Chinese Dynasty Vase Art Project Art And Write Art History Lesson Art Activity

This Chinese Dynasty Vase Art and Write lesson has students explore the beauty and craftsmanship of Chinese dynasty vases, create their own vase-inspired artwork, and then continue with writing, reflection, artist statements and an exit ticket. It brings art, literacy and social studies together in one lesson.

It is made for teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers, and fits art history lessons, Chinese art projects, cross-curricular art, sub plans, upper elementary art, middle school art and homeschool art. The example artwork has a classic blue-and-white look with a detailed bird motif and decorative borders.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF AND POWERPOINT TUTORIAL)

• Cover page, About the Art and Write Resource page and How to Use the Art and Write Resource page
• 2 lesson plan pages and 1 standards page
• 1 Warm-Up Art Challenge page
• 1 student reading page about Chinese dynasty vases
• 2 rubric pages
• The Message writing page, Artwork Reflection page and Artist Mindsets page
• Artist statement pages and exit ticket page
• 1 Quick-Pick Reference Images page, 1 Rough Draft page and 1 artwork planning/example page
• 1 full-page example artwork page
• Full PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial (no PDF tutorial is included)
• Non-Fiction writing planning and prompt pages
• Fiction writing planning and prompt pages
• Opinion writing pages and blank writing pages
• Two versions of writing paper to support different learner needs

WHAT STUDENTS DO

Students start with a Warm-Up Art Challenge, drawing a detailed vase with patterns and traditional motifs like dragons, flowers or geometric designs. The reading teaches that these vases were made during ancient Chinese dynasties, that each dynasty had its own style, and that motifs like dragons, flowers, birds and phoenixes often carried symbolic meaning, along with the craft of shaping, firing, painting and glazing.

Students then follow the PowerPoint tutorial to make their vase, using the Quick-Pick Reference Images to choose line patterns, center imagery such as bonsai, a peacock or a dragon, and base designs. Afterward they write about their work through non-fiction, fiction and opinion writing, with planning pages to organize their ideas.

FAQ

Who is this for?

Teachers, art teachers and homeschoolers who want a Chinese dynasty vase art lesson with writing and reflection included.

Is there a tutorial?

Yes. A full PowerPoint step-by-step tutorial is included for projecting to the class. It does not include a PDF tutorial.

Can I use my own art materials?

Yes. The example artwork uses oil pastel and watercolor paint, but you can adapt it to the supplies you have.

Is it editable?

No. The resource is non-editable.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She was the featured cover educator in OCO Magazine for October 2025. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this resource as a single educator. Please purchase additional licenses if more than one teacher will be using it.

YOU MAY NOT: share, copy, upload, post online, distribute or resell this resource in any form.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic