Although no exact records exist, it’s safe to assume that the practice of hunting wild animals with trained raptors has been around for thousands of years. Sources point to falconry as early 2205 BC, during the Shang Dynasty. Falcons were believed to be holy birds by many hunting civilisations, and once played an important role in Chinese society. Its inseparable relationship with politics and power can still be seen in old literature, poems, paintings and porcelain. Many different birds of prey were used, such as hawks, kestrels, merlins or eagles. However, speed and hunting prowess, has made the falcon the most favoured player in this ancient practice.

“This one comes all the way from Jilin, the northeast corner of China. From the famous falcon village where Manchus have kept the tradition alive since the Qing Dynasty.”

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Hunting Falcon

“This one comes all the way from Jilin, the northeast corner of China. From the famous falcon village where Manchus have kept the tradition alive since the Qing Dynasty.”