Task 4: Developing ideas for their scroll composition (1.5 hours)

The students refer back at the examples of scrolls they saw in task 1, for ideas on possible formats. They will notice that scrolls can be landscape (wide) or portrait (tall) in format, and the calligraphy can include at least two different sizes of symbols and a small signature in an outlined box.

Brainstorm, on the board, possible ways they could choose to place the A5 symbol on an A3 page, considering, format, symmetry, balance and proportion. Then, consider in another set of drawings, ways a block of smaller text could be combined with the feature symbol. Options include above the symbol, below it or beside it.

In their visual diaries, or on the top half of an A3 page, the students make little drawings, in which they explore ways of placing the main symbol on the rectangular scroll, which could be in portrait or landscape format, and where to place the block of text. Talk with individuals, reminding them of the principle of balance, as they make their choice.

They draw a larger version of their selected composition on the lower half of the page, drawing rods at the top and bottom, and a cord towards the outer edges of the top rod.

The top rod or dowel is square in side view. It holds the top of the scroll neatly against the wall. The bottom dowel is round and larger in diameter. It is heavier and it keeps the scroll weighted down.

(Photographs by Stan Chan)