Yellow Crested Cockatoo in Tree by Ohara Koson, 1900

Yellow Crested Cockatoo in Tree by Ohara Koson (1900) is a serene meditation on nature from one of Japan’s foremost masters of kachō-e—bird-and-flower imagery within the ukiyo-e tradition. Working at the turn of the 20th century, Koson (1877–1945) revitalized classical woodblock methods for modern audiences, favoring intimate subjects rendered with extraordinary delicacy. Here, a luminous cockatoo perches among sinuous branches, its lively crest and attentive gaze animating a tranquil, vertical composition that invites quiet contemplation.

This listing offers a museum-quality fine art reproduction, made to order by The Unique Maps Co. Choose archival, acid-free fine art paper or artist’s cotton canvas, each selected to honor the soft tonal gradations of the original woodblock print. Multiple sizes are available, with optional framing and mounting. We can also personalize your piece—custom borders, title captions, and color-matched margins are all possible—so your print arrives ready to hang and perfectly tailored to your space.

Ohara Koson was celebrated for transforming everyday encounters with birds and flora into poetic, collectible images. His prints, prized in Japan and abroad, capture a blend of naturalism and design clarity that came to define early 20th-century shin-hanga sensibilities. Rather than narrating a scene, he distilled the essence of a subject—the tilt of a head, the rustle of plumage—so that a single moment could carry the full weight of mood and meaning.

The subject here, a yellow-crested cockatoo, is depicted with affectionate precision and rhythmic grace. In Japanese art, birds often signal calm and hope; perched on a branch, this one feels like a pause between movements, an image of stillness that hums with life. The species indicated by the title corresponds to the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea), a graceful parrot whose presence in Japanese prints reflects the period’s fascination with the wider natural world. The pairing of an exotic bird with a familiar tree limb underscores Koson’s ability to harmonize distant wonders with local sensibilities.

Visually, the print is both restrained and richly textured. A palette of soft grays and browns sets a contemplative mood, while the bird’s warm orange-yellow crest provides a vivid focal spark. Delicate, layered color transitions smooth the boundary between feathers and air, and the rounded contours of the bird contrast with the angular cadence of branches and leaves. Subtle patterning in the plumage, combined with the elegant vertical format, makes this piece especially versatile for narrow walls and gallery arrangements. It’s a quiet statement artwork—refined, decorative, and timeless.

A beautiful gift for bird lovers, Japanophiles, and design-minded collectors alike, this print suits occasions from Christmas and Mother’s or Father’s Day to housewarmings and milestone birthdays. It’s equally thoughtful for anyone who cherishes nature, has recently traveled in Asia, or is building a serene, sophisticated interior.

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.