松島に鷲図|White Head Eagle

Hamanishi Katsunori 浜西勝則

2016 · Mezzotint print; color on Japanese Mat Thunders wove paper · Asian Art

This design by Hamanishi Katsunori, a modern master of the European mezzotint technique, was commissioned by the Print Club of Cleveland to make this dramatic design featuring a kimono hung upon a rack. The image of a white-tailed eagle spreading its wings over pine-laden islands refers to the famous Japanese scenic spot of Matsushima. Over a long and distinguished career of over three decades, Hamanishi Katsunori has focused almost exclusively on the production of mezzotint prints. Mezzotints are known for a dark and atmospheric appearance as the technique requires the creation of a roughened surface, which produces a solid black, velvety background when printed. To create the image, the artist utilizes an array of “rockers” (berceau), scrapers, and burnishers. The deepest gouges in the copper plate will appear as white areas on the finished print.

Artist

Hamanishi Katsunori 浜西勝則

Date

2016

Medium

Mezzotint print; color on Japanese Mat Thunders wove paper

Culture

Japan

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Gift of Sue Cassidy Clark, in honor of John T. Carpenter, 2021