This image is from Ancient Imperial China when the Emperors ruled. I believe it comes from the Qing dynasty era which was established by the Manchus Manchu people who lived in Manchuria and ruled China from 1644 until 1912.
These people descended from the Jurchen, a tribe known in Asia since the seventh century.

Falconry was an integral part of their culture and was no doubt reinforced into the general Chinese culture during their dynasty.

Manchuria is now known as North East China but is still Manchuria to the local indigenous people, many of whom still revere their lost culture and do their very best to keep it alive.

I am indebted to a very dedicated Manchurian who brought to my attention that falconry is very much alive in many villages in Manchuria.

Although I have traveled into this region I never had the chance to find any falconers, (maybe next time).

I have been kindly sent many images of the Manchurian falconers with their goshawks a number of which I wish to share on this gallery.