Revered in ancient Egypt as associates of Horus, falcons were first trained as hunters in the royal courts of Syria in the eighth century. From there, the art of falconry took wing, travelling quickly across the Islamic world to the Byzantine Empire in the West and China in the East. This display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C. (15 January–17 July) takes a sweeping look at these majestic birds over the course of human history, with paintings and objects from ancient Egypt to China. Find out more from the Smithsonian’s website.
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Plaque depicting a falcon, probably the god Horus (664–525 BC or later), Egypt. National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.
Folio from a Haft awrang (Seven thrones) by Jami, showing the Pir rejecting the ducks brought as presents (1556–65), Iran. National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.
A Youth Reading, from the Nasiruddin Shah Album (c. 1610), Muhammad Ali. National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.
Two horsemen hunting with falcons (1640s), Iran. National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, D.C.