Recent auction successes pave the way for this striking pitcher

The market for the numerous works that Picasso created with France's Madoura Pottery is currently experiencing great success. This auction follows a world-record breaking sale at Christie's in June, at which his Grand vase aux femmes voilées sold for £735,650 ($1.1m) to beat the previous world record for a Picasso ceramic at auction by 176.6%.

The knock-on effect of this sale was experienced earlier this month, when three of his lesser works from his time with the famed Cote d'Azur pottery all sold above estimate, achieving a total increase of 14.3%.

The piece in the current auction is a particularly vibrant, yet characteristic example of Picasso's work, entitled Visage a Femme. First conceived by the artist in 1953 and executed in an edition of 200, the pitcher is signed "Edition Picasso 71/200 Madoura" and is in great overall condition despite two chips at the lower edge of the base. It is expected to bring between $5,000-7,000.

Paul Fraser Collectibles is pleased to offer our readers the chance to own Picasso's signature, with this autographed postcard which features one of his best known works.

Also featuring in the sale will be a large Meissen porcelain figural group called The Surprise, which bears the famous blue crossed swords mark of the respected manufacturer. Numbered 382, the piece was created after a model by JJ Kandler, which in turn originates from a William Hogarth engraving. It is expected to sell for $4,000-6,000.