ERC-917 - The China Trade: Ceramics and Cultural Exchange

Course Description

Discover the significance of China Trade upon European and American decorative arts, primarily ceramic design in the 18th and 19th century. Examine examples of Chinese export wares that reached the US and discuss the significance of the China trade upon exploration of the New World. Discuss the 4,000 mile Silk route and how it led to cultural exchange between the East and the West. Note: Senior Cycle fee class. Students must be 55 years or older by start date in order to enroll in this class.

Learner Outcomes

Explain the reason for the Chinese influence upon European and American decorative arts, primarily ceramics design in the 18th and 19th; Identify and compare the differences between porcelain, creamware, pearlware, redware and stoneware pottery; Discuss the influence of porcelain and Chinese wares upon the Wests furniture and how those designs were used by English cabinet makers for Queen Anne and Chippendale designs of the 1700s; Recognize and evaluate the significance of the 4,000 mile Silk route and how it led to cultural exchange between the East and the West; Assess the significance of the China trade upon exploration of the New World by Columbus, DeSoto, Cortez, and Hudson.