Vase

Designed by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsbergs Studio

Sweden, 1967

Berndt Friberg was one of the most accomplished Swedish ceramicists of the 20th century, renowned for his exceptional glazes and forms. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Friberg personally threw and glazed every piece he created, earning him a reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship. His mastery of the rabbit’s fur glaze technique, achieved by mouth-spraying layers of differently coloured glazes, resulted in a striking variety of hues that collectors highly prize. During his lifetime,

Friberg enjoyed great success, with even the King of Sweden, an avid ceramics collector, previewing his exhibitions to select pieces before the public. Friberg’s work evolved over time, with his early matte glazes giving way to shinier finishes from the late 1950s, often featuring striking geometric patterns. His creations ranged from tiny miniatures, some no larger than a few centimetres, to large floor vases, each meticulously crafted with a small foot ring characteristic of his style.