PITO Article

On April 22, at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Chaozhou Blue-and-White Porcelain Cultural Center (Gongmei Port, Haizhu District, Guangzhou), a distinctive “Ceramic Mindfulness Therapy” course unfolded amid the warm, earthy scent of clay. Participants from diverse backgrounds gathered, engaging with the texture of clay by hand and experiencing the healing power of creation.

01 The Principle of Healing

Within the Nature of Clay Lies a Reflection of Human Nature

The first session of the morning was led by Professor Qiu Hongzhong, consultant to the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts Ceramic Studio, who presented “Basic Operational Guidelines for Ceramic Therapy Workshops.” He also introduced the core principles of ceramic therapy, focusing on the metaphorical relationship between the nature of clay and human nature.

Professor Qiu, a pioneer of indigenous art psychotherapy in China with over 40 years of experience in clinical psychology teaching and research and more than 50 published works, explained: Clay can be reshaped repeatedly, broken down, and started anew—much like human emotions and experiences. It can be soft or firm, molded or permanently set through firing. The effectiveness of ceramic therapy in reaching the human psyche lies in the natural resonance between the “nature of clay” and “human nature.”

Participants listened attentively, many nodding in agreement. “So working with clay isn’t just play—it’s a form of psychological expression,” one attendee said.

02 Hands-on Ceramic Practice

Starting from Clay, Reconnecting with Oneself

Participants then moved into a hands-on session guided by Ms. Tang Xiaoke. Kneading, shaping, and forming—each person created their own ceramic piece from scratch.

03 Blue-and-White Porcelain Painting

Expressing the Mind on a Blank Canvas

In the afternoon, the blue-and-white porcelain painting session began. Ms. Tan Xiaojun, PITO brand director and a designer of state banquet tableware, guided participants in painting traditional cobalt-blue patterns on bisque-fired pieces.

Ms. Tan contributed to the design of tableware for the 2023 Pearl River Night Cruise State Banquet attended by President Emmanuel Macron and has presented intangible cultural heritage blue-and-white porcelain on international platforms. Beginning with the history of blue-and-white porcelain, she led participants to experience the delicate spread of cobalt pigments across ceramic surfaces. Traditional culture was no longer a distant display—it became a tangible expression of focus and warmth in each participant’s hands.

04 Ceramic Therapy Session

Creation Itself Is Healing

The highlight of the day was an immersive ceramic therapy workshop led by Associate Professor Li Yihe, a nationally certified Level II psychological counselor.

With 23 years of experience in mental health education and recipient of the 20-Year Contribution Award for Psychological Health Education in Guangdong universities, Ms. Li has been conducting ceramic therapy group workshops for two years. She encouraged participants to create freely—some shaped vessels symbolizing protection, while others formed abstract structures with coiled clay.

“Ceramic therapy does not aim for aesthetic perfection,” Ms. Li said. “It uses clay as a medium to integrate inner emotional states.” As participants infused their feelings and stories into the clay, the sense of release emerging from the creative process became central to the therapeutic experience.

The nature of clay reflects human nature. Creation is, in itself, healing.

The “Ceramic Mindfulness Therapy” course by Guangdong PITO concluded successfully, with more initiatives to follow.

— PITO, exploring the beauty of ceramics and the resonance of the human spirit.

About PITO

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Guangzhou, with its production base in Chaozhou—the “Porcelain Capital of China”—PITO is a leading manufacturer of high-end ceramic tableware. Recognized as a China Export Brand, an inheritor of Chaozhou blue-and-white porcelain intangible cultural heritage, and a high-tech enterprise, PITO specializes in premium hotel tableware, home ceramics, and customized gifts, offering thousands of designs including bone china and fine porcelain.

With a core philosophy of “Intangible Heritage Craftsmanship + Modern Design + AI,” PITO integrates traditional blue-and-white techniques into contemporary tableware aesthetics. Its products have been featured in projects such as the Presidential Palace of Tajikistan, the Parliament of Thailand, and EMAAR hotels in Dubai, and are exported to 32 countries and regions across Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East.

PITO is committed to “Create the Happy Memories at Your Table,” serving as a bridge between Chinese ceramic artistry and global lifestyles.

Professor Qiu Hongzhong

Second-level Professor of Traditional Chinese Medical Psychology at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine; pioneer of indigenous art psychotherapy in China; author of over 50 academic works. Delivered lectures and practical sessions on ceramic therapy in this course.

Professor Zhang Zimeng

Senior Arts and Crafts Master of Guangdong Province. Representative works include The Bronze Statue of General Ye Ting, with multiple pieces collected by national museums.

Associate Professor Li Yihe

National Level II Psychological Counselor with 23 years of experience in mental health education. Recipient of the Guangdong Universities 20-Year Contribution Award. Specializes in Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy.

New Era

New Pattern

New Opportunities

In the future, let’s move forward hand in hand!