Two Monkeys with Butterfly by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two monkeys with butterfly by Ohara Koson (1877–1945) is a lyrical Japanese woodblock print from around 1900, created at the cusp of the shin-hanga revival that renewed interest in traditional ukiyo-e techniques. Koson was celebrated for capturing living subjects—especially birds and animals—with a gentle precision that feels both intimate and exquisitely composed. Here, a pair of inquisitive monkeys pause before a fluttering butterfly, their expressive faces and poised bodies turning a quiet moment in nature into a graceful, contemplative scene.

This listing offers a fine art reproduction of Koson’s design, produced as a museum-quality giclée on acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. The Unique Maps Co. prints are color-checked for fidelity, and available in a curated range of sizes to fit standard frames or to make a statement piece. Choose unframed prints or ready-to-hang framing, add an optional border, and request personalization—bespoke sizing, inscriptions, or other custom touches are all available to help you create the perfect presentation.

Ohara Koson—closely associated with the shin-hanga movement—brought fresh attention to classic printmaking by blending time-honored carving and printing methods with a sensitive, contemporary eye. While many ukiyo-e masters focused on theater and urban life, Koson often turned to the natural world, honing an ability to convey texture, motion, and mood with refined linework and soft tonal shifts. His animal subjects, like the monkeys here, are observed with affection and restraint, never cartoonish, yet full of personality.

This particular composition stands out for its subtle storytelling. Animal scenes are comparatively uncommon within ukiyo-e, making the encounter between the two monkeys and the butterfly especially memorable. The moment suggests curiosity, playfulness, and quiet attentiveness to the world around them—qualities that resonate with traditional Japanese associations of monkeys as clever, mischievous beings. The generous use of negative space heightens the narrative, guiding the eye to the tender exchange at the heart of the image.

The palette leans warm and serene: soft oranges and beiges glow across the background in delicate gradients, while earthy browns define the monkeys’ rounded forms. Fine, precise lines articulate fur and facial features, and the butterfly is rendered with an airy lightness that contrasts beautifully with the animals’ more robust curves. Minimal patterning and flowing contours produce a balanced, meditative rhythm—an ideal choice for interiors that favor calm neutrals, natural wood tones, and understated elegance.

Thoughtful and beautifully composed, Two monkeys with butterfly makes a distinctive gift for lovers of Japanese art, animal enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates refined minimalism. It’s perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Christmas, or as a meaningful present for someone who has traveled to—or dreams of visiting—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.