Lesson Title: Netsuke
Course: Foundations of Art
Grade Level: 9-12

Objectives: As a result of instruction, students will be able to…
1. Identify a kimono, obi, netsuke, inro, and ojime and their purposes.
2. Recognize common themes and characteristics of Japanese folktales.
3. Sketch a character or animal from a Japanese folktale.
4. Sculpt the character or animal using proper clay techniques.
5. Glaze the sculpture in one color, imitating the style of netsuke.
6. Summarize the folktale that their character or animal came from.

Materials:
Clay
Clay tools
Kiln
Glaze

Instructional Resources:
Books:
Symmes, Edwin C. Jr., Netsuke- Japanese Life and Legend in Miniature, Charles E. Tuttle
Company, Vermont, 1990 p 24-29 & p 35
Bornoff, Nicholas, Things Japanese, Periplus Editions, Vermont, 2002 p 58-61

Websites:
http://www.asianart.com/exhibitions/netsuke/
http://www.worldcollectorsnet.com/netsuke/
http://home.clara.co.uk/wabei/xlations.htm

Vocabulary:
Japanese terms:
Kimono- traditional Japanese clothing
Obi- sash around the waist of the Kimono
Netsuke- small toggle/sculpture
Inro- miniature medicine chest
Ojime- bead around string above Inro
Oni- demon
Kitsume- fox
Tanuki- raccoon
Acolyte- altarboy

Clay terms:
Wedge
Slip and score
Leather hard
Bisqueware
Kiln
Glaze

Motivation:
1. Teacher will show actual netsuke, ojime, and inro and pass it around to students.
2. Students will read the handouts on netsuke.
3. Teacher will summarize the handouts and highlight key vocabulary words.
4. Teacher will describe the project and the process.
5. Students will read folktales and decide what to make a netsuke of.
6. Students will find a photographic reference for whatever creature they are using.
7. Students will sketch their netsuke.
8. Teacher will demonstrate clay techniques- how to wedge, slip and score, hallow and wrap things up at the end of each class.

Procedure:
1. Wedge clay
2. Roll clay to create a ball
3. Carve into clay
4. Add pieces on if necessary by slipping and scoring
5. Hallow by scooping out mass
6. Dry out sculptures
7. Fire sculptures
8. Glaze sculptures
9. Students will write a short summary of their folktale.
10. Teacher will display the finished netsuke with their folktale summaries.

Evaluation: To what extent did students…
1. Identify a kimono, obi, netsuke, inro, and ojime and their purposes.
2. Identify common themes and characteristics of Japanese folktales.
3. Accurately sketch a character or animal from a Japanese folktale.
4. Use proper clay techniques when sculpting the netsuke.
5. Imitate the style of netsuke when glazing the sculpture.
6. Write a clear summary of the folktale their character or animal comes from.

Photos of students working