Pablo Picasso Hibou des Bois (Owl) Ceramic Vase

Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). "Hibou des bois" (Wood Owl) ceramic vase, 1968. Edition 143/500. Marked with hand carved "EDITION PICASSO", edition number "143/500" and "MADOURA" in addition to "EDITION PICASSO" and "MADOURA PLEIN FEU" stamps on the underside. An exquisite Picasso "Hibou des bois" ("Wood Owl") ceramic vase consistent with Alain Ramie's catalogue raisonne no. 543 illustrated on page 130 of the catalogue - conceived in 1968 and executed in an edition of 500. The beautiful owl vessel, glazed white earthenware painted in colors (green, brown, black) with carved details, features the handwritten "EDITION PICASSO" marking and the "MADOURA PLEIN FEU" and "EDITION PICASSO" stamps on raised pieces of clay attached to the underside of the foot. Of note, the two owl vessel forms that Picasso created in 1968, both editions of 500, were among his most colorful and intricately decorated owl vessels. Size: 11" H (27.9 cm)

Picasso was immensely fond of owls. Known for their wisdom and reliable vigilance, feathery owls appeared in virtually every medium Picasso touched. What's more, the artist loved to surround himself with his nocturnal friends; he even adopted an injured owlet that he kept as a pet in his studio!

Pablo Picasso collaborated with the Madoura pottery studio to create ceramic works for almost 25 years. 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. Picasso first discovered the Madoura workshop in 1946 and from then on maintained a 24-year collaboration, creating works inspired by his sketches.

Of Note: A comparable example to this piece sold at Christie's London "Picasso Ceramics" auction (auction number 23557) for 17,640 GBP ($23,809.52) on May 22,2025 - lot 58. Another comparable example to this piece sold at Clar's Auction Gallery for $22,000 on September 17, 2021 - lot 5837/A.

Provenance: private Gap, France collection, acquired before 2005

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#195168

Excellent overall. A few minute, nearly invisible flea bites to surface of the glaze, mentioned for accuracy. This vessel features handwritten "EDITION PICASSO", "MADOURA", "RA 46" and edition number "211/500" as well as "EDITION PICASSO" and "MADOURA PLEIN FEU" stamps on the underside.