Sparrowhawk, Birds of Japan

This exquisite ornithological plate from Koizumi Kishio's 'Chōrui Shasei Zufu' (Illustrated Book of Birds from Life) presents the Eurasian sparrowhawk in four meticulously rendered studies. Published in the early 1930s, this work exemplifies the pinnacle of Japanese natural history illustration, where Western scientific precision harmoniously merged with traditional Japanese artistic sensibility. The composition displays both male and female specimens of this fierce raptor, capturing the species' characteristic yellow eyes, barred plumage, and powerful talons with remarkable accuracy. Each pose reveals different aspects of the bird's anatomy, from the detailed wing feathering to the distinctive facial markings that make this species one of Japan's most accomplished avian hunters. A significant work from the Shōwa era's golden age of ornithological publishing, this plate represents the intersection of art and science that defined Japanese natural history illustration. Complete with its original descriptive text sheet, it stands as a testament to the collaborative excellence between artist Koizumi Kishio and lithographer Tsuchioka Shunkō. Size: 14" x 17.5" 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.