Two Geese II by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two Geese II by Ohara Koson introduces a quiet duet of waterfowl poised in soft light, created around 1900 by one of Japan’s most lyrical masters of the shin-hanga revival. Koson (1877–1945) is celebrated for kachō-e—prints of birds and flowers—that distill the elegance of nature into graceful, contemplative scenes. Here, two geese curve toward one another with poised necks and measured steps, their forms set against a gently textured ground that evokes mist and seasonal air. The result is a moment of serene balance, where movement and stillness coexist.

Offered by The Unique Maps Co., this museum-quality fine art print is meticulously reproduced on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Available in a range of sizes, it can be ordered unframed or professionally framed to fit your space. We also offer personalization and custom options—from tailored dimensions and margins to bespoke captioning—so your piece arrives perfectly suited to your interior.

About the artist: Ohara Koson was a leading figure in the early 20th-century resurgence of woodblock printing. Working within the shin-hanga movement, he deftly combined ukiyo-e traditions with modern sensibilities, collaborating with carvers and printers to capture natural subjects with clarity and nuance. Koson’s bird portraits are especially admired for their refined observation, subtle shading, and unfussy compositions—qualities that have made his work enduringly collectible.

About the artwork: Geese carry layered meanings in Japanese art—fidelity, companionship, migration, and the turning of the seasons. By presenting a pair, Koson amplifies that symbolism, crafting a scene that feels both intimate and expansive. The restrained background and careful spacing let the viewer attend to posture and gesture: the gentle tilt of a head, the ripple of a body shifting forward, the shared direction that suggests partnership and quiet purpose.

Color and design: The palette is intentionally understated—warming yellows and sandy beige in the ground, with cool grays modulating the birds’ plumage—creating a calm, luminous field that reads as dawn or dusk. Fine linear work articulates the feathers; broader washes and delicate gradations provide depth without distraction. Curvilinear silhouettes and the negative space between the two birds guide the eye in a soft arc, making this print an elegant anchor for minimalist, Japandi, or nature-led interiors. It’s a piece you’ll live with easily: tranquil, timeless, and rich in subtle detail.

This print makes a thoughtful gift for bird lovers, admirers of Japanese design, or anyone drawn to serene, nature-inspired art—ideal for weddings and anniversaries (a symbolic pair), housewarmings, Christmas, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or 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.