Two Bats at Full Moon by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two Bats at Full Moon by Ohara Koson introduces a moment of stillness and grace within the night sky. Created around 1900, this Japanese woodblock print distills the essence of late Meiji- and early 20th-century printmaking, when artists revitalized traditional ukiyo-e techniques with a modern sensitivity to atmosphere and season. In this quietly dramatic scene, two bats arc across a pale, glowing moon, their dark wings etched against a tranquil field of open sky. The result is serene, lyrical, and unmistakably Koson: a master of kachō-e (pictures of birds and flowers) who could turn a simple natural encounter into poetry.

Our edition is a high-quality fine art print available on acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas, produced with museum-grade inks to honor the original’s subtle tonal shifts. Offered in a range of sizes, it can be ordered unframed or framed, with optional mats, borders, and hanging hardware chosen to complement the artwork’s restrained palette. The Unique Maps Co. also offers personalization—custom sizes, title blocks, and gift notes—so you can tailor the presentation to your space or a special recipient.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) was among the foremost artists associated with the early shin-hanga movement, drawing on the elegance of Edo-period ukiyo-e while infusing his prints with fresh atmosphere and refined color. Best known for his kachō-e imagery, Koson had a gift for distilling nature into elegant silhouettes and quiet gestures, making his work especially prized by collectors for its understated beauty and impeccable craft.

Two Bats at Full Moon is notable for its symbolic resonance as well as its visual poise. In East Asian art, bats are often considered auspicious—emblems of good fortune and happiness—and here they turn through the night with soft, purposeful motion. The luminous moon anchors the composition, evoking seasonal observances and moon-viewing traditions, while the open expanse around the forms invites contemplation and calm. The subject, though modest, speaks eloquently to themes of luck, transience, and the quiet theater of nature after dusk.

Koson’s palette is intentionally restrained: a warm, pale yellow moon glows against gradations of gray and beige, with the bats rendered as crisp, inky silhouettes. Subtle bokashi shading and delicate linework suggest mist and night air, creating depth without clutter. The spare design and generous negative space make this print a versatile choice for interiors—equally at home in Japandi, wabi-sabi, and contemporary minimalist settings. For those who appreciate the beauty of wildlife art without literal specificity, the subject is tastefully universal: an elegant tribute to bats (order Chiroptera) and the serenity of nocturnal light.

This print makes a thoughtful, meaningful gift—ideal for housewarmings (with its quiet good-luck symbolism), birthdays, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Christmas, or for anyone who has traveled to or admires Japan. Its calming mood also suits bedrooms, studies, and meditation spaces, offering a daily moment of hush and harmony.

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.