Unknown Maker, Japanese

The hawk/falcon (the two are not differentiated in Japanese art) became an important motif over two millennia ago in China, where falconry was a royal pastime. In Japan during the Heian period (794-1185), the nobility began enjoying the same activity. The sport grew more popular with the rise of the middle class during the Edo period (1603-1867). Eventually, birds of prey became emblems of the Japanese warrior class (samurai) because of the birds’ keen eyesight and their predatory nature. This is an example of the metaphoric symbolism in which Japanese society as a whole was so thoroughly versed.