Pablo Picasso’s interest in ceramics began in 1946 when he stumbled upon a pottery fair near his home in the South of France. There, Picasso met the owners of the Madoura Pottery workshop and began a collaboration with the studio that lasted until his death in 1973. Picasso, known for his prolific output, designed over 600 different ceramic works, ranging from plates to bird-shaped pitchers. Featuring a range of motifs and styles, the ceramics are playful and witty and show off the artist’s interest in Greek mythology and animal symbolism. Picasso loved the malleable nature of clay and the functional purpose of these objects, and often gave them as gifts to friends and family.
PABLO PICASSO (Spanish, 1881–1973)
White earthenware turned vase, a variant painted in colour, with knife engraving
37 x 19 x 9cm
Acquired in 2016
