Sparrowhawk, Birds of Japan

This plate from Koizumi Kishio's celebrated 'Chorui Shasei Zufu' (Bird Illustration Album) captures the fierce elegance of a Japanese Sparrowhawk in a moment of predatory triumph. Published in the early Showa period, the illustration combines meticulous scientific observation with the refined aesthetic sensibility characteristic of Japanese natural history art. The composition presents the raptor perched alertly on a yew branch, wings partially unfurled, with a freshly captured songbird held firmly beneath powerful yellow talons. Koizumi's masterful rendering of the hawk's barred breast plumage and slate-gray wing coverts demonstrates his deep understanding of avian anatomy, while the surrounding foliage of dark green yew needles and red berries creates a naturalistic setting that places the scene firmly in the wild. Chromolithographed by the skilled craftsman Tsuchioka Shunkō, this print exemplifies the high standards of Japanese scientific illustration during the interwar period. A compelling acquisition for collectors of ornithological art and Japanese natural history prints alike. Size: 15" x 17" Artist: Koizumi Kishio Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.