Berndt Friberg vase

This ceramic vase was designed by Berndt Friberg and produced at the Gustavsberg porcelain factory in Sweden in 1962. It is a representative example of Scandinavian mid-century stoneware, showcasing Friberg’s celebrated mastery of form and glazing. The vase features a slender, elongated body that flares gently into a narrow neck with a trumpet-like mouth. The silhouette is refined and symmetrical, reflecting Friberg’s training as a thrower and his dedication to precision.

The glaze is a dark, lustrous example of the hare’s fur (Swedish: harpäls) type, for which Friberg is particularly known. This finish is characterized by subtle variations in tone and surface texture, with deep brown-black hues accented by a luminous cobalt blue band around the rim and shoulder. The glaze application creates a layered, soft appearance that shifts depending on light and viewing angle, making each piece unique. The surface has a tactile smoothness and visual depth that suggest both restraint and complexity.

The base of the vase bears Friberg’s incised signature along with the Gustavsberg studio mark and date code for 1962, confirming its provenance and period. The form and finish are typical of Friberg’s solo work, in contrast to more industrial production lines. He often threw his own pieces, allowing for subtle individuality in each work despite their seemingly perfect proportions.

The dimensions of the vase are 9 cm (3.54 inches) in diameter and 34 cm (13.39 inches) in height. The scale and vertical emphasis make it ideal as a single sculptural form or for use in a grouped ceramic display. Its proportions give it a quiet presence, characteristic of the Scandinavian design aesthetic, where simplicity and craftsmanship are paramount.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) was one of Sweden’s most important studio ceramists, associated with Gustavsberg from the 1940s until his death. His work bridged the artisanal and the modernist, combining traditional wheel-throwing techniques with refined glazes and contemporary forms. This vase is an excellent example of his late work, embodying the mature phase of Swedish mid-century ceramics.