Subscribe to My Newsletter
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter. I don’t send any spam email ever!
Little Artist: Blue & White Chinese Vase
Blue and white vases are a huge part of Chinese art history. Here is a quick art lesson on them and a fun painting activity for kids.
About the blue and white vases
Chinese blue and white pottery is called “Qinghua” (pronounced “ching-hwaa”). It translates to mean “blue flowers” or “blue patterns.” Chinese blue and white pottery is a valuable global commodity. Many people all over the world seek it and will pay a lot of money for authentic pieces. It is one of the most primonent examples of Chinese art.
Some history notes:
Chinese blue and white pottery first appeared during the Tang Dynasty around 650 AD. Each subsequent Dynasty developed their own style. The vases changed over time with advances in glazing and firing technology as well as in the cobalt used to color the pottery. Artists also created new decorative techniques, first heavily influenced by symbolism then slowly shifting to pure aesthetic. Common designs are landscapes, plants, animals, and patterns.
Art Lesson
Since we cannot do an actual porcelain or clay piece at school, I decided to just have the kids do a watercolor instead. They will still get the experience of painting the blue design onto the white “vase.” It is also a lesson on using just one color to create different shades.
You will need ...
- Watercolor Paper, or thick paper
- Regular Paper
- Watercolor Paint Set with Blue
- Pencil
- Sharpie
- Scissors, optional
- Glue, optional
- Construction Paper, optional
The scissors, glue, and construction paper are optional because you do not have to cut out the vase and glue it onto another paper. That is a personal preference.
Step Three
Once the vase shape is in place, use the pencil to lightly draw your design onto the vase. Be sure to keep the pencil lines light so they won't appear from under the watercolor.
Step Four
Then, use the blue watercolor paint to begin painting your design. Be sure to remind the kids to play with creating dark and light blues by adjusting the amount of water used with the paints.
Step Six
This final step is optional. You can choose to leave the vase as is on the white paper. Or, you could cut it out and paste it onto a piece of colored construction paper. This does add a little something to the piece by helping the vase sort of pop.