Berndt Friberg vase

This rare and large ceramic vase, designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden, stands as a striking example of the refined craftsmanship and aesthetic restraint that define Friberg’s legacy within Scandinavian studio ceramics. Measuring 42 cm in height, the vase features a tall, elegantly tapered profile with a narrow, slightly flared neck and a softly rounded lip, creating a silhouette that is both poised and understated. The proportions are carefully calibrated, allowing the form to serve as an ideal canvas for Friberg’s signature glaze work.

The surface is coated in the renowned hare fur glaze, a technique perfected by Friberg through decades of experimentation. Characterized by fine vertical streaking and a velvety, subtly iridescent texture, the glaze in this instance reveals a gradient of rich blue tones fading into warm, earthy browns. The glaze effect mimics the delicate striations of animal fur and reacts to the vase’s curvature, producing a dynamic interplay of light and shadow that animates the piece. The transition between colors is seamless, demonstrating the technical precision and intuitive control required to achieve this level of subtlety.

This particular example is in excellent vintage condition, retaining its original surface and finish with no visible cracks, chips, or restorations. Minor surface patina, typical for high-fired stoneware of this age, adds character without detracting from the clarity of the form or glaze.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981), initially trained as a thrower and later a principal artist at Gustavsberg, developed a distinct studio practice that emphasized both technical rigor and aesthetic refinement. His work, particularly large-scale pieces such as this, is characterized by its minimalist forms, masterful wheel-throwing, and uniquely developed glaze formulas. Friberg’s pieces are individually signed and marked, reflecting the artisanal nature of each object despite being produced under the Gustavsberg banner.

As a large-format example of Friberg’s work with the hare fur glaze, this vase is an important and highly collectible piece within the context of Swedish ceramic modernism. It illustrates the convergence of form, material, and surface treatment that defines Friberg’s enduring significance in 20th-century ceramic art.