Berndt Friberg vase

This rare large ceramic vase was designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden in 1956. Friberg, one of the most celebrated ceramicists of the Swedish mid-century era, was known for his refined craftsmanship, mastery of glazes, and precise throwing technique. Each of his works was wheel-thrown and individually glazed, resulting in unique surface qualities and subtle variations.

The vase has an elongated ovoid body that tapers slightly towards the base and narrows into a small, carefully shaped neck with a softly flared rim. The surface is covered in Friberg’s distinctive hare’s fur glaze, a technique that produces fine vertical streaks in the glaze, giving the piece both texture and depth. The glaze is dark brown with a rich tonal variation, ranging from deeper earthy shades to lighter highlights that enhance the vertical striations.

The piece is signed and marked at the base, confirming its authenticity and production at Gustavsberg’s studio. The vase is in excellent vintage condition, with minimal signs of use consistent with age, and it exemplifies Friberg’s balance of form, glaze, and proportion.

Diameter 21 cm (8.3 in),  height 43 cm (16.9 in)