Grapes have been a significant subject in Chinese and Japanese ink painting, often symbolizing abundance, fertility, and the wish for prosperity and success. In Chinese art, the theme of grapes can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, where they were a popular motif in both painting and poetry. They were sometimes associated with the idea of continuous generations and family because of the way grapevines grow and spread.
The addition of gold flakes to such paintings, which is more commonly associated with Japanese art and the technique of kinpaku (applying gold leaf), adds a luxurious and decorative element that catches light and brings a dynamic quality to the artwork. This technique has been employed in various forms of Japanese art, including screen paintings and folding fans, as well as in the embellishment of lacquerware and religious icons.
