【Soon】Special Exhibition “Aves Japonicae 〈12〉 – Hawk Eyes”

2026.07.18-2026.10.18
STUDIOLO

The raptors, or birds of prey, are considered symbolic creatures worldwide due to their flight capabilities, predatory abilities, and majestic appearance.
Birds of prey are also a common motif in Japanese painting, but hawks depicted on paper are often strangely uniform, giving an artificial impression. Their eyes, in particular, differ from those of real hawks, and are more akin to those of a dragon.
On the other hand, real raptors don't always look the same as we imagine them to. If you look at their faces from the front, you'll find that real raptors often have rather comical appearances.
This exhibition features a selection of birds of prey illustrations from Kawabe Kakyo’s “Sketches of Birds”. The illustrations depict hawks and owls, and the styles range from uniform to quick sketches and detailed drawings. By comparing the illustrations with actual bird specimens, we will consider what the artist was trying to depict and express. We would like you to pay particular attention to the eyes. Please compare the expression of intense gaze in the taxidermies with the strangely stylized representation of eyes in Japanese paintings.

Organizer: The University Museum, The University of Tokyo (UMUT)