Steinau an der Straße Shopping Tips by Weissdorn

Georg Ruppert & Family: Hessian Pottery

There was a time once, when every village in Hesse had it’s own pattern for making ceramic pots. Steinau used to be one of the centers were pots were made and traded for centuries. The potters, which were known by the German names of Eulner, Ullner, Aulner or Häfner in the middle ages were recorded on medieval documents as early as 1391 in the small village near Steinau, call Marjoß or Marjoss. Pottery making was once native to Steinau and a wide-spread trade. In 1864 there were still 40 pottery makers in Steinau, and today there is only one, and two workshops in Marjoß.

What to buy: If you want a really unique souvenir from Germany, that isn’t kitsch (almost all of the Hessians have at least one piece in their own homes), take one of the beautiful pitchers, bowls, or trays home with you. Besides being able to purchase these unique and useful works of art, you can also visit the workshops. Group tours are possible if you call ahead to:

Georg Ruppert & Family
Brückenauer Straße 21
Marjoß
Tel. (0049-6660) 304

Bauerntöpferei Ruppert Company
Manager: Bernhard Breitenberger
Distelbachstraße 24
Marjoß
Tel. (0049-6660) 1224

Hans Krüger’s Kunsttöpferei Company
Ringstraße 52
Steinau
Tel. (0049-6663) 6413 or 5156

Theme: Local Craft