Picasso is currently recognized as one of the greatest artists of all time for both his graphic work, particularly his paintings (he holds the world record for most expensive painting sold at auction in the world) and for his sculptures. But he was also interested in ceramics in the period after the war. This production less known to the public is the subject of sustained interest of connoisseurs and collectors who see it as a way to buy a work by the Catalan painter at a reasonable price.

In 1946, Picasso visited an exhibition of pottery in Vallauris and met Suzanne and Georges Ramie, owners of the Madoura pottery workshop. Picasso is seduced by this art he had known since his childhood, Malaga is an important pottery center, but he has not yet practiced to express his art.

Jug by Picasso, image SVV Artcurial

From 1947 and until 1971, the artist embraces fully in the art of ceramics creating nearly 4,000 pieces, plates, dishes and jugs mainly. Picasso gave free rein to his imagination. He distorts the objects of everyday life to give life through forms zoomorphic or anthropomorphic. He decorates his favorite themes, bullfighting, women, owl or goats are among the recurring themes.

Picasso ceramic mark, found underneath the dish from the main illustration, image SVV Aguttes

From its 4000 ceramics, Picasso decides to edit a little more than 600 and sign an exclusive publishing contract with the workshops Madoura. The selected pieces will be produced between 25 and 500 copies and each has a stamp.

These works, sold at the time at affordable prices, are now sought by many collectors and their prices soar.

Plate by Picasso and Madoura, image SVV Guillaume Le Floc'h

For a plate prices start around £800 but for the rarest models or more elaborate the value is between £3,000 and £4,000 for dish it costs twice as a plate. As for jugs and other pieces of form nothing less than £4000 to £5000 with a majority of the works to more than £10,000.

Our experts are available to estimate and appraise your Picasso ceramics and include them in our upcoming specialized sales in London, Paris, Lyon, Monaco, Toulouse, Orleans, Rouen, Bordeaux and Aix en Provence.

Main ullustration, SVV Aguttes.