Japanese ceramicist Kunimasa Aoki has won the €50,000 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize 2025 for his terracotta work *Realm of Living Things 19*, which the jury praised for its risk-taking firing process. The piece, made from thin coils of clay stacked and compressed, was fired in an electric kiln until it began to smoke, then finished with soil, glue, and pencil marks. Two special mentions were awarded: one to Nifemi Marcus-Bello for a recycled aluminum bench with bowl, and another to an unnamed artist. The prize is part of an exhibition of 30 shortlisted works at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid, running until June 30.
The prize matters because it highlights the growing intersection of traditional craft techniques with contemporary art and design, as seen in the jury's focus on reimagining ancient methods with new materials. The exhibition also underscores the fashion house Loewe's commitment to elevating craft as a fine art form, drawing attention to global makers who push boundaries in ceramics, textiles, and furniture. The inclusion of diverse international artists and the use of sustainable, reclaimed materials reflect broader trends in the art world toward hybridity and environmental consciousness.