Vallauris Terracotta Pitcher, Madoura Workshop, Circa 1950

This unsual mid-20th Vallauris terracotta pitcher, signed "Picasso", is a captivating example from the Madoura pottery workshop.

The Madoura Workshop, located in Vallauris, France, became famous for its collaboration with Picasso, who created hundreds of ceramic pieces there between the late 1940s and 1970s. The workshop was known for its high-quality craftsmanship, and its partnership with Picasso contributed to the revival of Vallauris as a prominent center for pottery in the mid-20th century.

The pitcher features an eye-catching and distinctive form with a sharply angled spout and an exaggerated handle that lends a sculptural, almost whimsical quality to the piece. Its shape, combined with the vibrant yellow and green glaze, reflects the bold, abstract style Picasso is known for. The organic decorative motifs, typical of his work, draw on the natural world while maintaining a modernist aesthetic.

With its visual appeal and connection to the esteemed Madoura workshop, and while collectors should be aware that the signature has not been authenticated, this pitcher remains a visually compelling collectable, representative of the vibrant creativity that defined the Madoura-Picasso collaboration.