CERAMIC CHINESE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

Ceramic Chinese Terracotta Warriors

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Chinese Terracotta Warrior using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use metallic colors (copper, bronze, gold), line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), and form (two dimensional, three dimensional) inspired by Armies of Qin She Haung the First Emperor of China
• Use clay techniques (slab method, coil method, pinch pot) and design principles (balance, proportion, harmony) based on Ancient Art
• Define Artifact (a cultural or historical interest object made by a human being)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Xi'an Mausoleum (1987) World Heritage Site
2. Read The Emperor's Silent Army by O'Connor
3. Discussion Questions "What are Terracotta Warriors made of? How were the Terracotta Warriors made? How were the Terracotta Horses made? How much clay did the Chinese use to make one Terracotta Warrior? How big were the firing kilns? Why did the faces of the Terracotta armor and hair look so different? How long did it take of the Terracotta Army to be complete? What do you think he daily life of the First Emperor might look like? Why type of ruling systems in place? What is a legacy? Which of his ideas do you think are still in place today? Who were the builders that created his Terracotta Army? How many builders were there, and how did they become chosen for the job? What are the soldiers made of, and how did they look different in the First Emperor's time than today? What was the method for producing so many Terracotta soldiers so quickly?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Mold clay into basic shapes (body parts, armor parts, pedestal) of Chinese Terracotta Warriors
2. Add line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) to basic shapes (pedestal, body parts, armor parts) of Chinese Terracotta Warriors
3. Use needle tool to draw facial features (eyebrows, facial hair, scars) of the Chinese Terracotta Warrior

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ceramic Chinese Terracotta Warriors for Assigned Table
2. Terracotta Army: Legacy of the First Emperor of China by Cincinnati Art Museum Exhibition
3. Discussion Questions "Where were the Terracotta Warriors discovered? When were the Terracotta Warriors discovered? When were Berthe solders built, and how long did it take? What is the subject of the photograph (above)? Who was the First Emperor? How does this tomb differ from others? What do you think the farmers unearthed? What is an emperor or an empress? Why would the emperor want a silent army? What is Terracotta? What does an archaeologist do? What did you learn about the discovery of the Terracotta Army in China? How did you make it so that it will protect someone?"

Lesson Activities

1. Add facial features (nostrils, eyelids, lips) within the facial features of the Chinese Terracotta Warrior
2. Add details (armor, necklace, shoes) within the basic shapes (pedestal, body parts, armor parts) of the Chinese Terracotta Warrior
3. Use modeling tools (brush, grips, saddle) to smooth out basic shapes (pedestal, body parts, armor parts) of the Chinese Terracotta Warrior

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Ceramic Chinese Terracotta Warriors for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (water bucket, needle tools, placemats)

Lesson Activities

1.  Add metallic paint (bronze, copper, gold) to positive space (armor, weapons, shoes) of ceramic work
2. Add metallic paint (bronze, copper, gold) to negative space (facial features) of ceramic work
3. Apply Gloss Finish to facial proportions, armor parts, and accessories of Ceramic Chinese Terracotta Warriors

Artist Examples

Student Examples