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Chinese Ceramics: Kilns to Smart Materials

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Chinese Ceramics: Kilns to Smart Materials

About this course

  • 24 hours study
  • Level 1: Introductory

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You can start learning at any time. By signing up and enrolling you can track your progress and earn a Statement of Participation upon completion, all for free.

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    • Welcome

      Chinese ceramics are more than “beautiful objects”: they are technologies, stories, and design decisions shaped by materials, kilns, trade, and everyday use. This free course guides you from simple visual observation to confident interpretation and making plans, even if you are completely new to Chinese art.

      Who this course is for

      This course is designed for international learners worldwide who want to:

      • understand Chinese ceramics through clear, evidence-based looking
      • connect studio practice to real-world contexts (museum labels, catalogues, contemporary practice)
      • develop skills that support creative careers and professional communication in the ceramics field

      What makes this course different

      Across 8 weeks, you will work with:

      • Weekly blog-style diaries to build reflective practice and learning habits
      • discussion activities to compare observations with other learners
      • peer feedback (via Moodle workshops, where applicable) to strengthen planning and documentation
      • a final capstone pathway:
        • Path A (China hands-on workshop): practical arrangements and submission are managed in the IULS Moodle workshop space

        • Path B (Stay home): a guided home-making pathway using the course videos and a structured submission pack

      Materials science connection (Shaanxi University of Science and Technology)

      Alongside historical and contemporary ceramic art, you will also explore how ceramic thinking scales into modern industrial applications—such as advanced ceramics used in insulation, sensors, and functional components. This helps you translate “traditional technique” into “design logic” that matters in today’s ceramic industries.

    • Course learning outcomes

      By the end of this course, you will be able to:

      • Analyse Chinese ceramic objects using form, material, surface and context.
      • Recognise major ceramic developments and how kilns and trade shaped them.
      • Connect traditional techniques to advanced ceramics ideas and applications.
      • Plan a realistic home or studio project with risk and drying control.
      • Document work professionally (six views, captions, accessibility text).
      • Write clear labels/statements and reflect on your learning each week.
    • Course dates:

      First Published 23/01/2026.

      Updated 16/02/2026

    Course content

    Below is the course content. You can click on any section here and it will take you through to this section of the course.
    • ExpandWeek 1 How to Read Chinese Ceramics in 6 Minutes

    • ExpandWeek 2 How Chinese Ceramics Are Designed to Be Used

    • ExpandWeek 3 Motifs and Meaning — How to Read Decoration on Chinese Ceramics

    • ExpandWeek 4 Glazes and Kilns — From Colour Effects to Smart Ceramic Materials

    • ExpandWeek 5 From Tradition to Contemporary — How to Read Exhibitions, Artist Statements and Catalogues

    • ExpandWeek 6 Document, Describe and Share Your Ceramic Work

    • ExpandWeek 7 Make Tableware and Vases at Home

    • Current week

      ExpandWeek 8 Capstone: SUST workshop pathway + remote alternative

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      About this course

      • 24 hours study
      • Level 1: Introductory

      Ratings

      0 out of 5 stars

      Sign up to get more

      You can start learning at any time. By signing up and enrolling you can track your progress and earn a Statement of Participation upon completion, all for free.

      View this course

      Sign up to get more

      Course rewards

      • Free Statement of Participation on completion of these courses.