Winners of the 3rd Porcelain Market at Porzellanikon Hohenberg a.d. Eger
Even though the weather was not at its best on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 July 2023, around 700 visitors found their way to Porzellanikon - Staatliches Museum für Porzellan, Hohenberg a.d. Eger. The occasion was the 3rd Porcelain Market, which has become a permanent fixture in the Porzellanikon calendar of events and always takes place one week before the Porzellinerfest begins. In a relaxed atmosphere and in a good mood, the exhibitors presented and sold their artfully crafted, contemporary porcelain in the museum garden and on two floors of the museum, which captivated with its unusual shapes and creative play of colours. Porcelain fans got their money's worth and could purchase a wide variety of studio porcelain. Everyday tableware in small series, unique pieces and fancy jewellery made the eyes of many a visitor light up.
As every year, a jury prize was awarded. This time it went to the Czech porcelain designer Šárka Schmelzerová from Žlutice. The jury was impressed by the humour that can be seen in the designer's various works. Examples include a tea set whose teapot and accompanying tea lights are shaped like small cushions and soft fabrics. Drinking cups with a porcelain straw also bear witness to her playful approach to porcelain as a material. Various objects from the "Bowl" series also have a sympathetic and humorous effect, as do bulging bowls that are decorated in different ways. These objects give the impression of being innovative and hearty at the same time. Although Schmelzerová's repertoire of forms is wide-ranging, there is a recognition effect that reveals her own style. Nature can be identified as an important source of inspiration for many of her works. This can be seen in the soft, as if organically created forms. The jury used the term "tongue-in-cheek pragmatism" to describe Schmelzerová's work. As the winner of the jury prize, the young designer will present her work in a studio exhibition at Porzellanikon in Hohenberg a.d. Eger next year during the "Weeks of White Gold", which will take place from the beginning of July to mid-August 2024.
Another prize was awarded at the Porcelain Market. It is the public prize, which the visitors determined by choosing their favourite. The majority of the votes went to Birgit Schön from Mitterteich. With her wafer-thin and filigree objects, Ms Schön brings out the fineness and delicacy of porcelain and emphasises its materiality in a poetic way. This revealed a special beauty of the studio porcelain, which attracted the attention of many porcelain market guests. Birgit Schön can look forward to prize money of 500 euros.
From left: Petra Werner, Chief Curator Porzellanikon; Šárka Schmelzerová, winner of the Jury Prize; Birgit Schön, winner of the Audience Prize, André Zaus, Administrative Manager Porzellanikon
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