**First Time At Auction**

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). "Pichet aux arums (Pitcher with Arums)" ceramic pitcher, conceived on 20 April 1953. Edition 130 of 350. Dated "10.4.53" (to the left of the handle). Stamped, marked, and numbered "Edition Picasso / Madoura Plein Feu / Edition Picasso / R.151 / 130/350 / Madoura" (underneath). White arum lilies curl up the side of Pablo Picasso ceramic "Pichet aux arums" (Pitcher with Arums). The white neck of the lily snakes up the body of the ceramic opening up into a bloom that terminates at the spout of the pitcher. Engraving adds smooth lines to delineate other characteristics of the arum lily. Vibrant blue-green leaves wrap boldly around the rear of the spout and the base of the handle, making the handle appear as a while the black background further emphasizes both the flower and leaves. The blue patterning around the base of the pitcher appears as a flower pot or possibly table cloth to accentuate the floral decoration. Size: 6.75" L x 10.6" W x 12" H (17.1 cm x 26.9 cm x 30.5 cm)

Consistent with number 189 in Alain Ramie's "Picasso, Catalogue of the Edited Ceramic Works, 1947-1971" (Paris: 1988).

One of Picasso's most incredible achievements when working in the ceramic medium is his ability to fit the decorative scheme to the physical form of the ceramic. In this case, the pointed spout of the pitcher allows the lily to spread out in the frontal direction, fitting the flowers to the vase. An exquisite example of Picasso's work, this pitcher embodies grace and beauty - qualities lent by the artists' hand and the lily itself.

Pablo Picasso collaborated with the Madoura pottery studio to create the design for the Chouette (owl) vases as well as other ceramic works. Georges and Suzanne Ramie founded the Madoura Pottery studio in Vallauris, France. The Ramies are probably best known for their wonderful collaborations with Picasso which resulted in an impressive oeuvre of Picasso ceramics. The Madoura pottery studio (Madoura being an acronym for MAison + DOUly (Suzanne's maiden name) + Ramie) opened in an abandoned factory building on April 29th, 1938.

Another edition of "Pichet aux arums" was sold at Christie's London (South Kensington) for $25,000 as lot 25 on June 26, 2012 (Live Auction 4232 "Picasso Ceramics The Madoura Collection").

Provenance: private El Monte, California, USA collection; ex-Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired between 1990 - 1999

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#184857

Dated "10.4.53" (on the back); stamped, marked, and numbered "Edition Picasso / Madoura Plein Feu / Edition Picasso / R.151 / 130/350 / Madoura" (underneath). Choice with virtually no blemishes!