Hawks - Soga Nichokuan

A pair of ink-wash scrolls by Soga Nichokuan, depicting hawks perched on a branch and a rock with precise, controlled brushwork.

This diptych by Soga Nichokuan presents two hawks, each rendered with precise ink work on paper. The artist, active during the early Edo period, belonged to the Soga school, which maintained a distinct approach to the bird and flower genre. The left scroll depicts a hawk perched upon a gnarled branch, its gaze directed upwards. The right scroll shows a hawk resting upon a jagged rock formation, looking towards the left.

The composition relies on the contrast between the detailed plumage of the birds and the sparse, atmospheric background. Nichokuan employs a controlled brush technique to define the feathers, using varying ink tones to suggest texture and volume. The branches and rocks are executed with broader, more gestural strokes, providing a structural anchor for the avian subjects. This balance between meticulous detail and open space is a hallmark of the Soga school, which often favoured a more austere aesthetic compared to the decorative styles of the contemporary Kano school.

These works reflect the cultural interest in falconry and the symbolic association of hawks with strength and martial prowess. The muted palette, dominated by ink washes and subtle earth tones, directs the viewer to the posture and alertness of the birds. The vertical orientation of the scrolls dictates a specific viewing experience, encouraging the eye to move from the base of the rock or branch up to the sharp, focused eyes of the raptors. As a fine art print, this piece retains the subtle tonal shifts of the original ink wash, offering a clear view of the brushwork and the deliberate composition that defines Nichokuan's style.