Hawks

Soga Nichokuan Japanese

Not on view

The right-hand scroll of this pair depicts a hawk perched on a rock by a body of water, one leg flexed. A faint reference to a cliff face, executed in ink wash, appears in the background at right. The left-hand scroll features a hawk on an oak branch. The bird’s head is turned as though gazing at something beyond the picture frame. On both animals, the texture of the feathers is effectively conveyed through layered brushwork in various tones by Soga Nichokuan. Like his father, Soga Chokuan, Nichokuan specialized in avian subjects, particularly birds of prey.

Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan

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Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan
Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan
Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan
Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan
Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan
Hawks, Soga Nichokuan (Japanese, active mid-17th century), Pair of hanging scrolls; ink on paper, Japan

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.