Monkey Hanging from Grapevines 1877 - 1897

This is a Japanese painting of a monkey hanging from grapevines, made by Kawanabe Kyōsai in the 19th century. It's made with ink and color on silk, and the technique is traditional. The silk provides a delicate surface, that readily absorbs the ink washes that define the subject matter. The artist has exploited these qualities to render the texture of the monkey's fur, and the translucent quality of the leaves. The artist's mastery in the use of brushstrokes, with varying pressure and speed, adds depth and vitality to the artwork. The work’s seeming spontaneity belies the intense labor and skill required to produce it. Kyōsai's painting is a reminder that even seemingly effortless works of art are the result of dedicated craftsmanship. It challenges our conventional distinctions between "high art" and craft.