Inspired by one of his most celebrated ceramic works, this striking Pablo Picasso Hibou, 1954 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.

Looking to Sell Pablo Picasso Owl, 1954?

If you are looking to sell Pablo Picasso Owl, 1954, Masterworks Fine Art is interested in acquiring important Picasso ceramics. This Madoura earthenware pitcher features blue oxide decoration on white enamel, with stylized eyes, wings and feather markings transforming the vessel into an expressive owl.

The value of your Picasso Owl ceramic can depend on condition, provenance, edition information, Madoura pottery stamps, documentation and current collector demand. An evaluation should review the markings on its base and any chips, cracks, enamel wear, repairs or restoration, particularly around the handle, spout and rim.

To request a Picasso ceramic valuation, send photographs of all sides, the handle, opening and underside, including the “Edition Picasso” and “Madoura” stamps and the black “Edition Picasso Madoura” inscription. Include any purchase records, certificates or other provenance documentation. Our team can assess your owl pitcher, review comparable market activity and determine whether it may qualify for a confidential direct purchase offer.

Get My Pablo Picasso Owl Valuation

Availability

This Pablo Picasso Ceramic is for sale. Collectors can buy this work immediately. Upon purchase, we ship as soon as overnight or your preferred shipping method. Learn more about shipping.