Pablo Picasso (Spanish, 1881-1973). "Hibou des bois" (Wood Owl) ceramic vase, 1968. Edition 211/500. Marked with handwritten "EDITION PICASSO", "MADOURA", "RA 46" and edition number "211/500" as well as "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, partially glazed white earthenware painted in colors, 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. Size: 11.5" H (29.2 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 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.

A comparable example to this piece sold at Clar's Auction Gallery for $22,000 on September 17, 2021 - lot 5837/A

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#171762

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. Technically and artistically impressive, the Chouette vase was constructed in four joined parts - the head, the body, the tail, and the foot. When viewing the interior of the vase, once can see a two inch unglazed section between the head and body. Overall near choice to choice!