Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"Egrets and Reeds in Moonlight" is a captivating work by the Japanese artist Ohara Koson (1877–1945), a master of the shin-hanga ("new prints") movement, which revitalized traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing during the early 20th century. This painting, emblematic of Koson's oeuvre, features his characteristic use of natural subjects and a sense of tranquility and ethereality.

In "Egrets and Reeds in Moonlight," Koson portrays a serene nocturnal scene suffused with a gentle, luminous moonlight. The painting centers on a group of elegant egrets perched amidst swaying reeds along a tranquil waterway. The soft, muted colors enhance the peaceful nighttime atmosphere, with the egrets rendered in delicate, almost ethereal white that seems to capture the glow of the moonlight. Each bird is meticulously illustrated, showcasing Koson’s keen attention to detail and deep appreciation for his avian subjects.

The background features a soft gradient blend of cool blues and grays, suggesting the quiet twilight hours where the moon begins to assert its influence over the landscape. The reeds, hand-painted in fine, slender strokes, arch and bend gracefully, framing the egrets and creating a harmonious composition that guides the viewer’s eye through the painting. The reflections of the egrets and reeds in the water add an additional layer of depth and realism, inviting viewers into the serene environment.

- Period and Medium:
"Egrets and Reeds in Moonlight" is likely created in the early 20th century, a period during which Koson produced a substantial body of work featuring birds and nature. Though primarily known for his woodblock prints, Koson's paintings share similar themes and techniques, often using watercolors or inks on silk or paper to achieve a similar aesthetic.

- Location of Original:
Specific information about where the original painting is housed can sometimes be elusive, as many of Koson's works are held in private collections or smaller galleries. However, examples of his work can be found in prominent institutions, such as the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and various Japanese art museums.

- Career and Artistic Movements:
Ohara Koson is a notable figure in the shin-hanga movement, which aimed to adapt and modernize traditional ukiyo-e techniques for contemporary sensibilities. His works, characterized by an exquisite blend of realism and stylization, contributed to the movement’s success in both Japanese and Western markets. "Egrets and Reeds in Moonlight" embodies the shin-hanga goal of creating visually stunning, emotionally resonant images that captivate through their delicate beauty and technical precision.

- Bird Symbolism:
Egrets symbolize purity, grace, and tranquility in Japanese culture, making them a fitting subject for a painting that evokes calm and reflection.

- Technique:
Koson's mastery of capturing textures, from the softness of the feathers to the smooth surface of the water, showcases his exceptional skill and meticulous attention to detail.

- Influence:
The painting illustrates the Japanese aesthetic principle of yugen (幽玄), a profound sense of beauty and mystery. It invites viewers to contemplate nature’s fleeting moments and the interconnectedness of all its elements.

In summary, "Egrets and Reeds in Moonlight" is a masterwork that exemplifies Ohara Koson’s talent for merging traditional Japanese artistic techniques with a modern sensibility, creating a timeless depiction of natural beauty that continues to captivate audiences around the world.