Picasso combines his love and interest of both birds and women to create the enchanting Pablo Picasso ceramic Chouette visage de femme (Woman-faced Wood-owl), 1952 A.R. 144. Molded from ceramic, the elegant face of a woman appears. Two wide eyes sit opposite one another on the neck of the vase, and a long delicate nose travels from the distinct brow-line down the center of the vase just to the widest circumference. It terminates there in a circular nose and pursed lips that are turned up in a slight smile. The cone that comes off the back of the vase forms a bun at the nape of the woman’s neck and at the very foot of the vase a necklace encircles her neck. A front view of the vase very clearly shows a female face smiling at the viewer, however, a side view can show a different story. With one eye visible, the hair begins to look like feathers, and the ear like a small wing, revealing the owl. Delightfully, this piece transforms as one walks around it – undulating between woman and owl in a stunning feat of creativity.

Created in 1952, this Madoura turned vase of white earthenware clay with decoration in oxides (brown, black) and knife engraving on white enamel is inscribed ‘Edition Picasso’ and ‘Madoura’ and stamped with the ‘EDITION PICASSO’ and ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ pottery stamps on the underside; numbered from the edition of 300.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso ceramic Woman-faced Wood-owl (Chouette visage de femme), 1952 A.R. 144 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the sale of the work).

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 144.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.