Aptly entitled 'Prow Figure,' this exquisite turned vase depicts a stunning mermaid, her body arched in an elegant U-shaped curve. Picasso pays close attention to intricate details on this piece, using both color and texture to depict his subject. The front half of the mermaid is a nude woman, with long, flowing back hair, while the back half of the mermaid is that of a large fish. Picasso utilizes zig-zagging, engraved lines and subtle splashes of beige color to convey the scale-like nature of the mermaid's lower half. A curved handle, decorated in leaf-like forms, arcs from the mermaid's hair to the end of her tail, completing this lovely ceramic.

Created in 1952, this original Madoura turned vase of white earthenware clay with decoration in engobes (blue, black, and beige) is numbered from the edition. This work is inscribed 'EDITION PICASSO' in black on the underside in addition to imprinted 'Edition Picasso' and 'Madoura Plein Feu' stamps.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:

This work 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. Listed and illustrated in the following: Ramié, Alain. Picasso Catalogue of the edited ceramic works 1947-1971. Madoura: 1988.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.