Details

Hamanishi's mezzotints reflect a balance of technical mastery for realism and a sensibility for contemplative subjects that cooperate with energetic tensions. Window No. 4 certainly showcases these elements. In this print, the artist provides a spellbindingly realistic scene of a traditional Japanese home filled with wonderful woodwork. The window at left is executed in a shoji screen–like format which permits a soft defused light to trail into the design. The maple tree at right, clad in the fickle colors of fall, provides the scene with movement and color as it extends into the composition, inviting the eye deeper into the composition.  

A sense of excitement and tension is found in the window as the bamboo structure is elaborately tied with rope, recalling the artist's early evocative work from the late 70s and 80s, which exhibited intricately tied ropes suspended in space. The busy woodgrain featured at the right-center of the composition demonstrates an energetic pulse that does not exceed beyond the confines of the architecture. Though seemingly quiet and contemplative, the scene invites closer study where the simplicity of the composition unfolds into a more contemplative and psychologically evocative experience.

Connoisseur's Note

This large-scale print is among the artist's most sought-after works. It is a rare Printer Proof executed in an edition of 5, signified by the P.P. 2/5. This work has been kept in a flat-file by its original owner since its inception and retains its original pristine condition.