Grapevine c. 1775

"Grapevine" is a hanging scroll by the Japanese artist Tenryū Dōjin (1718–1810) created around 1775. The artwork depicts a grapevine with its leaves and fruit, executed in the artist's characteristic loose and expressive brushstrokes. The composition is simple yet elegant, featuring a delicate vine winding across the largely empty background, conveying a sense of natural grace. The painting reflects the artistic movement of literati painting, where artists were drawn to the beauty of nature and the expressiveness of ink and brush. This piece is a testament to Dōjin's talent for capturing the essence of nature with a few simple strokes, making it a treasured example of Japanese ink-and-wash painting.