Berndt Friberg vase

This rare and large ceramic vase, designed by Berndt Friberg and produced in 1978 by Gustavsberg in Sweden, exemplifies the masterful craftsmanship and refined aesthetic that define Friberg’s body of work. Created during the later period of his prolific career, the vase combines precision of form with a highly sophisticated surface treatment, embodying the ideals of Scandinavian studio ceramics.

The vase is finished in Friberg’s signature hare’s fur glaze, a complex and labor-intensive technique that results in a delicately striated surface resembling the fine texture of animal fur. This particular example displays a deep, nearly black base glaze, enriched by subtle blue highlights that shimmer across the surface depending on the light. The variation in glaze application and the micro-textural patterning produce a dynamic visual field, where color depth and movement shift subtly across the rounded form.

The shape is a classic Friberg silhouette: a full, rounded body tapering smoothly into a narrow neck with a small, refined opening. The proportions are carefully balanced, with a broad lower mass grounding the form while the slender neck adds a vertical counterpoint. This formal clarity and restraint are central to Friberg’s approach, emphasizing the interaction between silhouette and glaze.

Measuring 13.5 cm in diameter and 19 cm in height (approximately 5.3 × 7.5 inches), the vase holds a commanding yet elegant presence. It is substantial in scale for a Friberg piece, making it particularly notable within his oeuvre, where many works are of more modest dimensions.

The vase remains in pristine condition, with no visible cracks, chips, or restorations. The glaze retains its original luster, and the underlying ceramic body is intact. The base is signed by Berndt Friberg and dated 1978, clearly marking it as an authentic studio piece produced in the Gustavsberg atelier.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) is considered one of the foremost figures in Swedish ceramics. Trained as a turner, he brought an exceptional level of technical precision to his work, producing vessels of remarkable symmetry and surface quality. His glazes—particularly the hare’s fur, celadon, and tenmoku-inspired finishes—are renowned for their subtlety and complexity. Each piece was individually thrown and glazed, resulting in slight variations that make every object unique.

Gustavsberg’s studio department, under the direction of figures like Wilhelm Kåge and later Stig Lindberg, provided an ideal environment for Friberg’s experimentation and perfectionism. By the late 1970s, his work had reached full artistic maturity, and pieces from this period are especially prized for their material refinement and expressive restraint.

This vase is a highly collectible and historically significant work, representing the culmination of Berndt Friberg’s mastery of form and glaze. It stands as a quintessential example of Scandinavian modern ceramic art.