Two Quail at Full Moon by Ohara Koson, 1900

Two Quail at Full Moon by Ohara Koson introduces a moment of hush in nature: two plump quail nestled among wind-bent grasses beneath a luminous autumn moon. Created in the early twentieth century during Japan’s shin-hanga revival of woodblock printing (often dated between 1900 and the mid-1930s), the work distills Koson’s gift for mood and understatement. Its quiet, poetic balance—birds below, moon above—evokes the seasonal rituals of moon-viewing and the fleeting beauty prized in Japanese aesthetics.

This listing is for a museum-quality fine art reproduction, produced by The Unique Maps Co. Choose archival, acid-free paper for crisp detail and a velvety matte finish, or artist’s cotton canvas for a softly textured, gallery look. Available in a range of sizes, with optional framing in classic black, white, or natural wood. Personalization and customization are welcome—add a commemorative inscription, adjust border widths, or request bespoke sizing to suit your space.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) stands among the most admired printmakers of the shin-hanga movement, celebrated for his bird-and-flower images that blend traditional ukiyo-e techniques with a modern, naturalist eye. His prints were cherished by collectors in Japan and abroad for their refined line work and sensitive observation of wildlife, often capturing a single, still moment that hints at the larger cycles of nature.

Two Quail at Full Moon is a quintessential seasonal image. In Japanese culture, quail are frequently associated with autumn and prosperity, while the full moon speaks to renewal and the passage of time. Together, they create a gentle narrative of shelter and watchfulness—the birds gathered low to the earth as the cooling light settles over them—conjuring the meditative calm of a clear night.

Koson’s palette here is restrained yet resonant: soft blues that grade into the evening sky; warm beige and dove-brown feathering; and tender greens that whisper through the grasses. The print’s subtle gradations (bokashi) give the moon its gentle halo and lend depth to the night air, while the delicate feather patterns reward close viewing. With its vertical composition and generous negative space, the design feels serene and contemporary, making it easy to place in minimalist, Japandi, or nature-inspired interiors. It’s a timeless way to bring a note of quiet into a bedroom, reading nook, or entryway.

Elegant and contemplative, this print makes a thoughtful gift for nature lovers, bird enthusiasts, and admirers of Japanese art—perfect for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, a housewarming, or any occasion where you want to share a sense of calm and beauty.

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.