Pablo Picasso Hibou, 1954 AR 253

Inspired by one of the most celebrated ceramic works of Pablo Picasso, this striking Hibou vase, 1954 (AR 253), captures the playful imagination and bold graphic style that defined Picasso’s Madoura pottery period. The hand-painted owl motif — rendered in deep cobalt blue against a creamy white glazed ground — transforms the sculptural vessel into a whimsical yet sophisticated work of art. With its expressive eyes, stylized plumage, and organic form, the piece embodies Picasso’s fascination with animals, mythology, and Mediterranean folk ceramics. Both functional and highly decorative, Hibou remains one of the artist’s most recognizable ceramic designs, prized by collectors for its charm, rarity, and unmistakable modernist character.

Created in 1954, this ceramic turned vase is constructed from white earthenware clay, with engobe and paraffin decoration on white enamel with black. From the edition of 500, this work contains guaranteed authentic ‘Edition Picasso’ and ‘Madoura’ Stamps on the bottom of the base. Written into the glaze is also the text, ‘Edition Picasso’ in black. The marking are pristine and the glaze is reflective and fresh, this work is in wonderful condition!

Illustrated in:

1. Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art (2008). Pablo Picasso Ceramics | Carlos Luna Paintings, Exhibition Catalogue. Museum of Art: Ft. Lauderdale. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 73 on pg. 196.
2. Ramié, A. (1988). Picasso: Catalogue of the Edited Ceramic Works 1947 – 1971. Madoura: Paris. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 253 on pg. 133.

FREESTANDING VASE PLACEMENT:
A freestanding ceramic vase is best enjoyed in an environment where it is accessible from all sides. Pedestals are often an appropriate way to showcase larger ceramic pieces. In some instances collectors have chosen to encase the freestanding ceramic under traditional museum bonnets. Museum bonnets are transparent acrylic cubes constructed with one open side that can be placed over the ceramic as an added layer of protection from an unpredictable environment. If you are placing the ceramic in an area where it might be touched or disturbed, the museum bonnet is an excellent conservation solution that can be custom made to fit over your ceramic.