Pablo Picasso Petite Chouette (Little Wood-Owl), 1949 A.R. 82 is small, but powerful offering from Pablo Picasso's oeuvre in Madoura pottery. The miniature earthenware vessel transforms into this friendly avian with an almost spherical body. With its utilitarian form, Picasso embraces the classic components of a pitcher: the spout, the handle, the base, and the body, in ways that are both visually interesting and true to form. The base and spout of the turned pitcher animate the Picasso Petite Chouette further, with these forms providing a place for the owl's pointed talons and distinct beak. Meanwhile the pitched handle provides another decorative element. The exterior of the ceramic has a matte finish, allowing Picasso's graceful linework to be first and foremost. However, the interior, which may be missed at first glance, is glazed. The glazing of the inside of the pitcher hints at the dual functionality of the sculpture as a water container, and also adds a subtle surprise of contrast in both texture and color.

A rare and exceptional piece, this ceramic features sgraffito decoration, a technique of pottery decoration made by scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of contrasting color. Picasso draws the features of this little owl with whimsical patterns and a careful attention to the beautiful form of the ceramic vase.  The small vase measures just above five inches, which is likely near life-size to the pet owl which accompanied animal-loving artist in his studio.

Created in 1949, this Madoura white earthenware clay turned pitcher with decoration in engobes (blue) and glaze inside is stamped with the ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ and ‘EDITION PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the underside. From the edition of 200, this example is an early variant in color with sgraffito decoration.

Catalogue Raisonne & COA:
Pablo Picasso Ceramic Little Wood-Owl (Petite Chouette), 1949 A.R. 82 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. This work is a variant of the ceramic listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 82.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.