This charming and delicate Pablo Picasso ceramic Wood Owl, 1968 A.R. 543 inhabits all the qualities unique to Picasso’s limited œuvre of ceramic works.  Known for his series of owl ceramics, Picasso sets this work apart from the rest with its painterly, detailed qualities. An owl with ruffled feathers appears as if standing before us. The wings, tail, eyes, and nose are highlighted in an earthy red, while the softer and more delicate chest feathers are detailed with whites and greens. With whimsical engobe decoration, Picasso incorporates traditional features of a vase and pitcher to create an owl’s abstracted form. The face of the owl lies on the neck of the face, with the bodies coinciding and then the tail sticks out the back on the conveniently placed circular ceramic outcropping. The inside of the tail is decorated with as much care and beauty as the rest of the owl, showing how dedicated Picasso was to his artistic visions. This is a truly stunning work best admired and appreciated in person, as one can experience its full, three-dimensional effect by observing its features from all sides.

Created in 1968, this original Madoura white earthenware clay turned vase with decoration in engobes (red, green, white, black) is knife engraved under partial brushed glaze with black patina. From the edition of 500, this work is inscribed ‘EDITION PICASSO’ and ‘MADOURA’ with the ‘MADOURA PLEIN FEU’ and ‘EDITION PICASSO’ pottery stamps on the underside.

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
Pablo Picasso ceramic Wood Owl, 1968 A.R. 543 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, Vallauris, 1988. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 543.
2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.