Grapes
葡萄図
Tachihara Kyosho · 1835 (Tenpo 6) · Hanging scroll
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Grapes is a hanging scroll in light color on silk painted in 1835 (Tenpo 6) by Tachihara Kyosho, a samurai of the Mito domain, showing tangled grapes with forceful brushwork. It is an Important Cultural Property held by the Tokyo National Museum.
- Artist
- Tachihara Kyosho
- Date
- 1835 (Tenpo 6)
- Medium / format
- Hanging scroll
About this work
Clusters of grapes, tangled vines, and large leaves are painted with vigor, filling the picture. At first glance it looks monochrome, but two colors, ink and indigo, are used, creating a sense of volume and depth. Leaves shaded by bleeding ink, dry broken lines, and spattered dots of indigo give the picture a powerful movement. At lower left are the words chinsui (dead drunk).
Tachihara Kyosho was a samurai of the Mito domain. When his lord asked him to paint, he is said to have refused, saying he was not a professional painter, and then to have painted the work after drinking heavily.
The painter, who could also paint precisely and accurately, is said to have left this fierce work under a tense relationship with his lord, and a samurai's resolve can be felt in it. It is light color on silk, 89.7 x 40.1 cm, designated an Important Cultural Property.
Where can I see it?
Exhibitions change over time. Check each museum's exhibition information before you visit.
Museums that hold this work
- Tokyo National MuseumMuseum's page for this work (opens in a new tab)
Taito City, Tokyo Accession no. A-12101
Plan your visit to Tokyo National Museum
Find places to stay, activities and rental cars for a visit to Tokyo National Museum, which holds "Grapes".
Frequently asked questions
- Who painted Grapes, and when?
- Grapes is by Tachihara Kyosho, made in 1835 (Tenpo 6). Medium: Hanging scroll.
- Where can I see Grapes?
- It is held by Tokyo National Museum. Exhibitions change, so check each museum's information before you visit.
Sources and references
- ColBase (Tokyo National Museum) (in Japanese) (opens in a new tab) (checked 2026-11-05)
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