Bring the serene nocturnal beauty, exquisite craftsmanship, and poetic tranquility of early 20th-century Japanese Shin-hanga art into your living space with this exceptional fine art poster. Designed in 1926 by master printmaker Ohara Koson (publishing under the artist name Shoson) and published in Tokyo by the legendary Watanabe Shozaburo, this iconic kachō-ga (bird-and-flower) print depicts a keen-eyed Scops Owl (Fukurō) sweeping past blooming cherry blossom branches beneath a glowing full moon.Copy to a new draft

Rendered in delicate monochromatic tones of silver-grey, charcoal, and soft ivory, punctuated by the owl’s striking amber eyes, this restored print is anchored in the lower right corner by Koson’s authentic artist signature (Shoson 祥邨), his red circular seal, and the publisher mark of Watanabe Shozaburo (Watanabe Hangaten). It serves as a calm, sophisticated centerpiece for modern walls.

The History: Ohara Koson (1877–1945), who also worked under the pseudonyms Shoson and Hoson, was the undisputed master of kachō-ga (nature and bird prints) during Japan’s Shin-hanga (“New Prints”) movement. In the 1920s, visionary publisher Watanabe Shozaburo recruited Koson to revitalize traditional woodblock techniques by blending classical Japanese composition with Western atmospheric lighting and realistic modeling. Together, Koson and Watanabe produced over 500 woodblock masterpieces that achieved widespread acclaim across Europe and North America. Today, original impressions of Scops Owl in Flight, Cherry Blossoms and Full Moon are preserved in premier museum archives globally, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the National Museum of Asian Art.

The Aesthetic: A masterclass in atmospheric depth, nocturnal harmony, and dynamic motion, this composition captures the owl in mid-flight with wide, outstretched wings. Koson employs subtle bokashi (color gradient wiping) across the background to evoke a misty, moonlight-dappled sky, allowing the glowing white full moon and pale cherry blossoms (sakura) to float gracefully above the nocturnal hunter. The owl’s feathering is detailed with fine woodblock line work, contrasting beautifully with its striking eyes. Set against an open paper margin, this high-contrast print introduces an air of Japanese art history, poetic calm, and refined biophilic elegance to any space.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Lovers of Japanese art, Shin-hanga and ukiyo-e collectors, owl enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and admirers of classical Asian printmaking.
Quiet bedrooms, peaceful living rooms, sunlit reading alcoves, private libraries, home offices, entryways, or as a serene centerpiece on a gallery wall.
Japandi, Asian modern, mid-century modern, modern minimalist, dark academia, or transitional interior design styles that value calm tones and historic fine art.

Product Details

Artist: Ohara Koson / Ohara Shoson (Japanese, 1877–1945)
Publisher: Watanabe Shozaburo (Tokyo, Japan)
Title: Scops Owl in Flight, Cherry Blossoms and Full Moon (Fukurō)
Subject: Antique Japanese Shin-hanga Woodblock Print & Nocturnal Kachō-ga
Original Year: c. 1926 (Shōwa Period)
Style: Japanese Shin-hanga / Kachō-ga (Bird and Flower Art)

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.