Bamboos in Wind

About the Artwork

Active during the Japanese colonial period in Korea (1910–45), the artist Jin-woo Kim earned his artistic reputation for his expressive renditions of bamboo swaying in a strong wind. His piercing bamboo shoots are often compared to an iron spear, and their sharp leaves to a knife. It is believed that he deliberately emphasized sharpness in his brushstrokes to express his strong resistance against Japanese colonial oppression.

Inscriptions

Two chops stamped on each panel: 振宇之印 (Jinwoo’s Seal); 金剛山人 (Diamond Mountain Man); Inscription written on the far-left panel: 甲戌流??寫於竹林堂金剛山人振宇; Inscription written on the 8th panel: 五百間淸風金剛山人

Provenance

1934–35: Collection of the artist, Hamheung, North Korea, sold to the Kwak family 1935–?: Kwak family collection, Korea, by descent to Paul Kwak ?–2022: Paul Kwak, Akron, OH, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art 2022–: The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Exhibition history

Ink, Paper, and Brush - Korean Gallery 236 Rotation. The Cleveland Museum of Art (organizer) (July 24, 2019-January 26, 2020).

Data retrieved from the Cleveland Museum of Art on October 8, 2026. The museum may have updated its record since.

Quick Overview

Artist: Kim Jin-woo (Korean, 1883–1950)
Date: 1934
Medium: Ten-panel folding screen; ink on paper
Dimensions: Each panel: 128.9 x 33 cm (50 3/4 x 13 in.); Each panel framed: 194.3 x 47.6 cm (76 1/2 x 18 3/4 in.)
Type: Painting
Classification: Painting
Department: Korean Art
Credit line: Severance and Greta Millikin Purchase Fund
Accession no.: 2022.91

Open-access museum record · AT-00009860