Okumura Masanobu 菱川師宣

In this monochromatic print, Okumura Masanobu highlights the different textures and patterns of the feathers of a falcon tethered to a perch. Illustrated books about hawking and falconry with detailed descriptions of each species’ features and characteristics were abundant in the Edo period, as were portrait paintings of treasured

specimens. Capitalizing on the popularity of the sport, Masanobu likely drew on these prototypes in creating this depiction.

The hawk usually symbolizes martial strength, but here the tethers restraining it may indicate a diminution or restraint of such power.