Classroom Activities

These Classroom Activity packets are full of information and suggestions based on a single work of art from VMFA’s collection.

Classroom Activities
Write Chinese Calligraphy

Write Chinese Calligraphy

  • Collection: East Asian Art
  • Culture/Region: China
  • Subject Area: Fine Arts, Foreign Language
  • Grade Level: K-12, college, adult, family

Write it! Practice Chinese calligraphy

Calligraphy, or the art of writing, was historically considered the highest visual art form in China. To study and develop their skills, students of calligraphy would copy the works of well-known practitioners, using brushes, ink, inkstone, water, and paper to write and paint. In this section, practice writing Chinese characters by following the brushstrokes of a skilled calligrapher, and, as you do, learn more about symbols of good fortune that can be found in VMFA’s collection of Chinese art.

Launch Activity