Pablo Picasso ceramic Owl, 1951, a charming and delicate turned vase, inhabits all the qualities unique to Picasso's limited œuvre of ceramic works. Known for his series of owl ceramics, Picasso sets this work apart from the rest with its painterly, detailed qualities. An owl with ruffled feathers appears as if standing before us. With whimsical, oxide decoration, Picasso incorporates traditional features of a vase and pitcher to create an owl's abstracted form. Picasso shows his mastery of the ceramic medium when he uses the clay almost as sculpture, turning what could be a utilitarian household object into an objet d'art. Picasso does not merely paint the image of an owl onto the vase, but rather turns the form of the vase into an owl. The neck of the vase becomes the head of the owl, and the feathers curve around the body of the vase as if they were curving around the body of a real owl. The wings are tucked into the sides of the vase, and the tail protrudes out the back. This is a truly stunning work best admired and appreciated in person, as one can experience its full, three-dimensional effect by observing its features from all sides.

Created in 1951, this white earthenware clay turned vase 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 on the underside.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

Pablo Picasso ceramic Owl, 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: 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 122.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.