NAVIGATION

A Rare and Unusual Japanese Amuletic Netsuke Made from the Clawed Foot of a Goshawk with Attached Hawking Bell
The claws turned in for compactness
A metal ring for cord attachment to one claw
Smooth silky old patination
18th Century

Size: 7cm high, 4cm wide, 2.5cm deep - 2¾ ins high, 1½ ins wide, 1 ins deep
 

Japanese falconry known as ‘Takagari’ began as a sport in the 4th century AD. It became an honourable and popular pastime practised amongst the Samurai as well as the nobles of the Court and was held in high esteem. Goshawks became symbols of status with portraits commissioned by Samurai owners in the early Edo period of their individual birds of prey. Natural formed netsuke such as this example would have been worn by the hunter both as a mark of rank and to attain the amuletic power, properties and protection of the hawk.