Previously when the students were shown with the architect characteristic (the artwork Jian-Nian) of the temple, they all seemed interested and amazed, and asked a lot of questions regarding to the special technique afterwards when return to school. Therefore, the idea for the students to experience the making of Jian-Nian was formed.

Team members working hard on making their own Jian-Nian artwork

Semifinished product

二、To Popularize

       The original idea was to invite the artist who made the artwork in the temple to instruct the students. However, they had already lost contact with the artist. Therefore, we searched on line for relevant information and seek for possible instructional videos, and found that it was not an easy task to locate the materials for Jian-Nian, and that the materials may be dangerous for the students. After careful consideration, we decided to use paper clay and PPT board as the alternative materials for the students to make some simple decorative products.

A piece of very time and energy consuming fish-shaped art

Sunflower

三、The Results and What We Have Learned

        The teachers already had some practice before they teach the students how to operate. They found that, it is quite difficult to construct artwork similar to those in the temple. Therefore, it is necessary to lower the difficulty level so that the students would not lost their sense of accomplishment and confidence in the process of learning Jian-Nian technique. Adjustment to the level is needed so that students could not only have fun, but also increase their interests and agreement to the traditional technique.

        Some students were trying to imitate what was done in the temple but failed. They expressed their admiration to the predecessors and said: “Unbelievable technique they had!” The students also learn to appreciate others’ merits, which I think is the most valuable gain for them.

Lotus

Peony

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum