International Ceramics Market in Hanau: Art meets craft!

International Ceramics Market in Hanau: Art meets craft!

On July 2, 2025, the 24th International Ceramics Market took place in the picturesque castle gardens of Hanau, which attracted many visitors. The prestigious Hanau Ceramics Awards were also presented as part of this colorful event. The artist Birgit Großmann-Kraus from Nidderau-Windecken was delighted with first place. For her impressive work “Randmaligen I – IX” she not only received prize money of 1,000 euros, but also a waiver of stand fees for the next ceramics market, as presse-service.de reports.

The Hanau Ceramics Prize, sponsored by the city of Hanau and the Sparkasse Hanau Cultural Foundation, is awarded every year as part of the pottery market. In this edition the motto was “Impossible”. A total of 18 creative designs were selected by an expert jury consisting of Berthold Neumann, Jörg Eyfferth, Melanie Lembcke and Dr. Christianne Weber-Stöber passed. Second place went to the talented Sabine Barth from Schlüchtern, who won 600 euros for her five ceramic shoes. Francesca Buda from Pohlheim won third place with her extraordinary work “Metamorphosis,” which shows a mussel shell structure that transforms into two birds. Bu the accessory was also in demand at the audience awards, where Francesca Buda's work for “Metamorphosis” was also honored.

Artistic diversity in the rose garden

The award ceremony took place in a festive setting in the rose garden. City councilor Isabelle Hemsley emphasized the successful combination of art and practical crafts, which was clear in the submitted works. “We not only see works of art here, but also practical objects that enrich daily life,” she said. A special highlight were the Grimm checks for 50 euros, which were raffled off among the visitors.

The Hanau Ceramics Prize has already made a name for itself in recent years. Last year the winning works were presented under the theme “Kitsch?!” awarded, including Isabella Hiepler-Metz, Steffi Herz and Christine Duncombe-Thüring. The constant development of this award shows how important ceramic art is in the region.

A look beyond the borders of Hanau

Events like the International Ceramics Market in Hanau are part of a broader trend of pottery and ceramics markets taking place in Germany and across Europe. According to keramiko.de, many cities, including Erfurt, Munich, Berlin and Hamburg, offer similar events that celebrate crafts and creative expressions. Organizers also have the opportunity to enter additional markets and promote the diversity of ceramic art beyond the boundaries of this event.

The ceramics market in Hanau therefore remains not only an important event for artists and art enthusiasts, but also a platform to celebrate the versatility and craftsmanship of pottery. The next opportunities to admire handcrafted masterpieces and perhaps pick up a bargain or two are just a market away.