Rare, true First Edition (1948) portfolio complete with 18 prints of Picasso's ceramic works in vibrant color, tipped mounted on unbound boards bearing Picasso's design, with each print cut to the ceramic plate's shape, and bearing a high gloss finish simulating ceramic glaze.  Enclosed in a lithograph cover designed by Picasso, with introductory text in French by Suzanne and Georges Ramié and a black and white photo portrait of Picasso at Vallauris.  Published by Editions d'Art Albert Skira.  Per the Colophon: "This album, containing eighteen reproductions in colors of ceramics by Picasso, was completed on the presses of the Imprimerie E. Desfossés-Néogravure, in Paris, the Fifteenth of December Nineteen Hundred Forty-eight".  Shipped with both the original acetate wrapper and a new wrapper.  Portfolio size: 15-1/4 x 11-1/4 inches; print board size: 14-7/8 x 10-7/8 inches; print size: 9-1/2 x 11-1/4 inches.
 
There is much confusion and/or mis-attribution regarding this portfolio.  Only those printed in French bearing a 1948 date with a lithograph cover designed by Picasso and boards bearing Picasso's design are the true First Edition.  We know of at least two other editions, printed in 1950 and 1955.  Thus, if not printed in 1948, it is not the First Edition.  If the text is in English, it is not the First Edition.  In addition, prints tipped to plain boards without Picasso's design are not the First Edition.  Lastly, if the folio does not contain 18 prints, it is not complete, as the colophon clearly states the portfolio "contenant dix-huit reproductions" in the First Edition's French and "contains 18 reproductions" in later English editions.  Being certain of the edition is critical as later editions are far less valuable than the 1948 true First Edition.
 
The prints are in mint condition, with none of the foxing usually encountered.  The boards themselves show no handling wear.  The cover has a small bit of shelf/storage wear to the spine and edges.  Overall, this is the finest example of "Ceramiqués de Picasso" available.