Educator Resources

Resource Packets | Educational Videos | Resource Links for Educators

The Asian Art Museum offers a variety of resources for you to use in your classroom. The museum’s resource collection includes resource packets, curriculum books, children’s literature, Asian art history books and educational videos. The resources listed below are available for purchase (prices listed), loan (free), as downloadable .pdfs (free) and on YouTube (free).

To request a loan, please complete the Educator Resources Loan Form. To place an order, please use the PayPal buttons (below) or fill out the Educator Resources Sales Form (you will be sent an invoice via e-mail).

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Persian World/West Asia

Persian World/West Asia

Resource Packets (by region)

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South Asia

(India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka)

Art in Focus: The Legend of Krishna ($25.00: includes CD images; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

India abounds with stories, many of which recount the exploits of its innumerable gods and goddesses. Among these deities, Krishna—an incarnation of the god Vishnu—is especially popular. The legend of Krishna has inspired Hindu art, poetry, music, and philosophy for more than two thousand years. This packet highlights the celebrated legend of this Hindu god as depicted in South Asian painting—from his mischievous childhood antics to his stately conduct as a prince and his awe-inspiring presence as the supreme spirit. Teaching activities feature selected excerpts from the legend of Krishna and paintings from the Asian Art Museum’s collection galleries.

download pdf
(5.4 MB)

Beliefs Made Visible: Introduction to Hindu and Buddhist Art ($25.00: includes image CD and slides; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

Explore the basic tenets and influences of Hinduism and Buddhism throughout Asia. Special attention is given to the evolution of Hinduism and Buddhism in India, and the representation of these beliefs in sculpture and religious architecture (stupas, temples, caves, and so on). Includes lessons on the traditions of threshold art and handouts on the symbolic gestures of Buddhas. Supplement your lessons with the Beliefs Made Visible DVD.

download pdf

(5 MB)

Temple Illustrations

(88 KB)

CLICK HERE to view videos on Bodh Gaya, one of several sites in eastern India associated with the birth of Buddhism over 2500 years ago; the the sacred city of Varanasi; and Hindu Temples.

Southeast Asia

(Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia)

Warrior Kings and Divine Jesters: Indonesian Rod Puppets ($25.00: includes image CD and slides)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to middle school through high school; adaptable for all ages

This packet is designed to give an introduction to the world of Indonesian three-dimensional rod puppet theater (wayang golek) and to the stories told in performances using these puppets, including Islamic and Javanese historical tales as well as Indonesian versions of the Ramayana, the epic story of the hero Rama.

download pdf

(3.5 MB)

slide descriptions

(4.3 MB)

CLICK HERE to view a video on Indonesian Rod Puppets (wayeng golek) featuring puppet master Kathy Foley.

The Persian World & West Asia

(Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan)

Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul (for loan only; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities meet California State content standards for 5th-7th, and 10th grades; adaptable for all ages

This educator resource packet, developed in conjunction with the special exhibition Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul explores artifacts from three major archaeological sites in Afghanistan: a Greco-Bactrian city founded by a follower of Alexander the Great, an ancient Silk Road trading center, and a nomad burial site. Discover the treasures of Afghanistan, and examine this nation’s role as a both a cultural hub and a connecting point along the Silk Road.

download pdf
(5.2 MB)

CLICK HERE to view the trailer from the Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures exhibition.

Islam and the Arts of the Ottoman Empire ($25.00: includes image CD and slides; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

Using objects from the traveling exhibition Empire of the Sultans: Ottoman Art from the Khalili Collection, this packet provides an overview of Islam and Islamic art during the Ottoman empire. Includes summaries of the beliefs of Islam and information on the Koran, Islamic calligraphy, and mosques. Classroom activities focus on the art of calligraphy.

download pdf
(3.3 MB)

The Himalayas & the Tibetan Buddhist World

(Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia)

The Sacred Arts of Tibet ($25.00: includes image CD; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

This packet features an overview of the culture, history, and arts of Tibet, with a focus on the influence of Buddhism. Activities include making a sculpture in the style of a Tibetan torma (traditionally, a sculpture of butter and roasted barley flour made as a devotional offering) and readings that address topics ranging from traditional Tibetan arts to contemporary Tibetan culture.

download pdf

(3.8 MB)

CLICK HERE to view a video on Tibet.

