Two Egrets in Flight by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two Egrets in Flight by Ohara Koson introduces a moment of stillness caught mid-air: two elegant birds ascending through a pale, luminous sky while slender bamboo sways below. Created in the early decades of the 20th century, this woodblock print reflects the shin-hanga revival’s love of atmosphere and the fleetingness of nature. Koson—one of Japan’s foremost masters of bird-and-flower prints (kachō-ga)—unites refined drawing with poetic restraint, using negative space to suggest mist and motion, and a serene palette to evoke the quiet of dawn.

Offered exclusively by The Unique Maps Co., this is a museum-quality fine art print, carefully color-matched from the original and produced with archival pigment inks. Choose between acid-free, heavyweight art paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Multiple sizes are available, from intimate studies to statement pieces, with optional framing, matting, and UV-protective glazing. We also offer thoughtful personalization—custom sizing, title captions, and small dedication notes—so your print arrives ready to hang and perfectly tailored to your space.

Koson (1877–1945) stands as a celebrated figure in the shin-hanga movement, which revitalized traditional ukiyo-e techniques for modern audiences. Working with leading publishers and carvers, he became renowned for translating the subtleties of the natural world into prints of uncommon grace. His bird portraits, in particular, were prized by collectors in Japan and abroad for their sensitivity, balance, and technical finesse.

Two Egrets in Flight embodies themes central to Japanese aesthetics: grace, transience, and seasonal nuance. The birds, emblems of purity and quiet poise, rise through an airy field of color, while the presence of bamboo—long associated with resilience and flexibility—offers a grounded counterpoint. The composition’s asymmetry and use of blank space heighten the sense of breath and movement, suggesting a gentle breeze and the hush of an early morning landscape.

Color and technique are handled with exquisite restraint. A soft wash of pale yellow light melds into calming green and warm beige tones, while delicate bokashi gradations create a misted atmosphere that lets the egrets’ white forms glow. Long, sweeping lines of bamboo set a vertical rhythm that the birds’ diagonal flight playfully counters, and the subtly rendered feathers and beaks reveal the carver’s precision and the printer’s control. This piece is an ideal choice for interiors seeking a tranquil focal point—think minimal, Japandi, coastal, or contemporary spaces—where its quiet elegance and natural palette can breathe.

A refined and timeless gift, this print suits many occasions: Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, or as a thoughtful present for bird lovers, admirers of Japanese art, and anyone returning from travels to Japan. It’s a serene invitation to pause—an image that rewards close looking, again and again.

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.