Out to the Hunt
Hu Kuei (fl. ca. 9th-10th c.), Five Dynasties Period
Album leaf, ink and colors on silk, 32.9 x 44.3 cm

Out to the Hunt


    Hu Kuei was a native of Hopeh, and he is also said to have been a Khitan. He excelled at representing Khitan figures and horses, representing in detail all aspects of the lifestyle of this people to the north of China.

    This work represents a scene with hunters. The figures are wearing typical Khitan clothing and hairstyles. Among the four falcons, three seem to be the renowned Hai-tung-ch'ing species in varying colors. This falcon is known for its hunting skill and was native to the land where the Khitan lived. The falcon was renowned for being to hunt down swans. The appearance of the horses here also coincides with descriptions of Khitan horses, the noses and ears of which were not pierced in order to enhance their speed.

    This is leaf six from the album "Ming-hui chi-chen."