DEEP SPACE

FROM CHINA BY LEXI CONRAD

Art Stories FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Clay Bells

D E E P S P A C E S P A R K L E & T H E M E M B E R S C L U B !2

This bell set from the tomb of Marquis Yi is considered one of the finest artifacts from the Warring

States Period. The 65 gold-inlaid, bronze bells cover five octaves and range in size from eight

inches high (5 lbs) to five feet high (448 lbs). According to an inscription on the central bell, it was a

gift from King Hui of Chu and was cast in 433

The Millenium Bell at Wuhan Yellow Crane Tower is rung with an exterior hammer that makes a

deep ringing sound when it hits.

Yongzheng Bell, 4th century BCE: Hand made in clay, this clay bell was an inexpensive alternative to

the Bronze bells of the royals’ tombs.

H I S T O R Y O F

Ancient Chinese Bells

Bell Set Tomb of Marquis Yi Warring States Period, c. 430 BC Hubei Provincial Museum, Wuhan

D E E P S P A C E S P A R K L E & T H E M E M B E R S C L U B !3

• A bell is a hollow object usually made of metal, but

sometimes of horn, wood, glass, or clay, with an interior

bead or exterior hammer that makes a deep ringing sound

when it's hit or shaken.

• The history of bells extends back almost to the dawn of

civilization, used to ward off evil spirits, to alter the weather,

or to mark festive occasions. Bells were originally religious

symbols in many ancient cultures, but they were also used

to communicate imminent danger.

• Other kinds of bells include a door bell, a bicycle bell, or a

school bell, all of which make a sound to signal something.

• Using their superior knowledge of pottery, the Chinese created the first "chiming"

Clay Bells Form & function are connected to

this lesson combining basic pinch

pot techniques and clay bead

making.

Making the Bell Start the pinch pot with a ball of clay that fits

comfortably in the palm of the hand. Hold the clay in

one hand and press the thumb of the other into the

ball, turning until a deep hole forms. The sides of the

pinch pot can vary but keep a little over 1/4" thickness.

While damp, use cutting tools to make a hole in the

bottom of the pot. The shape can stay plain or designs

can be cut into the edges or sides of the pot. Add

texture with the modeling tools at this time.

D E E P S P A C E S P A R K L E & T H E M E M B E R S C L U B !4

Making the Bead or Clapper Make small round balls of clay, large

enough to put a hole through them with

the tool. This tool produces holes of a

consistent size that are large enough to

accommodate the cord.

Finishing Dry 24 hours and fire, then glaze and fire

again.

Cut a small piece of cord into long strips of

varying lengths.

Thread the cord through the top bell. Knot

the string directly under the hole in the bell

to keep it in place.

Hang one bead toward the bottom of the

lip of the bell so it will strike the bell and

make a ringing sound. Add beads as

desired to decorate the top of the bell.

D E E P S P A C E S P A R K L E & T H E M E M B E R S C L U B !5

HOW DO YOU USE BELLS EVERYDAY?

HOW DID YOU CREATE YOUR ARTWORK?(What tools, supplies and techniques did you use? What was difficult?)

WHAT WILL YOU USE YOUR CLAY BELL FOR?(Decoration, gift, specific occasion, explain?)

Artist StatementYour name

D E E P S P A C E S P A R K L E & T H E M E M B E R S C L U B !6

I CAN STATEMENTS for CLAY BELLS

• Today I will learn of the origins of BELLS and the important roll China played in taking the bell

from practical to musical.

• Today I will learn about FORM, so that I CAN create a three-dimensional bell from clay. I know

I will have it when I have rolled and pinched my bell to hold it’s shape.

• Today I will learn how art can be something beautiful but also practical; I will make two beads -

one to be decorative for the top of the bell, and one to serve as the clapper so my bell can be

rung.

• Today I will learn about TEXTURE, so that I CAN use texture tools and other materials to

create a variety of surfaces on the clay.

• Today I will learn about COLOR, so that I CAN safely apply GLAZES of planned colors to

achieve an interesting design. I will also select a color scheme of my own.

I CAN STATEMENTS for CLAY BELLS

• CREATING: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work — experiment and develop skills in multiple

techniques through practice—show craftsmanship through care—document objects of personal

significance

• Refine and complete artistic work—create artists statements using art vocabulary to describe personal

choices in art-making

• PRESENTING, PRODUCING: Develop and refine artistic work for presentation — develop a logical

argument for safe and effective use of materials and techniques for preparing and presenting artwork

• Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work —cite evidence of how an exhibition in a

museum presents ideas and provides information about specific concepts

• RESPONDING: Perceive and analyze artistic work- compare interpretation of art to another’s

interpretation —analyze cultural associations suggested by visual imagery

• Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work — interpret art by analyzing form, structure, context

information, subject, visual elements, and use of media to identify mood and ideas conveyed

• CONNECTING: Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art- Generate a

collection of ideas reflecting current interests and concerns that could be investigated in art- making.

• Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural and historical context to deepen understanding

—Analyze how art reflects changing times, traditions, resources, and cultural uses.

D E E P S P A C E S P A R K L E & T H E M E M B E R S C L U B !7

We are passionate about teaching art to children no matter where we teach or the challenges we face. Sparklers support, encourage and inspire…

JOIN OUR GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF ART TEACHERS.

Monthly membership offers 2 art bundles each month (that’s about 20+ new

lessons each month), monthly trainings, access into our private community and a

HUGE bank of art resources, posters and teaching videos to access anytime.

Are you a Sparkler?

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

LEXI is an art teacher in Wuhan, China. She

began her love of art at age 9 when her

family moved to Japan. Her art class

introduced her to wood carving, block painting

and ceramics.

Now, Lexi inspires a new generation of children to live a

creative life by implementing the art programs of her

dreams.

Lexi’s favorite part of being a Sparkler is having a

community of support that allows her to find solutions

to managing her art room and finding the right words to

communicate with parents.

Thank you Lexi for sharing your story!