Scotland's national museum has bought a rare piece of glasswork by one of the biggest names in art history, Pablo Picasso.

The work, entitled Capra, is an abstract take on a slumbering goat.

It is made from black, white and iridescent glass and was bought by National Museums Scotland for £22,500.

It is Picasso's 'proof' of the piece and is being unveiled by the NMS this morning.

An artist's proof is a term referring to the working version or first of a limited edition of original pieces.

They are often kept by the artist themselves or gifted to the craftsmen with whom they collaborated.

The sculpture was designed by the Spanish artist in 1954 and manufactured by the Italian glassmaker Egidio Costantini, founder of Fucina degli Angeli in Venice.

It will go on display in one of ten new galleries opening next year at the National Museum of Scotland.

Showcasing over 3,000 objects, these new galleries will explore applied arts, fashion, design and science.

Rose Watban, senior curator of modern and contemporary art and design at National Museums Scotland said: "This rare and important glass sculpture has a luminous, reflective quality which gives it a certain depth and changeability.

"Glass by Picasso rarely comes on to the market so I am delighted that we have acquired this piece for our new Art and Design galleries, which open in 2016."

Picasso worked collaboratively with Egidio Costantini in a way which echoes his partnership with Suzanne and Georges Ramié, of the Madoura Pottery in Vallauris, France.

The two men met in the town in 1954, and their working relationship began when the American art collector Peggy Guggenheim invited Picasso to Venice.

The Ramiés created large editions of ceramics based on original prototypes made by Picasso, while Costantini translated the artist's drawings into glass sculptures, which were produced in very limited editions.

Many pieces were inspired by spirits, monsters or animals, themes which Picasso was particularly interested in.

Capra will go on display in 2016 in Making and Creating, a gallery exploring the techniques and creative inspirations behind finished works. One of four new Art and Design galleries to open at the National Museum of Scotland next year, Making and Creating will showcase the highlights of National Museums Scotland's decorative art collections produced since the late 1940s.