Terms and conditions of use
Hawks with pine tree and plum blossom
(Ume matsu taka zu 梅松鷹図)
(late 17th century)
Medium
pair of six panel folding screens: ink and pigments on gold leaf on paper, lacquer on wood, silk, paper, metal
Measurements
(a-b) 163.6 × 379.0 cm (image and sheet) (each)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1971
Gallery location
Level 1, NGV International
About this work
During the Momoyama and Edo periods in Japan, ruling lords and samurai decorated their villas and castles with folding screens that emphasised their military prowess and positions of social power. This pair of screens includes a pine tree representing ethereal wisdom and resilience and a plum tree representing rebirth and coming of spring. The addition of birds of prey to these classical themes, alluding to an innately predatory nature and hunting skills, was considered suitable because only the most senior samurai and daimyo were granted the right to practice falconry. At official gatherings, screens such as these were positioned to intimidate guests, under the watchful eye of their imposing leaders with their skilled hunting companions.
