Most of Picasso's pottery was produced as limited editions

More than 100 plates, bowls, jugs, tiles and vases by the artist are expected to fetch between �1,000 and �35,000 each.

One of the auction's highlights will be a painted and glazen earthenware vase, entitled Tripode, which Picasso made in 1951.

The collection will be auctioned at Sotheby's on 26 October.

Limited editions

Picasso, who died in 1973, became interested in ceramics after seeing the work of the Madoura Pottery at a craft fair in the south of France in 1946.

Suzanne and Georges Ramie, who ran the workshop, gave him a space in their studio to work in and in return were allowed to produce limited editions of his designs.

Tripode is the most valuable item in the sale

Picasso went on to produce more than 600 different pieces with the Madoura Pottery, mostly made available in limited editions ranging from 25 to 500.

In addition, Picasso also made individual ceramic pieces which he kept.

Tripode was one of Picasso's earliest designs and is just one of 75 produced.

Other works of note in the auction include a painted and partially glazed earthenware pitcher entitled Femme du Barbu and an earthenware plate entitled Visage de Femme.