Berndt Friberg vase

This rare and large ceramic vase, designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden, is an exemplary work of Scandinavian mid-century studio ceramics. The vase features Friberg’s iconic “hare fur” glaze, a subtle and highly controlled surface treatment characterized by fine, vertically striated textures that result from carefully modulated glaze application and high-temperature firing. In this example, the glaze reveals a nuanced interplay of deep brown, umber, and slate-blue tones that shift depending on light and angle, lending the surface a soft, velvety depth.

The vase’s form is a refined exercise in proportion and silhouette. With a gently elongated body and a slender, tapering neck that rises from a rounded shoulder, the shape reflects Friberg’s dedication to wheel-thrown precision and formal restraint. The contours are uninterrupted and fluid, highlighting the purity of line and the interaction between shape and glaze—a core tenet of Friberg’s aesthetic approach.

Executed entirely by hand at the Gustavsberg studio, the vase exemplifies the post-war Swedish ceramic tradition where artistic individuality was achieved within a studio production context. Friberg, who initially trained as a thrower and worked under Wilhelm Kåge before developing his own distinctive voice, was known for producing meticulously finished works with small variations in glaze and form, elevating utility into quiet sculptural presence.

This piece is in excellent vintage condition, with no cracks, chips, or restoration. The base bears Friberg’s inscribed signature along with the Gustavsberg studio mark, attesting to its authenticity. As a large-format example, the vase holds particular significance, as Friberg often produced his larger works in limited numbers due to the technical challenges involved. It stands as a testament to the harmonious balance between craftsmanship, glaze experimentation, and minimalist design that defines Friberg’s contribution to modern ceramic art.