Design a Functional Art Object

K–12 Resource: Drawing

Design a functional art object to use at a special event or gathering

Title

Stag Rhyton

Artist/Maker

Unknown

Date

100–1 B.C.

Medium

Gilt silver and glass

Dimensions

Object: 27.5 × 46 × 12.7 cm (10 13/16 × 18 1/8 × 5 in.)

Place

Eastern Seleucid Empire

Object Type

Rhyton Vessel

Credit Line

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California, 86.AM.753

About

Learning Objectives

In this activity, you will:

  • Understand and explain functional art
  • Design a functional art object

Time

  • 30 – 60 mins

Materials Needed

  • Colored pencils
  • Paper
  • Markers

Assignment

Get Ideas for Your Design

Begin by looking at the image of the ancient vessel, Stag Rhyton, which is an excellent example of functional art. Make sure to zoom in to see all of its details.

Then, learn more by watching a video about the Stag Rhyton.

Answer Questions About Functional Art

Write or discuss your responses.

  • Consider the question at the end of the Stag Rhyton video: “What do you have that combines function and beauty in a cool way?”
  • What is functional art?
  • When do everyday functional objects become functional art objects?
  • What are your favorite examples of functional art? Why?
  • If you could design a functional art piece to use at a special event or gathering, what would it be? Why?

Sketch Out Your Ideas

Brainstorm designs for your own functional art object that could be used at a special event or gathering. Quickly sketch several ideas on a sheet of paper. Think about how you would use this item and what it needs to have to make it both an artwork and a functional object. Experiment with different ideas.

Complete Your Drawing

Choose one sketch to use for the final drawing.

Draw your final idea for a functional art object on a separate sheet of paper. Make sure the drawing fills the page.

Use markers or colored pencils to add details like imagery, symbols, decorations, textures, or color to your object.

Share Your Creation

Plan a short presentation that discusses your functional object design. Make sure to answer the following questions in your presentation:

  • Which idea did you choose from those you brainstormed? Why was this idea your favorite?
  • What features did you add to the object? Why?
  • How did you decorate your object? Why did you choose those decorations?
  • How do you imagine using this object? What special event or gathering might it be used for?

Glossary

Functional art

Object intended for an everyday purpose but decorated with elements unnecessary for its function and intended to be attractive or thought-provoking.

Related Materials

  1. Explore Stag Rhyton

    Close Looking

    An intricately carved silver vessel that is half horn and half stag

    Look closely at an example of ancient functional art and make informed guesses about what you observe

  2. Research Reporter: Functional Art Today

    Researching

    An intricately carved silver vessel that is half horn and half stag

    Research the use of functional art in the ancient world and today

  3. Draw a Zoomorphic Functional Object

    Drawing

    An intricately carved silver vessel that is half horn and half stag

    Take inspiration from a 2,500-year-old masterpiece to design your own animal-form object

  4. Explore Amphora Rhyton with Lion-Griffin Handles

    Reading

    Read about and take a closer look at this rare silver and gold wine jar

Extensions

Turn your design into a real-life object. Choose what materials to use, and bring your finished drawing of a functional art object to life!

Related Standards

Credits and Licensing

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