画本鷹かゞみ The Illustrated Mirror of Falconry - Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋暁斎) - Japan - Edo Period (1600-1868)

This is a page from the famous Japanese woodblock-printed book Ehon Taka Kagami (画本鷹かゞみ / “The Illustrated Mirror of Falconry”), illustrated by the renowned artist Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋暁斎) between 1866 and 1880. The multi-volume book serves as a highly detailed illustrated manual and historical guide to the traditional art of Japanese falconry (takagari), a prestigious sport deeply tied to the samurai class and noble culture.

• The Central Illustration: Displays an anatomical breakdown of a trained hunting hawk or falcon perched on a traditional T-shaped stand (takada). The labels in classical Japanese name the different parts of the bird’s plumage and equipment, such as the training bells attached near its talons.

• Top Right Panel: A dynamic action scene showing a samurai warrior on horseback during a hunting excursion in the field, accompanied by an assistant.

• Bottom Panel: Depicts the specific rituals, etiquette, and preparation techniques required when feeding or handling the birds of prey, showcasing the refined customs of the falconers.

Signs of aging; the print is taped along the upper edge to the backing paper.