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Asian Landscape Scroll

Study the ancient art of Chinese scroll painting, then create an original landscape scroll.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Craft Sticks
  • Sponge(s)

Steps

  • Step 1

    Explore Chinese scroll paintings, an artform dating back to the fourth century AD. Note that it differs from Western forms in that it is usually small and intended to be viewed by only one or two people at a time. Additionally, hand scrolls (unlike the vertical counterparts that are hung on a wall) are to be unfurled slowly, revealing images one at a time. Many depict landscapes. Others were used to convey lessons about behavior. Have students look at images of this artform, such as those displayed on The Metropolitan Museum of Art's website or elsewhere online.

  • Step 2

    Have students decide if they'd like to create a horizontal hand scroll or a vertical hanging scroll. Ask them to decide on a landscape they'd like to depict, then have them illustrate their scroll with colored pencils and add a layer of watercolor paint. They can apply the paint with sponges, especially around the border which is a frame of larger piece of paper.

  • Step 3

    Paint craft sticks then glue them together to create the top and bottom borders of the scroll.

Standards

ARTS: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

SS: Culture: Through experience, observation, and reflection, identify elements of culture as well as similarities and differences among cultural groups across time and place.

Adaptations

Invite a Chinese native or scholar to speak with the class in conjunction with the study of Chinese culture. Ask the expert to share with students some of the writing characters that are commonly used in the Chinese language.

China is also known for its history of making decorative kites. Students can learn about the history of kite making and the purposes they served in Chinese history. They can then design and create their own kite.