Yiqing Xie

Patinist

Jun 2025
Personal Brand
We sense life in the process.

Brand Concept

Patinist believes that objects gradually respond to human presence through time and use.

We pay attention to the unfolding of everyday life—quietly observing the subtle, perceptible traces that emerge naturally in the ongoing dialogue between people and the objects that accompany them.

Inspiration

During my field research in Jingdezhen, I was deeply moved by this “small-town universe” built on a thousand years of ceramic culture. Every day, countless porcelain pieces are produced and shipped across the world. Yet behind this vast system lies an overlooked reality: an enormous volume of discarded clay. With a product pass rate of only 70–80%, nearly 20–30% of ceramics become waste. Despite local efforts to recycle these materials, piles of rejected clay and shards still accumulate around factories—quietly carrying the stories of craft, time, and labor.

Instead of seeing waste, I saw narrative potential. Each discarded fragment speaks of human skill, failed attempts, repetition, and care. This resonated with me deeply. I decided to make recycled clay the primary material of my brand, pairing it with recycled sterling silver commonly used in jewelry. Through this combination, I developed a series of designs rooted in sustainability—transforming remnants of production into objects that honor both the environment and the artisans behind them.

Material Testing

The biggest challenge in using recycled clay is its uneven density, which makes the finished pieces prone to cracking. It can also react unpredictably with certain glazes, causing issues such as shrinkage or patching. I tested six different types of recycled clay, and ultimately found one that achieved the highest success rate when paired with a transparent glaze.

Brand Aesthetic

Logo Design