Minneapolis Institute of Art

Young Samurai with Hawk on His Wrist

Suzuki Harunobu

Date

c. 1767–68

Medium

Woodblock print (nishiki-e), ink and color on paper

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Training predatory birds for hunting was a significant pastime of the Japanese aristocracy and a favorite painting subject. Master falconers (takajō) received a special rank within the samurai hierarchy during the Edo period (1603-1868). In this visual parody, Suzuki Harunobu depicts a falconer as an urban dandy (wakashu) with elegant green jacket, purple-and-pink striped kimono, and red-and-white striped sash. The raptor is probably a Northern Goshawk. Asia

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