Bengt Berglund sculpture

This rare sculpture was designed by Bengt Berglund and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden. It exemplifies Berglund’s ability to merge functional ceramic traditions with sculptural abstraction, reflecting a broader shift in mid-20th-century Swedish studio ceramics toward expressive, form-driven works. Gustavsberg, under the guidance of artists like Berglund, Stig Lindberg, and Wilhelm Kåge, became a hub for innovative ceramic art during this period.

The sculpture is vertically oriented, with an elongated cylindrical body that tapers asymmetrically into a softly pointed top. This irregular termination disrupts the otherwise smooth verticality of the form, adding a sculptural complexity and organic tension to the piece. The silhouette is reminiscent of natural geological formations or stylized botanical growths, contributing to the artwork’s subtle biomorphic quality.

The surface is entirely covered in a tactile, raised dot pattern that enhances its material depth and emphasizes its handcrafted origin. These small, evenly spaced protrusions introduce texture and shadow, transforming the piece from a simple volume into a dynamic visual object.

The glaze is a carefully composed blend of earth tones and deeper hues, including rich greens, burnt amber, and faint notes of blue. These colors merge in layered gradients across the surface, often pooling in recessed areas and cascading along the ridged form, highlighting its vertical geometry. The overall effect is reminiscent of mineral deposits or weathered stone surfaces, reinforcing the sculpture’s naturalistic sensibility. The application of glaze demonstrates a controlled spontaneity, typical of Berglund’s artistic approach, where surface and form are inseparable.

The condition of the piece is excellent. There are no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. The surface remains intact with full glaze coverage and no signs of degradation. The artist’s monogram and the “Gustavsberg” stamp are clearly impressed on the base, affirming the work’s authenticity and studio origin.

The sculpture measures 7 cm in width, 10 cm in depth, and 43 cm in height (2.8 x 3.9 x 16.9 inches), making it a tall and slender object suited for display as a standalone piece or within a group of mid-century Scandinavian ceramic works. It represents both the artisanal tradition and the exploratory spirit of the Gustavsberg studio during the postwar era, with Bengt Berglund’s characteristic focus on surface, volume, and visual rhythm.