Picasso’s connection to the mysterious owl creature was more than just symbolic—the surfaces of these owl vases allowed him to explore the ceramic medium in a very painterly manner. Observe the way the ruffling feathers of these birds are depicted: Different types of glazes have been used—one matte, one gloss; along with thick gouging techniques to create textural complexity and variety on multiple levels. Picasso’s approach to ceramics was known to be highly inventive, leading to him being regarded by some not only as the greatest artist of the 20th century, but the greatest and most inventive ceramicist of the time.