About this artwork
Two mandarin ducks float side by side in the lower half of the frame. The drake is a small feast of colour: red bill, a bold white stripe over the eye, a rust-orange ruff and upright orange sail feathers on his back. His mate swims just behind, in soft grey-brown plumage with a fine pale eye line.
Rings of ripples spread around them across blue water, and slender reeds lean in from the right and the lower left. The sky has a warm coral wash at the top with cream clouds, fading to a pale middle that meets the water. This mandarin ducks print feels gentle and affectionate, with a palette warm enough for a bedroom yet calm enough for a living room.
The Meaning of Mandarin Ducks
Mandarin ducks, or oshidori, are native to East Asia, including Japan, where they nest in tree holes near wooded rivers and lakes. Because pairs are often seen swimming together, they became a symbol of marital harmony. The Japanese expression oshidori fūfu, a mandarin duck couple, describes a devoted husband and wife. The male's bright plumage, with its distinctive orange sail feathers, has made the bird a favourite of bird-and-flower artists.
How to style it
Perfect for bedrooms and couples' spaces with warm neutrals, blush or soft blue. Pairs with the red-crowned crane design for a matching theme of lasting love. Explore the full Japandi Wall Art collection.
Choose your format
- Unframed Art Print on 250 gsm archival matte fine-art paper with a soft off-white tone. Ideal if you already have a frame.
- Natural Wood Frame with shatterproof acrylic glazing. Arrives assembled, ready to hang.
- Black Metal Frame, a slim matte-black aluminium frame with shatterproof acrylic glazing. Arrives assembled, ready to hang.
- Aluminium Print, printed directly onto a rigid 3 mm aluminium panel for a sleek, frameless look.
- Wood Print, printed directly onto a 2 cm wood panel for a warm, natural, gallery feel.
Sizes
Seven portrait sizes from 20 × 30 cm (8 × 12 in) to 50 × 70 cm (20 × 28 in). Not sure which one? Read our size guide.
Shipping
Free tracked shipping to most countries. Every print is made to order and produced close to you, in more than 30 countries across Europe, the UK, North America and Australia, which means shorter journeys and fewer surprises at the door. See shipping & returns.
Questions & answers
Why are mandarin ducks a symbol of love?
They are often seen swimming in pairs, so in Japan and China they have long symbolised a faithful, harmonious marriage. That is why this print is a popular wedding, anniversary or engagement gift.
Which duck is the male?
The male is the brightly coloured duck in front, with the red bill, white eye stripe and orange sail feathers. The female, slightly behind, has softer grey-brown plumage.
Is a frame included?
Only if you choose a framed format. The Natural Wood Frame and Black Metal Frame options arrive assembled with acrylic glazing and are ready to hang. The Unframed Art Print arrives without a frame, and the Aluminium and Wood Prints need no frame at all.
Which size should I choose?
As a rule of thumb, choose art about two-thirds the width of the furniture beneath it. 50 × 70 cm makes a statement above a sofa or bed, 30 × 40 cm suits shelves, desks and gallery walls. Our size guide shows every size to scale.
How is my print made and shipped?
Each print is made to order for you, then shipped with tracking from a production partner close to your address. You receive the tracking link by email as soon as your order leaves production.
Specifications
| Format | Unframed Art Print, Natural Wood Frame, Black Metal Frame, Aluminium Print, Wood Print |
| Print Size | 20 × 30 cm / 8 × 12 in, 30 × 40 cm / 12 × 16 in, 30 × 45 cm / 12 × 18 in, 40 × 50 cm / 16 × 20 in, 40 × 60 cm / 16 × 24 in, 45 × 60 cm / 18 × 24 in, 50 × 70 cm / 20 × 28 in |
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