Moorhen II by Ohara Koson, 1900

Ohara Koson’s Moorhen II is a serene kachō-e woodblock print first published in 1900, capturing a solitary waterbird poised at the edge of quiet ripples. A leading figure of Japan’s early 20th‑century shin-hanga revival, Koson fused the elegance of ukiyo-e technique with naturalistic observation, distilling a fleeting moment into a poised, contemplative scene. Here, the moorhen’s rounded body, fine plumage, and slender legs are set against a tranquil field of softly graded color, inviting lingering contemplation rather than grand narrative drama.

This fine art offering is a museum-quality reproduction available on acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. Each print is produced with crisp detail and rich, stable pigments, in a range of sizes to suit intimate corners or statement walls. The Unique Maps Co. can frame your piece, add matting, and personalize details—such as custom sizing or a discreet caption—to create a finished artwork tailored to your space.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) is celebrated for exquisitely composed bird-and-flower prints that marry decorative restraint with close study from nature. Working within the renewed momentum of shin-hanga, he refined the time-honored ukiyo-e approach—layered blocks, transparent inks, and carefully planned bokashi (color gradation)—into scenes that feel both modern and timeless. His prints remain especially prized for their quiet lyricism and meticulous sense of form.

In this composition, the moorhen—known scientifically as Gallinula chloropus—stands alert in shallow water, a subject chosen as much for its character as for its graceful silhouette. Rather than dramatize the setting, Koson pares the scene to essentials: a still surface broken by a ring of ripples, a few tufted reeds, and the bird’s attentive stance. This intimacy aligns with the ethos of shin-hanga, which celebrated everyday nature and the poetry of brief, observed moments.

Color and design are handled with restraint and nuance. A pale yellow wash evokes mellow light; airy greens whisper through the grasses; and crisp whites skim the water’s highlights, all balanced by the soft charcoal and dove-gray modeling of the bird’s plumage. Negative space heightens calm, while the visual tension between the moorhen’s rounded body and fine, reedlike legs energizes the composition. The result is a versatile print that harmonizes with minimalist interiors, Japanese-inspired décor, and any room seeking a touch of meditative grace.

Thoughtful and understated, Moorhen II makes a refined gift for bird lovers, art-history enthusiasts, and admirers of Japanese design. It’s a beautiful choice for birthdays, Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, housewarmings, or for someone recently returned from Japan, a botanical garden, or a wetland sanctuary who wants to keep a quiet piece of that experience close.

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.