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

"White Chinese Geese Swimming by Reeds" by Ohara Koson is a delicate and serene woodblock print that captures the tranquil beauty of nature, a recurring theme in Japanese art. The composition centers on two elegant white geese gliding smoothly across a calm body of water. Their feathers are meticulously detailed, exhibiting Koson's keen eye for naturalistic texture and subtle color variation. The purity of their white plumage contrasts beautifully with the soft, muted tones of the water and the reeds.

The reeds themselves sway gently, their long, slender leaves illustrated with minimalistic lines. Koson uses negative space effectively, allowing areas of the print to remain uncluttered, thereby enhancing the peaceful ambiance. The water is depicted with understated horizontal lines that suggest ripples, adding to the illusion of movement without overwhelming the viewer with detail.

Koson's composition skillfully balances the two primary elements: the dynamic presence of the geese and the tranquil stability of the reeds. This harmonious balance reflects both the aesthetic principles of traditional Japanese woodblock prints and the influence of the Shin-hanga movement, which sought to revitalize this classical art form in the early 20th century.

1. About the Artist:
- Ohara Koson (1877–1945), also known by the names Shoson and Hoson, was a prominent Japanese artist known for his expertise in the Shin-hanga (New Prints) movement. The Shin-hanga movement was an early 20th-century revival of ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese woodblock printmaking style, focusing on creating high-quality art prints for an international market.
- Koson specialized in kachō-e (bird-and-flower) prints, a genre that highlights the natural beauty of wildlife and flora. His works are characterized by detailed realism, delicate color palettes, and a profound appreciation for the quiet elegance of natural scenes.

2. Where the Original Painting is Found:
- Original prints by Ohara Koson, including "White Chinese Geese Swimming by Reeds," are highly valued by collectors and may be found in various international private collections and museums. The exact location of this particular print might vary due to its rarity and trade among private collectors.
- Public collections housing Koson's works include the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

3. How the Painting Fits into Koson's Career and Artistic Movements:
- "White Chinese Geese Swimming by Reeds" exemplifies Koson's mastery of capturing the serene beauty of nature, a hallmark of his kachō-e prints. This piece showcases his ability to render animals with intricate detail and authenticity while maintaining a composition steeped in tranquility and elegance.
- The painting is a testament to his role in the Shin-hanga movement, where he, along with other artists, sought to rejuvenate traditional woodblock printing techniques while incorporating Western artistic influences such as realism and shading.

4. Other Noteworthy Details:
- Koson's prints often feature soft, subdued backgrounds that highlight the main subjects, such as the geese in this print. This technique draws the viewer's attention to the intricate details of the animals and plants.
- His use of subtle gradations in color adds a three-dimensional quality to the subjects, making them appear lifelike and immersive.
- The print's serene and balanced composition can evoke a sense of meditative calm, aligning with the spiritual appreciation of nature often found in Japanese aesthetics.

Overall, "White Chinese Geese Swimming by Reeds" by Ohara Koson is a splendid example of the Shin-hanga movement's success in merging traditional Japanese art forms with modern sensibilities, creating timeless works that continue to captivate and inspire viewers.