PRESS RELEASE | SOUTH KENSINGTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10 June 2013

CHRISTIES OFFERS RARE PICASSO GOLD PLATTER AT AUCTION IN JUNE

LAUNCH OF ANNUAL PICASSO CERAMICS SALE FOLLOWS SUCCESS OF MADOURA COLLECTION ESTIMATES START AT JUST 100

Pablo Picasso (18811973) Gros oiseau corrida Large glazed and painted ceramic vase Estimate: 45,00055,000

Visage Tourment 22 carat gold repouss plate Estimate: 100,000-150,000

Pablo Picasso (18811973) Oiseaux et Poissons Partially glazed terracotta vase Estimate: 30,00040,000

South Kensington, London - Christies will launch a new annual sale of Picasso Ceramics, with the inaugural auction taking place on 18 June 2013, during Impressionist & Modern Art week in London. The first annual sale follows the success of the Madoura Collection of Picasso Ceramics in 2012, which was 100 per cent sold and realised over 8 million. This June sale will present 172 works including a selection of unique pieces and some of the artists most beautiful works in editions, representing a particular moment in Picassos oeuvre. With estimates ranging from 100 to 150,000 the sale provides an exceptional opportunity for new collectors as well as seasoned buyers to acquire sought-after pieces by the greatest artist of the 20th century. The full-sale exhibition will be in South Kensington, London from 14 to17 June. Michelle McMullan, Specialist, Impressionist and Modern Art, commented: The unprecedented success of the 2012 Madoura collection sale has seen the appreciation for Picassos ceramics rise considerably. The last few years, with the increased buzz around the sales as well as greater academic and curatorial interest in this important area of the artists working life - he spent 25 years continuously work in this medium has seen the market for the ceramic editions continuing to grow even more than we anticipated. It was always Picassos intention that his ceramics should be accessible, hence the creation of editions of up to 500. The introduction of our annual sale aims to allow more collectors to enjoy these fun and beautiful objects.

A leading highlight in the sale is Visage Tourment a large solid gold plate estimated to fetch between 100,000 and 150,000(illustrated above). Never before seen on the market, this stunning plate weighs over 2.5kg and is made from 22 carat gold. It is extremely rare to see gold pieces by Picasso on the auction market, as the artist only created a limited number of designs for platters in precious metals. Of the 19 designs made in collaboration with celebrated goldsmith Franois Hugo, 20 were produced in silver and only one in gold. Visage Tourment was bought by the current owner directly from Franois Hugo in the early 1970s and has not been seen in public for over 40 years. The collaboration between Picasso and Franois Hugo was to become an important one for both men. Their working relationship, which began in Picasso with Franois Hugo, Cannes 1960 1956, was to last over 10 years and their friendship Pierre Hugo, 2013 continued until the end of Picassos life. During this time Picasso conceived 19 platters and several more designs which were used to create those jewel-like medallions as well as two habitually humorous centaur sculptures, such as Centaur Phallique II (estimate: 30,000 40,000, illustrated right). Other key works in the sale include Gros oiseau corrida (estimate: 45,000 55,000, illustrated above), conceived by Picasso around 1953 when he would regularly attend bullfights in Vallauris with his family, and friends like Jean Cocteau, the great poet, novelist and filmmaker. Another rare large vase, Oiseaux et Poissons (estimate: 30,00040,000, illustrated above), is one of the few edition pieces not included in last years comprehensive Madoura Collection sale. Number 7 of the edition of 25, this vase is new to the market, other examples being mainly in the hands of museums and important private collections.

PRESS CONTACT: Coralie Whittall |+44 (0) 207 752 3121 |cwhittall@christies.com Please click here for the complete eCatalogue
Public Exhibition: Thursday, 13 June, 9am - 5pm Friday, 14 June, 9am - 5pm Saturday, 15 June, 11am - 5pm Sunday, 16 June, 11am - 5pm Monday, 17 June, 9am - 7:30pm Auction: Picasso Ceramics Tuesday, 18 June 2013 11.00am

Christies South Kensington Open seven days a week, Christies South Kensington is one of the busiest salerooms in the UK attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. With over 100 sales and offering more than 20,000 lots annually, estimates start from under 1,000. Interiors sales dedicated to home furnishings are held three times a month alongside regular Sunday sales of single-owner collections. Specialised sales for the avid collector are scheduled throughout the year according to category, and include Popular Culture Memorabilia, Vintage Couture, Islamic Art, Jewellery, 20th Century British Art and Chinese Works of Art, amongst others. In 2012 Christies South Kensington realised the highest ever total for the third consecutive year with sales of 139.4 million / $223.1 million having welcomed a 10% growth in registered bidders and a 20% increase ( / $) in total sales. About Christies

Christies, the world's leading art business, had global auction and private sales in 2012 that totaled 3.92 billion/$6.27 billion. Christies is a name and place that speaks of extraordinary art, unparalleled service and expertise, as well as international glamour. Founded in 1766 by James Christie, Christie's has since conducted the greatest and most celebrated auctions through the centuries providing a popular showcase for the unique and the beautiful. Christies offers over 450 auctio ns annually in over 80 categories, including all areas of fine and decorative arts, jewellery, photographs, collectibles, wine, and more. Prices range from $200 to over $100 million. Christie's also has a long and successful history conducting private sales for its clients in all categories, with emphasis on Post-War and Contemporary, Impressionist and Modern, Old Masters and Jewellery. Private sales totaled 631.3 million/$1 billion in 2012, an increase of 26% on the same period last year. Christies has a global presence with 53 offices in 32 countries and 10 salerooms around the world including in London, New York, Paris, Geneva, Milan, Amsterdam, Dubai, Zrich, and Hong Kong. More recently, Christies has led in growth markets such as Russia, C hina, India and the Middle East, with successful sales, exhibitions and initiatives in Moscow, Baku, Beijing, Mumbai, Delhi, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai. *Estimates do not include buyers premium. Sales totals are hammer price plus buyers premium and do not reflect costs, financing fees or application of buyers or sellers credits. ###

Visit Christies Website at www.christies.com Complete catalogue available online at www.christies.com or via the Christies iPhone app

FOLLOW CHRISTIES ON:

CHRISTIES SOUTH KENSINGTON 85 Old Brompton Road, London, SW7 3LD OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Monday: 9.00am 7.30pm Tuesday Friday: 9.00am 5.00pm Saturday & Sunday: 11.00am - 5.00pm WWW.CHRISTIES.COM