{"product_id":"ohara-koson-japanese-fine-art-print-mandarin-ducks","title":"Ohara Koson Japanese Fine Art Print, Mandarin ducks","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOhara Koson Mandarin Ducks Print\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMandarin Ducks\u003c\/strong\u003e is a beautifully balanced Japanese bird print showing a pair of ducks moving quietly across pale water beneath overhanging winter branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe richly coloured male immediately attracts attention with warm orange, russet, blue and cream plumage, while the female is rendered in more restrained grey and brown tones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Pair on Calm Water\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe contrast between the two birds gives the composition both colour and balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKoson positions them at different heights within the water, preventing the pair from feeling rigid or symmetrical. Fine ripples indicate movement while leaving most of the pale surface undisturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBranches enter from the upper right, creating a second visual rhythm above the swimming birds and helping frame the otherwise open composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eColour and Plumage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe male mandarin duck provides some of the richest colour found in Koson's bird prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWarm orange and reddish feathers are combined with blue-green, cream and dark accents. Beside him, the female's subtler plumage provides an effective visual counterpoint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKoson does not allow these detailed feathers to overwhelm the print. The pale water and simple background keep the overall mood serene.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMandarin Ducks in Japanese Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePairs of mandarin ducks have a long history as subjects in East Asian art and are traditionally associated with harmonious partnership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKoson's treatment, however, is compelling even without symbolic interpretation. The two birds are convincing individual animals occupying the same quiet environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Ohara Koson\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOhara Koson\u003c\/strong\u003e (1877–1945), also known later as Shōson, was a master of modern Japanese nature prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe specialised in birds and flowers but approached each species differently, carefully observing characteristic posture, movement and plumage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHis later colour woodblock prints were produced in collaboration with publishers including Watanabe Shōzaburō and became particularly popular with international collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMandarin Ducks as Wall Art\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe pale water and natural tones allow the bright male duck to provide colour without dominating a room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis print works especially well in bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms and calm Japanese-inspired spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt pairs naturally with Swallows and Wisteria or quieter water-bird and botanical works by Koson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat birds are shown?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork depicts a male and female mandarin duck swimming together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy do the two ducks look different?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale mandarin ducks have dramatically coloured plumage, while females are naturally more subdued in appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWere mandarin ducks a traditional Japanese art subject?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Paired mandarin ducks have appeared frequently in East Asian art and have traditionally been associated with harmonious partnership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat technique did Koson use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKoson's mandarin duck designs were produced as Japanese colour woodblock prints.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat interior styles suit this print?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of soft water colours and natural bird imagery suits Japandi, Japanese, Scandinavian, botanical and contemporary interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Japanese Prints","offers":[{"title":"6x9 inches","offer_id":40584205959359,"sku":null,"price":17.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x12 inches","offer_id":40584205992127,"sku":null,"price":22.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"12x18 inches","offer_id":40584206024895,"sku":null,"price":39.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"16x24 inches","offer_id":40584206057663,"sku":null,"price":45.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"20x30 inches","offer_id":40584206090431,"sku":null,"price":53.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"24x36 inches","offer_id":40584206123199,"sku":null,"price":63.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"canvas 8x12 inches","offer_id":40584206188735,"sku":null,"price":70.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"canvas 16x24 inches","offer_id":40584206221503,"sku":null,"price":184.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"canvas 20x30 inches","offer_id":40584206254271,"sku":null,"price":212.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1016\/3209\/files\/Mandarin_ducks_12x8_wm9.jpg?v=1784151601","url":"https:\/\/gallerythane.com\/en-eu\/products\/ohara-koson-japanese-fine-art-print-mandarin-ducks","provider":"GalleryThane","version":"1.0","type":"link"}