A vase by Picasso’s daughter, Paloma Picasso, has been discovered at the charity shop in Bornem (Antwerp Province). The vintage vase dates from the 1990s and was used at the time to promote Paloma’s perfume. It is not clear how much it is worth. The vase will be auctioned via the charity shop’s website.
Christina, a member of staff at the Bornem charity shop, discovered the vase amongst the items that had been donated. “At first she thought it was a tourist trinket of little value, but when she took a closer look at the vase, she realised it was a vintage vase belonging to Pablo Picasso’s daughter, Paloma,” says Ann Doran of the social enterprise, which runs the charity shop in Bornem.
Paloma’s perfume
It is a vintage Greek vase featuring an image of the Minotaur – a monster, half-man, half-bull, from Greek mythology. “A matt ceramic vase that was used in the 1990s as promotional material for the launch of Paloma’s perfume, called ‘Minotaure’.”
The charity shop does not know how many were produced. “It is certainly a limited edition, even though they are copies of an original piece. It is a unique vintage find.”
Authentic piece
How does the charity shop know that a piece is authentic? “Our staff are trained by experts,” says Doran. “We work with art historian and auction expert Marcel Brouwer. Thanks to his tips and tricks, we’re able to recognise special pieces.”
“We’ve already sent Brouwer some photos; he’s certain it’s an authentic Paloma vase, but he’s coming here in a week’s time to examine it in person,” says Doran.
In the meantime, the vase has been set aside. The charity shop cannot estimate how much it is worth. It will be auctioned via the charity shop’s website.
It is also not known who brought the vase in, but it is not as though that person can now come and reclaim it. “What’s done is done,” says Doran with a laugh. She hopes the vase will fetch a tidy sum.