China

Ancient China: From the Neolithic Period to the Han Dynasty ($25.00: includes image CD and slides; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

An historical overview of ancient China—from the Neolithic period (approx. 6,000–2000 BCE) to the end of the Han dynasty (220 CE)—this packet explores the rise of ancient Chinese civilization and how belief systems and cultural values are reflected in surviving examples of its material culture. The packet features important archaeological excavations such as the Tomb of Fu Hao, created in the Shang dynasty (approx. 1600–1050 BCE); the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, created in the Warring States period (approx. 480–221 BCE); and the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE), created approx. 210 BCE. Other highlights include Chinese jades, bronzes, and ceramics in the Asian Art Museum’s collection galleries. The packet includes interactive activities for the classroom and student handouts.

download pdf
(2.4 MB)
powerpoint
(2.5 MB)

Brushstrokes: Styles and Techniques of Chinese Painting ($25.00: includes image CD and slides; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts

Brushpainting, which includes calligraphy, landscapes, scrolls and fans, has been a major art form throughout Chinese history. This packet explores the history, development and significance of brushpainting in Chinese art. Includes discussion of painting and calligraphy techniques, and a comparison of painting styles.

Brushpainting Kit (for loan only)

Teach students the art of Chinese brushpainting. Kit includes brushes, ink and rice paper for a class of 30 students, as well as Brushstrokes: Styles and Techniques of Chinese Painting and classroom activities. Limited Availability. To borrow the kit, please contact: resourcecenter@asianart.org.

download pdf
(1.15 MB)
Brushstrokes Vocabulary (Charts A - E) pdf
(2.3 MB)
classroom activity: Painting the Lotus Flower pdf
(281 KB)

CLICK HERE to view a video on Chinese calligraphy.

China: The Glorious Tang and Song Dynasties ($25.00: includes image CD; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities meet California state content standards for 7th grade; adaptable for all ages

During the Tang (618–906) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, the Chinese empire enjoyed a blossoming of foreign exchange as trade expanded along the Silk Road and sea routes. In this era China also witnessed the flourishing of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism; and saw the development of porcelain making and reproduction printing. This packet examines the trade, commerce, religion, philosophy, literature, and art of these dynasties. Student handouts include readings and activities on Tang and Song dynasty literature, art, and science.

download pdf
(2.7 MB)

Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology ($25.00: includes slides)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts, Language Arts, Sciences, Mathematics
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

This special-edition slide packet, produced in conjunction with the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., includes highlights from The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology, a blockbuster special exhibition featuring archaeological finds that have transformed historical theories about the development of Chinese civilization. Sites examined include the Tomb of Fu Hao; Sanxingdui; the Tomb of Yi, Marquis of Zeng and the Tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE). Classroom activities focus on archaeology and archaeological processes. Please visit the National Gallery of Art for further information and classroom activities.

download: supplemental classroom activity pdf
(460 KB)

CLICK HERE to view a video on new discoveries in Chinese archaeology.

Korea

Goryeo Dynasty: Korea’s Age of Enlightenment ($20.00: includes slides; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

Few people are aware that the name Korea is derived from the name of the Goryeo (previously tranliterated as Koryo) dynasty. It was during this period (918–1392) that Korea became known to the world outside East Asia. This packet provides an overview of aspects of Goryeo society and Goryeo Buddhism as depicted in the arts of the period, including rare celadon (pale green–glazed) ceramics, Buddhist paintings and sculptures, illustrated sacred manuscripts (sutras), and ritual implements. Classroom activities include creating illuminated manuscripts and lotus lanterns.

Goryeo

download pdf
(896 KB)

CLICK HERE to view a video on Goryeo Dynasty celadons.

Japan

Arts of Edo Japan ($25.00: includes image CD; pdf version: free)
Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

This packet offers an in-depth examination of Edo period (1615–1868) Japan, focusing on the flourishing arts of the period. Art activities include creating a 3D model of a teahouse, a pilgrimage book, and seals.

download pdf
(2.2 MB)

CLICK HERE view an introduction to Zen Buddhism.

Experience Chanoyu: The Japanese Art of Tea (for loan only; pdf version: free)

Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts

Classroom activities geared to elementary school through high school; adaptable for all ages

This packet focuses on artworks dating from the 1400s to the 1900s that were used in a traditional Japanese tea gathering or Chanoyu. Activities focus on building literacy and knowledge about this traditional practice and the time and place from which the Way of Tea arose—Japan, under the military rule of the Shogunate.

Chanoyu packet cover

download pdf

(2.75 MB)

CLICK HERE to view a video on the tearoom at the Asian Art Museum.

Multicultural

Teaching Through Myth and Metaphor (for loan only; pdf version: free)

Subject Areas: History–Social Sciences, Visual Arts
Classroom activities geared to elementary school; adoptable for all ages

This packet focuses on picture storytelling techniques from India and Japan. Activities include creating a kavad, a popular folk art storytelling device used in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, India, and kamishibai, a popular Japanese storytelling art form that combines oral and visual narration experiences.

download pdf

(15.44 MB)

For more lessons and activities, please visit AsiaAlive.