Erotic or with grandma's scent? The main thing is potholders!

"It was a huge amount and I thought: Oh Lord, I hope I can manage it all," says Christina Koenig. Around 200 potholders hang in her Himmlisch gallery in Meissen. Flowers and frogs, heirlooms and neon-colored specimens. "There are some really virtuoso pieces," says the 67-year-old.

In March, the sculptor and children's book author launched an appeal. Gradually, more and more potholders arrived, mostly from women in Meissen. "I have a token man with me," says Koenig. Since November, the potholders have been hanging in her gallery in Meissen, sorted by theme and color.

An erotic potholder

"I even have an erotic potholder," says Koenig and laughs. A woman from Meissen crocheted it especially for the exhibition, in the shape of a heart. On it is the arrow of a Mars symbol (a sign of masculinity) pointing into the opening of the mirror of a Venus symbol (a sign of femininity). "I threw myself away," says Koenig.

And the potholder exhibition is a hit: "I think it's the best-attended special exhibition so far," says Koenig. Once a year, she puts on a special exhibition of this kind on a specific topic, with the participation of members of the public.

"The warmth is important"

But why potholders? Koenig says she has always liked these practical kitchen helpers. And they are a counterbalance to the cold in the world. Old memories, the smell of food in the kitchen, your own grandmother - that's what people associate with potholders, Koenig assumes. "The warmth is important."

Some of the potholders can still be purchased in the gallery until December 20 for a donation. Many of them have already been reserved. And some are so special that Koenig would like to give them back.