Ducks in the Water by Ohara Koson, 1900
The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Authentic artwork
The artwork we print is faithfully restored from the original source - usually a museum, library or private collection.
We never replace, redraw or invent the artist’s work using generative AI.
Restored from the original 1900 artwork and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the story behind this artwork
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Gift message & custom finish
If you want to add a gift message, or a finish (jigsaw, aluminium board, etc.) that is not available here, please request it in the "order note" when you check out.
Every order is custom made, so if you need the size adjusted slightly, or printed on an unusual material, just let us know. We've done thousands of custom orders over the years, so there's (almost) nothing we can't manage.
You can also contact us before you order, if you prefer!
- Made locally for fast, safe delivery
- No import duty or hidden fees
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Ducks in the Water by Ohara Koson is a quietly luminous Japanese woodblock design from the early shin-hanga era, first created around...
Continue readingDucks in the Water by Ohara Koson is a quietly luminous Japanese woodblock design from the early shin-hanga era, first created around 1900. A leading figure in bird-and-flower (kachō-ga) subjects, Koson transforms a simple moment—ducks gliding through a reed-lined pond—into a scene of calm observation and poised elegance. The work bridges traditional ukiyo-e sensibilities with modern naturalism: delicate linework, gently graded color, and a composition that breathes with open space.
This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print of Ducks in the Water, available on acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. Each piece is produced with careful color fidelity and rich tonal depth to honor the woodblock’s original subtleties. Choose from a range of sizes and optional handcrafted frames. The Unique Maps Co. also offers personalization and customization—titleplates, gift notes, border and mat options, and bespoke sizing—so your print arrives ready to place beautifully in your space.
About the artist: Ohara Koson (also known as Shōson and Hōson) was among the most celebrated shin-hanga printmakers of the early 20th century. Revered for elegant portrayals of birds and flowers, he revitalized the ukiyo-e tradition for a new era, emphasizing atmosphere, natural behavior, and refined color harmony. His prints are prized for their sensitivity to seasonal mood and their ability to distill a scene to its most poetic essentials.
About this artwork: Ducks in the Water captures a timeless, meditative moment—ducks moving together across still water, reeds bowing in gentle arcs. In Japanese visual culture, ducks can suggest devotion and seasonal continuity, imbuing the scene with tender symbolism. The composition’s flowing curves and attentive spacing reflect the ukiyo-e heritage while embracing the shin-hanga focus on observation and light, making it a quintessential example of Koson’s serene craftsmanship.
Color, style, and why you’ll love it: A warm straw-yellow and beige glow in the reeds meets soft green tones of the water, while quiet slate and blue-greys settle into the sky’s subtle gradient. Textural contrasts—feather detail against the water’s smooth surface—heighten the sense of stillness and life. You’ll notice the hallmark woodblock techniques, including delicate keylines and gentle bokashi shading, which lend the print a tranquil, atmospheric quality. Its restrained palette of yellow, green, and beige integrates effortlessly with both minimal and traditional interiors, adding a contemplative focal point to living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, or study spaces.
This print makes a thoughtful, elegant gift for bird lovers and design enthusiasts alike—ideal for Christmas, weddings (a poetic nod to fidelity), Mother’s or Father’s Day, housewarmings, or as a welcome-home present for someone recently returned from Japan. Timeless and soothing, Ducks in the Water brings a quiet, restorative presence to any room.
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.
This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.
Ducks in the Water by Ohara Koson is a quietly luminous Japanese woodblock design from the early shin-hanga era, first created around 1900. A leading figure in bird-and-flower (kachō-ga) subjects, Koson transforms a simple moment—ducks gliding through a reed-lined pond—into a scene of calm observation and poised elegance. The work bridges traditional ukiyo-e sensibilities with modern naturalism: delicate linework, gently graded color, and a composition that breathes with open space.
This listing offers a museum-quality fine art print of Ducks in the Water, available on acid-free archival paper or on artist’s cotton canvas. Each piece is produced with careful color fidelity and rich tonal depth to honor the woodblock’s original subtleties. Choose from a range of sizes and optional handcrafted frames. The Unique Maps Co. also offers personalization and customization—titleplates, gift notes, border and mat options, and bespoke sizing—so your print arrives ready to place beautifully in your space.
About the artist: Ohara Koson (also known as Shōson and Hōson) was among the most celebrated shin-hanga printmakers of the early 20th century. Revered for elegant portrayals of birds and flowers, he revitalized the ukiyo-e tradition for a new era, emphasizing atmosphere, natural behavior, and refined color harmony. His prints are prized for their sensitivity to seasonal mood and their ability to distill a scene to its most poetic essentials.
About this artwork: Ducks in the Water captures a timeless, meditative moment—ducks moving together across still water, reeds bowing in gentle arcs. In Japanese visual culture, ducks can suggest devotion and seasonal continuity, imbuing the scene with tender symbolism. The composition’s flowing curves and attentive spacing reflect the ukiyo-e heritage while embracing the shin-hanga focus on observation and light, making it a quintessential example of Koson’s serene craftsmanship.
Color, style, and why you’ll love it: A warm straw-yellow and beige glow in the reeds meets soft green tones of the water, while quiet slate and blue-greys settle into the sky’s subtle gradient. Textural contrasts—feather detail against the water’s smooth surface—heighten the sense of stillness and life. You’ll notice the hallmark woodblock techniques, including delicate keylines and gentle bokashi shading, which lend the print a tranquil, atmospheric quality. Its restrained palette of yellow, green, and beige integrates effortlessly with both minimal and traditional interiors, adding a contemplative focal point to living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, or study spaces.
This print makes a thoughtful, elegant gift for bird lovers and design enthusiasts alike—ideal for Christmas, weddings (a poetic nod to fidelity), Mother’s or Father’s Day, housewarmings, or as a welcome-home present for someone recently returned from Japan. Timeless and soothing, Ducks in the Water brings a quiet, restorative presence to any room.
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.
This artwork is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The work is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present an art print without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas art and explore the differences between my different finishes.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every restored art print begins with the original artist’s work—never an AI-generated replacement.
Our London studio works from carefully selected source material from museums, libraries, archives and private collections. We restore age-related damage, faded colour and imperfect reproduction while preserving the artist’s composition, brushwork, line, texture and period character.
We do not use generative AI to redraw, reinterpret or invent the artwork. Digital restoration is used only to recover and reproduce the original work as faithfully as possible.
Once restored, the master artwork is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our giclée art prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks for a rich, museum-quality finish. Framed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Framed canvas and specialist cotton-rag editions are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
