Our Philosophy

Kōan Studio was born out of our admiration for beautiful Japanese artwork, not just as decoration but as a medium for personal contemplation and reflection.

Each piece is selected for its significance - both within the era in which it was painted and in how it continues to resonate today. They capture a moment in time, carrying meaning which patinas as they age.

Each framed print is intended to be lived with for decades, growing with you and quietly revealing more meaning over time.

Our Reproduction Method

Our reproduction process is guided by restraint. Each work is treated as a historical artifact.

We begin with high-resolution archival sources and restore each print by hand, carefully balancing tone and colour while preserving the original linework, texture, and natural irregularities of the woodblack process.

Rather than returning a work to an imagined state of perfection, we restore only to the point where an artist's intent remains legible. Signs of age are respected, not erased - we see fading, softness, and variation as a part of the work's history.

Our Printing Process

Each restored work is printed using archival pigment inks on carefully selected Japanese archive-quality papers chosen for their tonal depth, natural texture, and longevity. Our materials are selected to allow subtle gradients, restrained contrast, and delicate detail to remain intact.

Colour is approached conservatively, favouring accuracy and balance over saturation. The aim is to produce a resolved image, which holds its presence in a space without demanding attention.

For framed works, we use slim natural wood frames chosen for their neutrality and durability. The frame is treated as an extension of the artwork itself: proportional, understated, and intended to endure alongside the print it holds.

Before and After Our Restoration

Slide to see the impact of our expertise and cautious, measured handling.

Frequently asked questions
What is the return policy?

We offer a 30-day guarantee on all framed and unframed artworks.

If there is something wrong with your purchase, please contact us and we'll do our best to make it right.
When will I get my order?

All artwork is printed and framed using traditional museum-archive methods. This takes time, but we believe the quality of the outcomes speak for themselves.

We will work to ship your order as quickly as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information.
Where are your products manufactured?

We only print and frame in the US using traditional archival paper made in Japan.

We work with our team to ensure all artworks are up to par with our high standards.
How much does shipping cost?

All shipping in the US is free.

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