Grapevine and Squirrels, 18th-19th century, Unknown Japanese, 56 × 22 1/2 in. ( × cm) (image), Ink on silk, Japan, 18th-19th century, The Chinese monk artist Tzu-wen Jih-kuan first popularized ink monochrome paintings of grapes during the 13th century. The twisting vines, curling tendrils and round, plump grapes provided ample opportunity for expressive 'brush play.' They may also have been painting to express the scholar-artist's fondness for wine. The combination of squirrels and grapevines, as seen here, is actually a rebus, or word pun.

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Size: 2278px × 5316px
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Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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