Hawk on a tree branch

The hawk (Astur gentilis) has long held a special place in Japanese culture. Considered to have dignity and observed to be a skillful predator, it became a symbol of endurance, fortitude, and military accomplishment. This bird was especially admired by the samurai class. Hunting with hawks began during the Kofun period (250–552) and was widely practiced until the mid-1800s by leading samurai. During the Edo period, when this scroll was painted, falconry was officially patronized by the shogunal government, and the position of master falconer was established. This work’s painter, Kuroda Toko, was born to a samurai family.