Modeling with clay

Objectives:  Students will learn how to
    1.  design two stamps and one figure
    2.  knead clay
    3. model a figure and stamps with clay
    4. use simple tools to impress, incise and add details
    5. attach clay to clay

Students will research designs for stamps and guardian figures using books and the internet.  They will read about impressing in Claywork, pages 123-125.  H.11.1

Jomon Period, 1000-400BCE            Kofun Period, 6th century                Lokapala, Tang Dynasty   

Activities:    

A.1  Draw designs for the four ends of your stamps: your initials or personal symbol and three other designs.  Use references; your designs will be better.
A.2  Design your guardian figure. H.7.2

B.  Model two cylinder stamps that is about the size of a  beginner’s pencil.  Write your full name along the cylinder.  Allow clay to harden slightly.  Don’t forget to carve your initials backwards so they will stamp correctly. H.9.1

C.  Inspired by ancient Japanese figures, model a small figure out of clay, add details in face, hair, hands, and clothing.  H.9.1, H.2.2

Materials:  Clay, wooden tools, sgraffito tools, slip, wooden boards

Handouts:  none, project details posted on wall; see pattern books too.

Evaluation:  self evaluate using the following criteria:  

Fantasy Figures   . . . .  

                  inspired by Chinese Tomb Guardians

From earliest times in China, people, especially the wealthy and important, were buried in tombs outfitted with luxuries they had enjoyed in life.  In some cases the tombs were like underground palaces.

Guarding the deceased and his or her possessions were tomb guardians, fantasy human and animal figures carved from a variety of materials or made from clay molds.

One of the most important archeological finds in China was discovered by accident in March 1974.  From the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi (first emperor of the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC) thousands of terra cotta soldiers have been unearthed, and it is believed there are many more to be discovered.  The emperor died in 210 BC, and more than 700,000 men were used to construct his mausoleum, which is covered by an enormous hill, or tumulus.   Qin believed his tomb symbolized the center of the world. 

NHK World Heritage 100 Series [Windows Media required]

Review:  Watch PowerPoint presentation.  Take notes in folder.

Modelling with Clay.ppt