic contrast. Subtle bokashi gradations soften distance and air, while the organic lines and asymmetrical spacing of flowers and grasses guide the eye in a gentle rhythm. It’s a masterclass in balance—serene yet alive, refined yet inviting—making it a timeless focal point for living rooms, bedrooms, and quiet reading corners.

This print makes a thoughtful gift for lovers of Japanese art and nature: ideal for Christmas, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, a wedding or housewarming, or for anyone returning from travels to Japan or a cherished Japanese garden.

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.