Berndt Friberg vase

This ceramic vase, designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden, is a quintessential example of Friberg’s meticulous craftsmanship and refined aesthetic. Renowned for his technical precision and subtle forms, Friberg created ceramics that are as much about surface quality and proportion as they are about utility—this vase exemplifies that philosophy with elegance and restraint.

The form is delicately composed, featuring a rounded, bulbous body that transitions smoothly into a narrow, elongated neck. This silhouette is one of Friberg’s signature profiles, balancing volume with verticality and lending the piece a quiet, organic grace. The proportions are finely judged, reflecting Friberg’s focus on harmony and visual equilibrium.

The glaze is a rich, deep brown with nuanced tonal variations, creating a sense of depth and movement on the surface. The finish is semi-matte with a soft sheen that subtly catches the light, emphasizing the curve of the form without becoming reflective or glossy. Friberg was a master of glaze chemistry, and this example shows his hallmark ability to create surfaces that are tactile, controlled, and completely integrated with the form beneath.

The condition of the vase is excellent. There are no chips, cracks, or restorations, and the glaze remains smooth and evenly applied, with no blemishes or imperfections. The base is marked with Berndt Friberg’s incised signature as well as the Gustavsberg studio stamp, confirming its authenticity and origin.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated ceramicists. Trained at Gustavsberg and mentored by Wilhelm Kåge, Friberg developed a distinctive body of work characterized by understated forms, perfect proportions, and masterfully controlled glazes. His pieces were often made entirely by hand and finished with obsessive attention to detail, resulting in works that are serene, tactile, and deeply refined.

The dimensions of the vase are 6.5 cm in diameter and 9 cm in height, which corresponds to approximately 2.6 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height. Despite its small scale, the vase carries a strong presence—typical of Friberg’s studio works—and remains a sought-after piece among collectors of Scandinavian ceramics.