Video
From Castle to Palace: Samurai Architecture
Learn about samurai castles.
Please note: Special public hours – 10 AM to 5 PM – on Thursday, May 9
Video
Learn about samurai castles.
Artwork
Dancer, approx. 618–700. China Tang dynasty (618–906). Painted earthenware. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P305.
Activity
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.
Lesson
Students will: 1.) create a pocket size version of kamishibai and illustrate a Japanese folktale; 2.) learn the history of kamishibai; 3.) use oral, written, and visual language in presenting Japanese folktales; 4.) discuss the similarities and differences in American and Japanese storytelling traditions; 4.) gain an awareness of Japanese culture and Japanese society in early to mid-20th century.
Lesson
In groups, students will research and present information about the First Emperor’s accomplishments and legacy.
Activity
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
Activity
Sword making is a refined and highly scientific art that is revered in Japan. A sword guard (tsuba) is a metal guard on a samurai sword between the handgrip and the blade. It protects the hand from sliding onto the sharp edge of the blade. Sword guards vary in shape and design and were carved or molded. Use the templates or create your own shape and design a sword guard.
Activity
A kit’alar is a calligraphic work written on a rectangular piece of paper pasted onto a cardboard backing. Equal margins are left around the calligraphy in which the artist decorates with marbled paper (ebru) or illumination.
Artwork
The Buddha triumphing over Mara, 900–1000. India; probably Kurkihar, Bihar state. Stone. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S598.
Artwork
Central Asian wine peddler, approx. 618–906. China, Henan province. Molded and sculpted earthenware figure with three-color glaze. The Avery Brundage Collection, B60P521.