Pablo Picasso ceramic Diaulos Player and Faun, 1956 A.R. 342 depicts a diaulos player and a faun, dancing and enjoying the music. A diaulos is a kind of pipe from Greek and Roman times. The character of the faun comes from these histories as well, and the tranquil landscape may be Picasso's homage to Arcadia. Considered one of the best examples of Picasso's intrigue and innovation with his ceramics, this in particular is able to change and morph according to the time of day and position of light, enabling the viewer to engage with the work on multiple levels. This is due to the subtle relief on the surface of the work which when viewed under raking light, cast shadows from the textured and uneven surface allowing for a greater depth and liveliness.

Georges Bloch stated of Picasso's ceramic works, '…in approach, material and technique is as novel as it is interesting. Pottery, gleaming white discs with relief designs, monochrome or brightly coloured ovals, dishes and even jugs and vases here serve as bearers of compositions whose themes express the joyous, life-loving side of Picasso's work. They are printed from blocks and stamps fashioned by the master over a period of more than twenty years in the Madoura pottery workshop in Vallauris." (Bloch 7).

Created in 1956, this round/square dish of white earthenware clay is from the edition of 100. This work is stamped with the 'MADOURA PLEIN FEU' and 'EMPREINTE ORIGINALE DE PICASSO' pottery stamps on the reverse.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Diaulos Player and Faun, 1956 A.R. 342 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. 342 on pg. 175.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.