A Thai Chinese student paints on a pottery piece during a “root-seeking trip” to Dehua, county, South China’s Fujian province, on Mar 30. [Photo/fjsen.com]

110 Thai Chinese teens took a culture research trip to Dehua county, South China’s Fujian province, on March 30.

They visited the Shunmei ceramic cultural life studio and experienced Chinese culture by learning how clay is made into porcelain pieces.

At the studio, the teens learned to paint on ceramic wares and shape pottery by using their hands, through which they appreciated the craftsmen’s great techniques.

They chose different pottery pieces like cartoon characters, cups, vases and plates, then painted whatever they liked on the pieces. After firing, these pieces turned into exquisite and creative ceramics, which contained hopes for their families and good wishes for their friends.

The organizer of the “Chinese root-seeking” trip said the aim of this activity is to help Thai Chinese students learn more about older-generation overseas Chinese. By learning about the ceramic culture, they can have a better understanding of traditional Chinese culture as well as the conditions and customs of their motherland. In doing so, these Chinese descendants can enhance their sense of identity and national pride.