These activities can be used as a pre-teaching activity to introduce the Ming Dynasty after formally studying Renaissance Europe. I do not claim to be an expert but if I see something I like I try to learn more. I convinced the PTSA to purchase a set of 25 Renaissance slides from the Universal Color Slide catalog. I already have several curriculum units of various Chinese artifacts, these I pulled apart to suit this unit. The only thing I have missing is a good Ming emperor portrait(I substituted an early Qing emperor until I find a Ming; style other than robe toggles are not significantly different).
I have a number of slides of table décor or of everyday objects incorporated into a painting. This is a good time to introduce the influence of Islamic culture and design on both Europe and China especially in wood marquettry and porcelain patterns. Ming porcelains became very stylized and colorful which is why they remain a favorite of western collectors. If you are so inclined, you can follow the famous "blue onion" from Beijing to Istanbul to Delft to Meissen. Despite restrictions on foreign trade, southern potters were producing "Krakware" for export. These pieces often incorporated European figurative and floral designs.
Architecture and Interior space décor
The love of symmetrical space is so apparent during this time period for both cultures. Both the Greco-Roman and Confucian traditions value a sense of balance. I have slides of various palazzos and chapels, the Imperial Pavilion in the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. I have students sketch the basic architectural shapes into their notes. This seems to work better than handouts with drawings.
Students enjoy viewing and comparing one of Hans Holbein the Younger's portrait of Henry VIII with a Ming Emperor. These monarchs had such powerful messages to send to the world through their portraits alone. While viewing the slides we discussed the attention of detail to elaborate clothing, posture and facial expression of the sitters.
Scholarly painting and scholarly pursuits
This is unique to China, the scholar who paints for meditation and relaxation. During the Ming period, this type of painting has a rebirth. Many of my slides are from the Seattle Art museum. Landscape paintings are usually monochromatic or with subdued color. More interesting are the painting accouterments commissioned by scholars: ink wells, brush holders, paper weights, and ink sticks designed to look like tree branches, mountains, or animals. Many western students look at these deceptively simple sketches and do not appreciate them in the same manner as western paintings. To cure them of this misconception, the school purchased a set of Chinese brushes, ink stones and ink wells. In the past, we wrote grants to bring area calligraphers and painters into the classroom. After an hour of just attempting the perfect bamboo leaf, a new appreciation was born.
In contrast to Ming Chinese scholarship, Europe sees a rise in the "gentleman scholar." These men usually came out of the merchant class or minor aristocracy. Like the Chinese scholars they were usually comfortably well off but unlike their Asian counter-parts often dabbled in the sciences.
My seventh period had a lively discussion about the virtue of each chosen life-style. As grounding for discussion I had students think about benefits to individual and society.
Final Question: How did each scholarly lifestyle contribute to a trained educated leadership?