Berndt Friberg bowl

This ceramic bowl, designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden in 1962, exemplifies Scandinavian modern pottery with refined simplicity and technical mastery. The bowl features an elegantly rounded profile tapering towards a small, well-defined foot, resulting in a balanced and harmonious silhouette.

Finished in Friberg’s signature hare’s fur glaze, the surface displays a delicate, softly textured appearance with subtle tonal variations. The glaze transitions from a warm ochre at the base to a muted greenish hue near the rim, showcasing the controlled glazing techniques for which Friberg was renowned. Fine striations within the glaze enhance the bowl’s organic quality, imparting depth and tactile interest.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) was one of Sweden’s most esteemed ceramic artists, celebrated for his precision throwing and meticulous glazing. Active at Gustavsberg from 1934 until his retirement, Friberg produced pieces combining technical refinement with aesthetic purity. His work drew inspiration from traditional Asian ceramics, particularly Japanese and Chinese pottery, while maintaining a distinctly Scandinavian minimalist sensibility.

The bowl is in excellent vintage condition and bears Friberg’s signature and the Gustavsberg studio mark on the underside. It measures 14.5 cm in diameter and 8 cm in height (5.7 by 3.1 inches), representing a masterful example of mid-century Scandinavian ceramic artistry.