Week 3 Readings

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1. A toolkit: Motif → Layout → Meaning

What you will learn this week

By the end of Week 3, you will be able to:

  • describe decorative motifs and layout clearly (what you can see)

  • distinguish symbol, pattern, and story scene

  • 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:

  • communicate professionally about ceramics

  • compare objects without needing advanced dates

  • avoid common mistakes like “mystical guessing” or cultural stereotypes