Cicada on a Grapevine 1392 - 1399

"Cicada on a Grapevine" is a hanging scroll by the Chinese artist Bokurin Guan, created between 1392 and 1399, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting depicts a delicate grapevine with a cicada clinging to its stem, executed with elegant brushstrokes and subtle washes of ink. Guan's work is a fine example of the Ming Dynasty's fascination with nature, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and natural forms. The scroll's detailed depiction of the cicada and grapevine, coupled with its minimalist aesthetic, offers a glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of the era.