Common and Golden Carp (1935) — Ohara Koson
Quiet water, living gold. In this luminous shin-hanga design, Ohara Koson sets a golden carp and a common carp gliding through still water—fins like silk, scales catching the light. It’s serenity with a pulse: nature distilled into line, colour, and calm.
Why it captivates
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Shin-hanga elegance — traditional woodblock refined for modern eyes.
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Liquid grace — flowing fins and ripples that read beautifully across a room.
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Harmonic palette — soft greys, inky blues, and warm gold.
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Meditative mood — a gentle focal point for restful spaces.
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Timeless subject — auspicious carp symbolising perseverance and luck.
What you’ll see
Two carp—one golden, one silver-grey—in easy motion. Fine scale patterning, translucent fins, and subtle water ripples create depth without clutter. Negative space does the rest: balance, rhythm, and quiet in a single sweep.
A richer historical frame
Working under the names Koson / Shōson, Ohara Koson became a leading voice of kacho-e (bird-and-flower—and often fish) within the shin-hanga revival. His prints fuse Edo-period technique with modern sensitivity: delicate carving, layered colour, and a contemplative stillness that feels fresh a century on.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for high-traffic spaces.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich colour and fine gradations.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
841 × 594 mm (approx. 33.11 × 23.39 in)
Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
Feature |
Details |
Title |
Common and Golden Carp |
Artist |
Ohara Koson (Koson/Shōson) |
Date |
1935 |
Historical Context |
Shin-hanga movement; kacho-e aquatic subject |
Print Size |
841 mm (W) × 594 mm (H) |
Available Finishes |
Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
Paper Weight |
160 gsm archival matte |
Laminate |
2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
Canvas Weight |
395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
Inks |
Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
Optional Hang Rails |
Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
Origin |
Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Design lovers & stylists seeking tranquil, nature-led imagery
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Collectors of Japanese prints and aquatic subjects
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Calm-space curators for bedrooms, entries, and study nooks
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Gift-givers after a refined, auspicious piece
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Let Koson’s quiet waters flow through your space—order your Common and Golden Carp print today.