Artwork Page for Grapes

Details / Information for Grapes

Grapes

1800s

Sugai Baikan 菅井 梅関

(Japanese, 1784–1844)
Culture
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)
Medium
hanging scroll; ink and light color on paper
Measurements
Painting only: 129 x 53.3 cm (50 13/16 x 21 in.); Including mounting: 190.5 x 64.8 cm (75 x 25 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith 1985.247
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The grapes hanging from this twisting vine are washed with a light blue color.

Description

This loose composition is a casual work likely created for an acquaintance by Sugai Baikan, an artist known for his ink landscapes. Baikan was from Sendai in Tōhoku, and painted there before traveling to Edo (Tokyo) and then Kyoto, where he viewed a fan painting by Nagasaki-based Chinese businessman and artist Jiang Jiapu (dates unknown). Inspired, he moved to Nagasaki and studied with Jiang for many years, learning Chinese painting history and techniques. Then, after a stint in Osaka during which he enjoyed wide acclaim in painting and poetry circles, he returned to Sendai. Following a series of natural disasters in the region, his life fell into disarray, and he drowned himself in a well.
A hanging scroll depicts a grape vine in ink and light color. Broad, dark ink brushstrokes form large leaves with visible veins dominating the upper section. Beneath the foliage, clusters of pale, light-green grapes hang from a thick, dark vine that winds from the top right, tapering into thin, curling tendrils at the bottom. Lower left, vertical Japanese calligraphy in black ink appears above two small red square seals.

Grapes

1800s

Sugai Baikan

(Japanese, 1784–1844)
Japan, Edo period (1615–1868)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork