Berndt Friberg vase

This rare ceramic vase was designed by Swedish master ceramicist Berndt Friberg and produced in 1967 by the Gustavsberg studio in Sweden. Exemplifying Friberg’s exceptional control over both form and glaze, the vase is a finely balanced work characterized by its elegant proportions and nuanced surface treatment.

The vase features a rounded bulbous body that transitions seamlessly into a narrow, slightly elongated neck. This harmonious silhouette reflects Friberg’s continuous exploration of classical vessel forms interpreted through a refined modernist lens. Measuring 11.5 cm in diameter and 14.5 cm in height (approximately 4.5 by 5.7 inches), the piece displays a compact scale with a sculptural presence.

The surface is finished in a rich caramel brown glaze, subtly speckled to create a variegated texture that catches and reflects light across the curved form. The glaze exhibits a warm tonal shift, gradually lightening toward the base, which contributes to a sense of visual depth and delicacy. The glossy surface is impeccably applied, revealing Friberg’s characteristic attention to the flow and evenness of glaze across complex curvatures.

The vase bears Berndt Friberg’s signature on the base, along with the Gustavsberg studio hand mark, identifying it as a studio piece made under Friberg’s direct oversight. Each of his signed works from this period was individually thrown and finished, often produced in very limited numbers, making them highly sought after by collectors of Scandinavian ceramics.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated studio potters. Originally trained as a turner, he worked for Wilhelm Kåge before establishing himself as a designer and ceramic artist in his own right. Friberg is renowned for his exceptional throwing skills, refined glazes, and meditative, almost architectural forms. His work, while deeply rooted in Swedish tradition, is also influenced by East Asian ceramics, particularly Chinese Song dynasty vessels, which inspired his minimalist aesthetic and technical precision.

Gustavsberg’s studio department, where Friberg produced his ceramics, was known for its high standards and for supporting a small number of elite designers in creating unique or limited-run pieces. The studio’s emphasis on craftsmanship and individual expression positioned it as a key institution in postwar Scandinavian art ceramics.

This vase remains in excellent vintage condition with only minimal traces of use. It is a quintessential example of Friberg’s artistry—subtle, precise, and enduring in its appeal.