Berndt Friberg – A unique glazed stoneware vase – Gustavsberg Sweden 1975

A unique glazed stoneware vase. Handthrown by Berndt Friberg at the Swedish ceramics studio Gustavsberg in 1975. Fully marked.

About Berndt Friberg

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) was a Swedish ceramic artist known for his refined stoneware with delicate glazes and perfectly balanced forms. His work, characterized by its simplicity and craftsmanship, made him one of Sweden’s most respected ceramicists.

Friberg was born in Höganäs, Sweden, in 1899 into a family of potters. From a young age, he was exposed to ceramics and began working as an apprentice at Höganäs Pottery when he was just 13. This early training gave him a deep understanding of clay and form, skills that would define his career.

In 1934, he joined Gustavsberg, one of Sweden’s most renowned porcelain manufacturers. There, he worked as a thrower for the famous designer Wilhelm Kåge, refining the technical skills that would later set his own work apart. Over time, he developed his unique artistic style and moved from being a craftsman to a celebrated ceramic artist in his own right.

Friberg’s ceramics are distinguished by their elegant shapes, flawless surfaces, and subtle yet complex glazes. He was known for spending hours perfecting each form, ensuring every piece was precisely balanced. His signature shapes—small vases with narrow necks, rounded bowls, and elongated silhouettes—demonstrated both technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.

A defining feature of his work was his use of soft, layered glazes in muted tones, often with a silky, almost velvety texture. Inspired by Asian ceramics, particularly Chinese Song dynasty pottery, he developed glazes that gave his pieces a timeless and harmonious quality.
Friberg gained international recognition in the 1950s and 1960s, winning numerous awards, including gold medals at the Milan Triennale. His work was highly sought after, both in Sweden and abroad, and remains popular among collectors today.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Friberg preferred to work alone, throwing and glazing each piece himself. This dedication to craftsmanship ensured that every object he created was of the highest quality. He continued working at Gustavsberg until his death in 1981, leaving behind a body of work that is considered some of the finest Swedish ceramics ever made.
Today, Friberg’s ceramics are displayed in major museums and collections worldwide. His timeless designs, attention to detail, and mastery of form have made him a lasting figure in Scandinavian design history.