The beautifully engraved Pablo Picasso ceramic Visage grave noir (Black Engraved Face), 1953 A.R. 210 shows two profiles of captivating faces. We cannot quite pinpoint whether the faces presented are male or female, human or other, but Picasso has graced their faces with unique features. The first face almost appears to be wearing glasses with thick brows and a long elegant nose. Meanwhile the other profile features the signature of his faun nose with small beaded eyes. The two faces are connected around the other sides of the vase by gently curving lines. This connection between the two figures creates a bond between them, and also brings a delightful unity to the piece. The vase can be viewed from all angles, even the sides that do not have faces, because there are lines there to guide the viewer back to them. The shape of this turned vase sets it apart from Picasso's other ceramics; wide and ovular in the center, this marvelous work is not as narrow near the top as most of his vase works are which creates a beautifully smooth transition and lets the engraving really shine through.

Created in 1953, this turned vase of white earthenware clay with engobe decoration (black) and boring rod engraved is numbered from the edition of 100. This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EDITION PICASSO' pottery stamps on verso.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Black Engraved Face (Visage grave noir), 1953 A.R. 210 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 raisonne no. 210.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.