SUMI-E SAMURAI

Sumi-e Samurai

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Sumi-e Samurai using painting techniques learned in class
• Use neutral colors (grey, black, white), shape (geometric, organic), and line types (curved, straight, thin, thick) inspired by Iron, Leather, Laminated Paper, Lacquer, and Texile. Gift of Dr. William A. Galeno B87M22 (1615-1868) Edo Period
• Understand ink techniques (stippling, blending, contour) and design principles (variation, gradation, balance) based on Japan Art
• Define Haiga (illustrations inspired by waka poems)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Iron, Leather, Laminated Paper, Lacquer, and Textile. Gift of Dr. William A. Galeno B87M22 (1615-1868) Edo Period
2. Read The Samurai's Tale by Eric Haugaard
3. Discussion Questions "How did the design of the short and use of it in battle allow a warrior to satisfy the code of samurai? What would have been different for a warrior in battle with a sword against a warrior with a gun? Why do you think they continued to use swords? How would you feel if you were wearing the helmet and mask during battle? How would the shape and design of this mask make you stand out in battle among many other warrior? How is this jacket made to be worn over armor reflect this peaceful time in history of the samurai?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12" X 15" Chiyohami (Traditional Japanese Thin Wrapping Paper)
2. Use geometric shapes (oval, rectangle, square) to add samurai parts (spine, chest, head, hands) of samurai paintings
3. Add line types (curved, straight, thin, thick) to outline samurai parts (arms, legs, hands, feet) of samurai paintings

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Sumi-e Samurai for Assigned Table
2. Black Lacquered Iron Plates, Leather, Textile, and Silk Cord. Gift of Mr. R.P. Schwerin B74M7 (1615-1868) Edo Period
3. Discussion Questions "What is this object? What was its function? What do you see that makes you say that? Who were the samurai and what was their job? What are some samurai weapons and names? What is Bushido? What is a Code of Conduct? What are some interest facts you learned about the Samurai? What might it symbolize? Why might this story have been popular on screens in the homes of daimyo or samurai? How do you think this screen might have looked and functioned in the context of a room? What do you learn about samurai behavior form the story as it is shown in he painting? What do we not see in these paintings? How does the action of the men in this print, which shows such a story, express the deep loyalty that dishonored samurai would have felt? How do their actions reflect the code of samurai? What does this quote tell you about samurai code? What elements of the armor make it useful? What materials were used in making this armor? Who is depicted on the breastplate? Why was this figure popular among samurai?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use neutral colors (grey, black, white) to fill in the positive space (armor, sword, cape) of the samurai paintings
2. Use neutral colors ( grey, black, white) to fill in the negative space (fence, mountain, plants) of the samurai paintings
3. Add details to helmet (long horns, terrifying mask) and armor (golds, sleeves, belt) of the Sumi-e Samurai 

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Sumi-e Samurai for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, paintbrushes, Indian ink)

Lesson Activities

1. Add highlights (light source, reflective light) to fill in the positive space (armor, sword, cape) of the samurai paintings 
2. Add shadows (reflective shadow, cast shadow) to fill in the negative space (fence, mountain, plants) of the samurai paintings
3. Add details to armor (jacket, katana, animals) and background (waterfall, trees, animals) of the Sumi-e Samurai

Artist Examples

Student Examples