KUN2512 – Art on Paper in China

This module investigates the many ways in which paper has been instrumental in the production and dissemination of art, language and knowledge in dynastic China. You will learn how paper was employed in art, literature and book production both in unique pieces of painting and calligraphy and in reproductions of printed matter such as books, maps and single-sheet prints. You will also learn about the main printing techniques utilised by the court, the artists, patrons and publishers as well as how paper mediated how readers engaged with art and culture. Technologies that used paper as their main medium such as ink rubbings, woodcut and linocut, etching and engraving, lithography and early photography will be covered in this course.

The empirical material for the subject is drawn from the art history, literature, language and knowledge of China from dynastic times. Graphic art of China is seen in the context of the global encounters with other traditions and cultural centres.

After having completed the course, students will:

• Be able to explain the history and technical qualities of the various ways in which paper mediated art and knowledge production in dynastic China.
• Have solid knowledge of and be able to identify several of the medium's most prominent Chinese artists and patrons.
• Be able to write and present orally relevant topics about the main subject of the course.
• Be able to define and actively use key concepts in the history of art on paper in China.
• Consider how art on paper developed alongside broader artistic trends in art historiography of China.

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

• KUN1000 – Introduksjon til kunsthistorie (or equivalent)
• KUN1002 – Billedkunst og arkitektur fra barokk til samtid or KUN1004 – Kunst og arkitektur: Historier, former, materialer (or equivalent)

The course will consist of 1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar i.e. 2 hours of teaching per week for a total of 24 hours of student contact.

Students are expected to participate in class and come well prepared for the sessions. This involves detailed reading of the texts assigned for each week and close inspection of the artworks featured in these texts and of any artworks assigned by the teacher prior to the class.

During the seminar component, students will by prompted to discuss the weekly assigned readings in small groups and work in collaboration, amongst other activities.

In order to qualify to the final exam, you must complete these compulsory activities:

• a group presentation: During the seminar, groups of 2-3 students will present on one of the assigned readings specified for the week in which they will present. These presentations will last for 10 minutes and will be followed by a 5-minute Q&A. This is a mandatory activity designed to hone the students’ analytic skills and expression.

• submit a 1000-word object report in Canvas within a given deadline: The students are required to write a 1,000-word object report containing a detailed visual analysis of an artwork on paper of their choice. They are then required to give oral feedback on two other students’ reports.

How to apply for a valid absence/postponed mandatory activity.