1. Slab Project You will learn how to make a Slab Container with character.

2. Learning objectives and Goals You will learn to male Chinese Bronze Vessels out of slab-built clay ceramic techniques. The lesson incorporates art history, aesthetics, and criticism with hands-on activity. The lesson focuses on various ceramic techniques and important composition and design elements essential to creating a carved ceramic box in the style of the Chinese Bronze Vessel; fundamental technical skills for using specially glazes and finishing products to create unique surfaces; and self-expression

3. Background and Preparation Chinese Bronze Vessels were used during the Shang and Zhou periods in ancestral rituals. Ancestors, it was believed, could intercede on behalf of the living, provided they were honored and respected. The bronze vessels were kept in ancestral halls and used during a variety of feasts and banquets. Most bronze vessels were used for food or to heat or cool a millet-based wine. Others served as water basins or jugs. Wine vessels dominated during the Shang, but ritual changes in the middle of the Western Zhou period resulted in a shift toward food vessels.

4. Instructions Step 1: Draw the shape and design of the vessel you would like to create. Vessels should be approximately 10” in height. ◦I must approve the design to make sure it is feasible. Step 2: Make patterns from newspaper for vessel. ◦I’ll check patterns to make sure the proper size for project.

5. Instructions Step 3: Roll a slab to approximately 3/8 – inches thick. Using template or patterns, cut the bottom and sides of vessels. Step 4: Layer slabs between approximately 20 sheets of newspaper, wrap paper, and place in plastic to store overnight. ◦The newspaper pulls enough moisture out of the clay so that it is firm enough to build the form.

6. Instructions Step 5: Put the pieces together by scoring the edges and using a slip to seal the edges. ◦Be sure the sealed edge is smoothed with a damp sponge.

7. Instructions Step 6: Make legs and tops for your containers using slab techniques. ◦Use the slip to attach legs and handles. When not working on your project, keep them loosely covered in plastic so they do not dry out and become hard.

8. Instructions Step 7: When you completed building your vessel, draw the design you would like to carve on a piece of paper and have it approved by the teacher. Use Chinese border designs and other motifs. ◦Create complex, intricate, and interesting designs. ◦Stay away from hearts, stars, rainbows, and sun designs. Step 8: Transfer design to vessel

9. Instructions Step 9: Carve design into vessel. Craving is done with variety of ceramic tools. Carve your designs carefully to different depths without cutting through the clay. Step 10: When Design is complete, allow pieces to dry slowly to avoid cracking.

10. Instructions Step 11: When thoroughly dry, Bisque Fire Step 12: Textured Alligator glazes combined with Rub ‘n Buff create a “faux” ancient bronze finish. Apply three coats of Glaze to the bisqued vessel. Fire cone Step 13: When the piece is fired and cooled, apply Rub ‘n Buff to the vessels with a soft cloth and gently buff to metallic luster. Step 14: Decorate with a variety of finishes: under glazes plus Rub ‘n Buff and Acrylic paint.