Two ducks at full moon by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two ducks at full moon by Ohara Koson (1877–1945) invites the viewer into a hushed, moonlit world. A master of kachō-e—bird-and-flower subjects within the ukiyo-e tradition—Koson composed this early 20th-century woodblock print with lyrical restraint, letting two ducks pass beneath a luminous full moon against a spacious night. The scene distills the Japanese reverence for nature into a single moment of poise and quietude, balancing natural observation with refined decorative harmony.

This listing is for a museum-quality fine art print, faithfully reproduced from the original woodblock design and available on your choice of acid-free archival paper or luxurious artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. offers a range of sizes, optional framing, and tasteful matting, along with personalization and custom sizing on request—so you can tailor the piece to your space and style.

Ohara Koson was among the leading lights of early 20th-century printmaking, closely associated with the shin-hanga revival that refreshed the ukiyo-e ethos for modern audiences. Renowned for his sensitive portrayals of birds and seasonal atmospheres, he combined precise draftsmanship with delicate color to create images that are at once intimate studies and timeless meditations on nature’s rhythms.

Two ducks at full moon speaks to the enduring symbolism of waterfowl in Japanese art, where ducks often suggest peace, fidelity, and the gentle companionship of life lived in balance. The expansive negative space, the solitary orb of the moon, and the poised interaction of the pair convey a serene narrative without words—an elegy to stillness that felt as contemporary in Koson’s day as it does now.

Koson’s color language is exquisite: the moon glows a soft, creamy yellow, suspended in a blue night that fades through subtle bokashi shading, while the birds’ plumage is rendered in quiet notes of beige, taupe, and grey. Fine feather lines and gentle gradients deepen the sense of depth and movement, and the restrained palette ensures the print integrates effortlessly into both classic and contemporary interiors. It’s a piece to live with—a calm focal point over a reading chair, along a hallway, or in a bedroom sanctuary.

Thoughtful and elegant, this print makes a meaningful gift for bird lovers, Japanophiles, admirers of ukiyo-e, or anyone drawn to tranquil, contemplative art. It’s perfect for Christmas, weddings (a nod to the symbolism of fidelity), housewarmings, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or as a keepsake for someone returning from travels in 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.