Artist: Attributed to either Suzuki Harunobu [鈴木 春信] (Japanese, c. 1725 – 1770) or Isoda Koryūsai [礒田 湖龍斎] (Japanese, active 1764–1788)
Signed: Unsigned
Date: c. 1775
Media: Woodblock print (nishiki-e); ink and color on paper; Hashira-e (pillar print) 61 × 12 cm (24 × 4.7 inches)

Title: Falcon on a Pine Branch, with Rising Sun Behind (Taka to matsu, asahi o haikei ni, 鷹と松、朝日を背景に)

Description:
A powerful image of a falcon perched on a pine branch, with the rising sun (朝日, asahi) glowing faintly in the background. The bird’s sharply defined feathers, boldly patterned talons, and commanding profile express vigilance and restraint. The pine (松, matsu) and falcon (鷹, taka) are auspicious motifs, often associated with strength, longevity, and samurai ideals. The composition is vertically compressed to suit the narrow pillar format.

This unsigned print has been historically attributed to both Suzuki Harunobu and Isoda Koryūsai. The attribution remains divided.

References:

• Attributed to Harunobu: Pins #239/p.132;

• British Museum 1906,1220,0.85

• Attributed to Koryūsai: Pins #517/p.209;

• AIC II (Clarence Buckingham Collection, 1925.2772);

• Ukiyo-e Taisei IV;

• Vignier & Inada, 1911;

• Ritsumeikan University Z0165-239