White arum lilies curl up the side of Pablo Picasso ceramic Pichet aux arums (Pitcher with Arums), 1953 A.R. 189. The delicate neck of the lily snakes up the body of the ceramic until it opens up into a bloom that joins with the spout of the pitcher. Engraving adds smooth lines to delineate other characteristics of the lily. Verdant green leaves cradle the white flower, and the black background further allows the bloom to stand out. The blue patterning around the pitcher appears as a table cloth and a surface for the lilies to stand on.

One of Picasso’s most incredible achievements when working in the ceramic medium is his ability to fit the decorative scheme to the physical form of the ceramic. In this case, the pointed spout of the pitcher allows the lily to spread out in the frontal direction, fitting the flowers to the vase. An exquisite example of Picasso’s work, this pitcher embodies grace and beauty – qualities lent by the artists’ hand and the lily itself.

Created in 1953, this white earthenware clay pitcher with decoration in engobes (blue, green, black, yellow) and engraved under glaze is incised ‘EDITION PICASSO’ and ‘MADOURA’ on the underside and stamped with the ‘EDITION PICASSO’ and ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ pottery stamps on the underside; numbered from the edition of 350 on the underside.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Pitcher with Arums (Pichet aux arums), 1953 A.R. 189 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: Galerie Madoura, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 189 on pg. 102.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this artwork.