Week 3 Readings
1. A toolkit: Motif → Layout → Meaning
What you will learn this week
By the end of Week 3, you will be able to:
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describe decorative motifs and layout clearly (what you can see)
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distinguish symbol, pattern, and story scene
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write a short interpretation that stays cautious and respectful
Real-world lens (why this matters)
Museum labels, auction catalogues, and exhibition texts often rely on short, dense descriptions. If you can read decoration clearly, you can:
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communicate professionally about ceramics
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compare objects without needing advanced dates
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avoid common mistakes like “mystical guessing” or cultural stereotypes
