Hawks 1634 - 1666

Soga Nichokuan made this pair of hanging scrolls, ink on paper, sometime in the 17th century. They present a powerful and immediate image of two hawks in different poses. The cultural significance of birds in Edo-period Japan is closely tied to the nation's social and political structures. Hawks, in particular, were associated with the samurai class, symbolizing strength, courage, and the pursuit of excellence. Falconry was a popular sport among the elite, reinforcing the bird's connection to power and privilege. We can see that Nichokuan depicts the birds with careful detail, set against stark backgrounds. As such, it would have served as not only a decorative object, but as a potent symbol of status and martial prowess. By studying historical texts, social records, and artistic conventions of the Edo period, we can more deeply understand the layers of meaning embedded in these kinds of images. Art doesn't exist in a vacuum, but is always shaped by specific conditions.