Korean Painting in American Museums

Look closely at Korean painting as a tradition with its own subjects, histories, and visual choices.

Unidentified artist, Grapevine and Squirrels, early 19th century, Korea. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1987.195. Public domain. Official object record ↗

Start with a vine, then follow the line

The Met’s Grapevine and Squirrels is an early 19th-century Korean hanging scroll. Its record places the subject in the context of Joseon literati painting. Trace the branching vine before looking for the small animals: a familiar natural subject can reveal a very particular way of organizing a picture.

The Smithsonian’s Korean collection also offers an introduction to Buddhist paintings. Comparing a secular nature subject with a religious image is a useful way to avoid treating Korean art as one style—or as a variation of a neighboring culture.

OFFICIAL COLLECTIONS & RESOURCES

Where to begin.

New York, NY

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Grapevine and Squirrels

A Korean hanging scroll from the early 19th century. The object record discusses the popularity of grapevine subjects among Joseon literati painters.

Explore the painting

Washington, DC

Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art

Korean Collection

The museum’s collection overview introduces Korean art, including rare Buddhist paintings. Use its collection search to investigate individual objects.

Explore the collection

Collection records and archived catalogues are not confirmation of current display. Check each museum’s official visitor notices before making plans. Links checked October 20, 2026.

TAKE A SLOWER LOOK

Three things to notice.

The branching structure of the grapevine
How small animals change the scale of a scene
Differences between religious and secular subjects

Continue the conversation.

Compare traditions with care: the linked article explores Chinese bird-and-flower painting, a different cultural context.

Read the related story

Museum works shown here are educational references, not items for sale in our store. No museum affiliation is implied.