Service visage noir (A.R. nos. 35-47)

The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

Each plate with a characteristic pattern of crazing in the glaze. Each plate with two or three footmarks on the reverse from the kiln furniture used at the time of firing. The emerald green elements of the design vary from plate to plate due to the fact that the process of firing in a wood furnace persisted until 1953 in the Madoura atelier. The irregularity of this process meant that the shade of green would vary from bright emerald green to dark green. The 'D'Apres Picasso' stamp dates the production of the plates to pre-1953.

The large plate with one or two very minor surface scratches in places.

The small plates:
A: The reverse with some fritting on the edges of the foot rim and a tiny surface chip at the lower left edge, possibly associated with the footmark.
B: A few small scattered surface scuffs. Upon very close inspection, a skilfully repaired break. Evidence under ultra-violet light of a later applied transparent glaze on both sides, with cosmetic retouching along the rim. The reverse with the upper layer of glaze slightly yellowed, and with some areas of flaking at the centre, not affecting the markings.
C: The reverse with two tiny chips on the edge of the rim, associated with the foot marks.
D: The reverse with four small surface chips.
E: No chips, cracks or restorations detected.
F: A tiny chip in the glaze at the upper right edge. The reverse with a small surface chip to the lower left and a small chip on the foot rim.
G: Upon very close inspection, a skilfully repaired break. Evidence under ultra-violet light of a later applied transparent glaze on both sides, with cosmetic retouching along the rim. The underside within the footrim appears to be overpainted, including the markings.
H: The front with one or two tiny bubbles with minute abrasions at the tips. The reverse with some fritting at the extreme lower edge.
I: There is residue of two labels on the reverse.
J: The front with a tiny chip in the black glaze at the upper left edge and some minor surface scratches. The reverse with two tiny chips in the glaze at the extreme upper and lower edges.
K: The reverse with a surface chip towards the upper rim and spots of surface dirt.
L: The front with rubbing on two of the green elements and the reverse with two small surface chips.