Two Moorhens by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two Moorhens by Ohara Koson invites the viewer into a moment of quiet along the water’s edge, where two elegant waterbirds glide through reeds under a soft, early‑morning haze. Created as a woodblock print in the early 20th century, this work reflects the shin-hanga revival that renewed Japan’s bird-and-flower tradition with refined linework, subtle color, and a modern eye for atmosphere. Koson—celebrated for transforming everyday nature into lyrical compositions—captures the gentle poise of moorhens and the meditative calm of still water.

This listing offers a meticulously crafted fine art reproduction by The Unique Maps Co., available on museum-grade, acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. Choose from a range of sizes to suit your space, with optional professional framing and ready-to-hang hardware. Personalization and customization are welcomed—add a dedication, adjust borders, or coordinate framing finishes to complement your interior.

About the artist: Ohara Koson (also known as Shoson and Hoson) became one of the foremost printmakers of the shin-hanga movement, renowned for kachō-e—bird-and-flower prints that balance naturalism with poetic restraint. Working during a period of renewed international interest in Japanese printmaking, he refined traditional ukiyo-e techniques into quietly modern expressions that feel timeless on contemporary walls.

About the subject: The moorhen—likely the common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)—is a familiar waterbird across Eurasia and a favorite in Japanese waterside scenes. In this composition, the pair is set against a hushed expanse of water and stylized reeds, an arrangement that speaks to harmony and the passing moods of nature. The poised stillness echoes the era’s fascination with capturing fleeting, contemplative moments.

About the design: A restrained palette of dove grey, soft yellow, and warm beige anchors the image, with whisper-light greens and off-whites softening the transitions. Koson’s smooth, rounded forms and delicate contour lines emphasize the birds’ grace, while airy bokashi gradations melt into the water’s surface. The luminous yellow accents—subtle touches that draw the eye toward bills and grasses—add focus without disturbing the calm. It’s a serene, balanced print that suits minimalist rooms as well as layered, wabi-sabi interiors.

This elegant print makes a thoughtful gift for art lovers, birdwatchers, and admirers of Japanese design—perfect for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, housewarmings, or to welcome home a traveler inspired by Japan’s gardens and waterways.

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.