Activity
Video
Hokusai and Hiroshige: Great Japanese Prints from the James A. Michener Collection
Overview of the Hokusai and Hiroshige: Great Japanese Prints from the James A. Michener Collection, Honolulu Academy of Arts exhibition that took place at the Asian Art Museum from September 26–December 6, 1998 (filmed at former museum location in Golden Gate Park).
Lesson
Epic Literature - The Ramayana (Story of Rama)
Students are introduced to the Ramayana (Story of Rama) and recall events by sequencing related art objects on a Story Hill. Then students make connections between artistic and literary depictions of character by comparing Vishnu and Ravana.
Video
From Castle to Palace: Samurai Architecture
Learn about samurai castles.
Artwork
Dancer, approx. 618–700
Dancer, approx. 618–700. China Tang dynasty (618–906). Painted earthenware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P305.
Activity
Creating Story with Music
Students express the Balinese concept of working together to create a community by applying the kecak musical pattern of interlocking parts to “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and design their own chant using words or sounds to represent their characters.
Background Information
Chinese Calligraphy: From the Neolithic Period (ca. 4500–2200 BCE) to the Song Dynasty (960–1279)
Calligraphy is considered to be one of the most important art forms in Chinese culture. Only in Islamic art does calligraphy also rank so highly.
Artwork
Flowers, 1615
Flowers, 1615, by Xue Susu (1564-1637). China; Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Handscroll; ink on paper. Museum purchase, B66D22.
Activity
Diwali Festival and Threshold Art
Students will: 1.) examine the Hindu tradition of threshold art; 2.) research how Diwali (Festival of Lights) is commemorated in India; 3. draw traditional labyrinth threshold patterns; 4.) work in teams to create a large labyrinth floor painting in celebration of Diwali
Video
Chinese Buddhist Cave Shrines
Explores ancient Buddhist cave shrines in China, including why the sites were created and the major sponsors and patrons.