A blossoming flower rests in a diamond shaped vase, its branches snaking out towards the plate's borders. Pablo Picasso Vase au Bouquet (Vase with Flower), 1956 A.R. 302 is beautifully balanced, with the flower and vase at the center of the composition with branches surrounding them on both sides. The round-square plate is an interesting shape, and here the flower is not balanced on any one edge of the plate. The bottom of the vase does not quite rest in the corner of the ceramic, but it also does not rest on one of the straight edges. In fact, Picasso has depicted a ground line, or perhaps table top, under the vase. This round-square plate is particularly interesting because of the added context that Picasso has given to allow the image to make sense. This work retains an abstract element, for Picasso depicts the vase and leaves utilizing sharp lines that meet abruptly at harsh angles, yet composes the flower with soft, curved lines, adding a nice contrast to the work. The raised surface of these lines contributes a sense of texture to the piece while the lack of color showcases the natural and organic form of the ceramic.

Created in 1956, this Madoura round-square plate of white earthenware clay is rare color variant , aside from the edition A.R. 302 and features the inscribed stamps 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' on the verso.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Vase with Flower (Vase au Bouquet), 1956 A.R. 302 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. A variant of the work listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 302.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.