Scops Owl, Cherry Blossoms and Moon by Ohara Koson Canvas Print

Scops Owl, Cherry Blossoms and Moon by Ohara Koson Canvas Print'Too safe,' said nobody standing in front of soft grey and cream. This is Ohara Koson's 1926 scops owl, mid flight under cherry blossoms and a low moon quiet, but never bland. What changes when it goes up: the room slows down. The off white background blends into a calm wall, while the owl's stare gives the space a focal point that holds attention without shouting. Hang it where you want a moment of pause above a bedroom dresser, in a reading corner,

It gives a neutral scheme one loud

painted with enough detail to make you double-take

stoneware and a soft lamp finish the room

calmly working through a bubble tea — quietly funny

It pairs well with painted walls in chalky off-white or soft sage

woven rattan and one or two leafy houseplants

village walls another — and the white space does most of the breathing

Pair with oak or ash timber

Somewhere between Hockney and loose Fauvist holiday painting

A painted Madrid street

A slim black or oak frame keeps it crisp

brings a slow Arts and Crafts mood into the room