White-tailed Eagle on Branch by Ohara Koson, 1900

White-tailed Eagle on Branch by Ohara Koson (1900) is a quietly majestic woodblock print from one of Japan’s foremost bird-and-flower artists. Working in the early years of the shin-hanga movement, Koson distilled the essence of a powerful raptor into a poised, contemplative moment: an eagle resting on a bare limb, its presence commanding yet serene. The image balances naturalistic detail with an elegant stillness, a hallmark of prints that revived traditional techniques with new realism and atmosphere.

This fine art print is offered exclusively by The Unique Maps Co. as a museum-quality reproduction on your choice of acid-free archival paper or artist’s cotton canvas. Multiple sizes are available, from intimate to statement-making. Add a handcrafted frame and optional matting, and personalize your edition with a title plate or dedication. Custom sizing and subtle color adjustments are available on request to suit your space perfectly.

Ohara Koson (1877–1945) is celebrated for kachō-ga—images of birds and flowers—rendered with exquisite sensitivity. A leading figure of the shin-hanga revival, he brought modern nuance to time-honored woodblock practices, collaborating closely with skilled carvers and printers. His works are prized for their refined draftsmanship, careful observation of wildlife, and the hush of atmosphere they convey—qualities that have made his prints enduring favorites among collectors of Japanese art.

The subject here—the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)—has long symbolized strength, clarity of vision, and resilience. Perched in studied stillness, the bird’s sculptural form and the diagonal sweep of the branch create a balanced, meditative composition. Koson’s choice of a quiet, uncluttered setting heightens the sense of nature’s pause, reflecting a distinctly Japanese aesthetic that values suggestion over excess and invites the viewer to linger.

A restrained palette anchors the scene: warm beige grounds the composition; soft whites pick out the tail and flecks of light; and delicate notes of yellow at the beak and talons add a subtle glow. Ink-dark feathers are described with fine, rhythmic lines and gentle gradations, echoing sumi-e’s contemplative sensibility while remaining fully within the refined world of shin-hanga woodblock printing. The interplay of negative space, crisp silhouette, and nuanced texture makes this an exceptionally versatile piece—equally at home in Japandi-inspired interiors, minimalist rooms, and nature-forward spaces.

Thoughtful and timeless, this print makes a meaningful gift for birders and nature lovers, admirers of Japanese art, and anyone who appreciates serene, sophisticated design—ideal for birthdays, housewarmings, Mother’s or Father’s Day, Christmas, or to welcome home a friend who has recently traveled to 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.