Simply delectable in whimsy and artistry, Pablo Picasso ceramic Hibou marron noir (Black and Maroon Owl), 1951 stands out with bold decoration and piercing gaze. With its distinctively large, forward-facing eyes double outlined in black oxide, Picasso highlights the creature’s extraordinary vision. Maroon spotted feathers adorn the vase adding colorful points of interest to the elegant form of the turned vase. If the face is incredible to behold, all other angles of the vase are just as extraordinary. The sides and back of the Picasso ceramic Black and Maroon Owl hold brilliantly detailed wings and feathers, rendered with precise brushstrokes. Such exemplary work makes the wings of the owl just as incredible to behold as the wise face of the owl. The engraving used to produce detail for the wings also grounds the piece, making it appear very real. The owl is a much beloved subject for Picasso, and with every new interpretation his owls exceed expectations. Picasso used the ceramic medium almost as sculpture, really fitting the image of the owl onto the vase, and making it something more than just a utilitarian vase.

Created in 1951, this turned vase of white earthenware clay with decoration in oxides (brown, black) is knife engraved on white enamel. From the edition of 300, this work is stamped with the ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ and ‘EDITION PICASSO’ pottery stamps with the handwritten inscription ‘EDITION PICASSO MADOURA’ on the underside.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Black and Maroon Owl (Hibou marron noir), 1951 is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices accompanying the final sale of the work):

1. Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: Galerie Madoura, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 123.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.