聚鳥畫譜|Picture Album of Various Birds (Shūchō gafu)

Art Historical Context

Created in 1885 during Japan’s Meiji period, *Picture Album of Various Birds* (*Shūchō gafu*) by Numata Kashū exemplifies the enduring appeal of woodblock printing even as the country embraced rapid modernization. This polychrome printed book uses ink and color on paper to present a series of bird illustrations, including striking images of eagles. Measuring just under ten inches tall, the compact format was well suited for personal study or appreciation, reflecting a long-standing Japanese tradition of illustrated albums that combined art and natural observation. The woodblock medium itself carries deep artistic significance. Multiple carved blocks allowed printers to layer vibrant colors with precision, creating lively depictions that capture the texture of feathers and the dynamic poses of birds. Such books helped disseminate artistic knowledge and aesthetic enjoyment beyond elite circles, making detailed natural studies accessible to a wider audience. Housed today in the Metropolitan Museum’s Asian Art collection, the album stands as a quiet bridge between centuries-old printmaking techniques and Meiji-era interests in both tradition and the natural world. Its delicate yet bold imagery continues to invite viewers to pause and admire the graceful variety of avian life.