An Illustrated Mirror of Hawking | Kawanabe Kyōsai’s Falconry Art Book

An Illustrated Mirror of Hawking: Kawanabe Kyōsai’s Masterpiece on Japanese Falconry.

Kawanabe Kyōsai, also known by his pen name Kawanabe Tôiku, was a legendary 19th-century Japanese artist renowned for his diverse styles and themes. While his work is celebrated worldwide, one of his lesser-known masterpieces is Ehon Taka Kagami (The Mirror of Hawking), a woodcut print picture book on falconry originally published in 1863.

Commissioned by a retired daimyo (feudal lord), Kyōsai created a series of stunning illustrations depicting traditional Japanese falconry practices. His meticulous attention to detail and deep reverence for nature are evident in every plate. Accompanying these illustrations are explanatory scripts, stories, poems, and songs that not only chronicle the ancient art of falconry but also celebrate the harmony between humans and nature.

This new edition of An Illustrated Mirror of Hawking offers the first complete English translation of Kyōsai’s original text, allowing modern readers to fully appreciate the artistry and meaning behind each plate. Alongside the faithful reproduction of the original images and captions, the book includes insightful essays and reference images that contextualize Kyōsai’s work, the tradition of Japanese falconry, and the origins of this rare publication.

Discover the fascinating intersection of art and tradition through the visionary lens of one of Japan’s most celebrated artists.