Year in Review for 1986. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (February 4-March 15, 1987).

Year in Review for 1986

Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 121). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (July 18-October 26, 2003).

Main Asian Rotation (Gallery 238).The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (June 13, 2013-January 28, 2014).

A hanging scroll in black and gray ink depicts clusters of grapes hanging from tangled vines on aged paper. Soft washes define the round fruit, while dark veins detail the broad leaves. Thin, curling tendrils wind around spindly stems, and a thick, textured branch curves from the lower left. Japanese calligraphy is visible in the upper right. The ink creates volume throughout the botanical composition.

(Takashi Yanagi, Kyoto, Japan, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Having many children, especially many sons, was considered auspicious in traditional Korean culture, and imagery symbolizing abundant offspring were quite popular. Grapes were a common symbol of such abundance in Korean painting.

Symbols of Abundance

Grapes are not indigenous to East Asia, and are believed to have come to Korea from Europe, through China, during the Goryeo Period (936–1392). Paintings of grapes became popular during the Joseon period (1392–1910) that followed.

Imported Grapes

When viewing ink painting, pay particular attention to the brushwork. The unknown artist who created this painting utilized a variety of techniques, including wet and dry brush techniques, in creating this work. Look closely to see the different ways the artist handled his brush.

Grapes

Japan, Edo period

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Grapes

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Artwork Page for Grapes

Details / Information for Grapes

Grapes

Japan, Edo period

Did You Know?

Grapes

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

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