Berndt Friberg vase

This large ceramic vase was designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden in 1965. It is executed in stoneware and covered in a deep blue hare’s fur glaze, a signature technique of Friberg, characterized by its fine, vertical streaking that creates a subtle texture and sense of movement across the surface. The glaze transitions from a nearly black tone at the neck to a rich, vibrant blue through the body, with darker undertones that enhance its depth.

The vase has a soft, rounded form with a broad shoulder and a slightly tapering profile that leads to a narrow, gently flared neck and rounded lip. Its proportions are balanced and harmonious, highlighting Friberg’s mastery of throwing and glazing techniques. The foot ring reveals the reddish-brown stoneware body and is marked with Friberg’s incised signature, the Gustavsberg studio hand symbol, and date code.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) was one of Sweden’s most celebrated studio potters and a central figure in Scandinavian modern ceramics. Known for his meticulous approach, Friberg produced each piece by hand on the wheel, often discarding works that did not meet his exacting standards. His glazes, especially the hare’s fur type, are renowned for their depth and optical complexity. Gustavsberg, where Friberg worked from 1934 onward, was one of Sweden’s leading porcelain and stoneware manufacturers, and its studio department became a key site for Scandinavian ceramic innovation in the mid-century period.

This vase stands 32 cm high with a diameter of 25 cm (approximately 12.6 x 9.8 inches). It is in excellent vintage condition with minimal signs of use and a fine patina, representing both the technical precision and artistic refinement that characterize Friberg’s best work.