Rooster and Chicken by Ohara Koson, 1900

Rooster and Chicken by Ohara Koson is a refined early 20th‑century woodblock print that distills the quiet dignity of rural Japan into a poised, intimate scene. Working within the shin‑hanga revival of ukiyo‑e, Koson animates a proud rooster and his companion hen with lifelike grace, setting them against a serene, warm-beige ground. Subtle gray and off‑white tones cradle the forms, while touches of soft pink and vivid red in the combs and wattles create a gentle, theatrical focus. The composition balances decorative elegance with close observation, echoing the period’s renewed appreciation for traditional printmaking enriched by atmospheric naturalism.

This is offered as a high‑quality fine art print by The Unique Maps Co., produced on acid‑free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas for exceptional longevity and color fidelity. Choose from a range of sizes, with optional framing and matting to suit your space. Personalization and customization are available—whether you prefer a titled border, a special dedication, or sizing tailored for a particular wall.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945), also known as Shoson, is celebrated for his exquisite bird‑and‑flower prints (kachō‑ga) within the shin‑hanga movement. Collaborating with leading publishers, he brought traditional ukiyo‑e craftsmanship into dialogue with modern tastes, delighting both Japanese and Western audiences. His prints are prized for their clarity of design, sensitivity to natural subjects, and faultless technique.

The subject here—domestic chickens—touches on cultural symbolism as well as everyday life. In Japan, the rooster has long been associated with auspicious beginnings, watchfulness, and prosperity. By pairing a confident, upright rooster with a quietly attentive hen, Koson suggests harmony and protection within the household. Created around 1900, the print reflects a moment when artists embraced nuanced light and atmosphere, transforming familiar rural motifs into enduring icons of simplicity and good fortune.

Visually, the print is a masterclass in restraint and precision. Fine linework articulates the intricate feather patterns, while smooth, softly graded backgrounds (bokashi) keep the eye trained on the birds’ curving silhouettes. The palette—anchored in beige and soft grays, refreshed by the faintest blush pink and sparked by the rooster’s red crest and deep black tail feathers—delivers a serene yet dynamic contrast. For collectors of Japanese art and nature studies, and for admirers of mindful minimalism, this piece offers lasting calm and a subtle focal point. The species is the domestic chicken, Gallus gallus domesticus, rendered with a naturalism that feels both decorative and deeply observed.

This timeless print makes a thoughtful gift for holidays and life events—Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, weddings, and housewarmings—and is especially meaningful for bird lovers, keepers of backyard flocks, admirers of Japanese aesthetics, or anyone who has recently traveled to Japan and wants a beautiful reminder of its quiet, everyday poetry.

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.