Scandinavian Modern Vase in Ceramic by Berndt Friberg, 1953

This rare ceramic vase, designed by Berndt Friberg and produced by Gustavsberg in Sweden in 1953, exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship and refined aesthetic that define Scandinavian studio ceramics of the mid-20th century. The form is characterized by a balanced composition: a rounded body that gently narrows to a slender, elongated neck, which flares subtly at the rim. This elegant silhouette reflects Friberg’s commitment to proportion, symmetry, and the quiet poise of a hand-thrown vessel.

The vase is finished in Friberg’s signature hare’s fur glaze, rendered here in a deep amber tone. This glaze technique—achieved through controlled high-temperature firing and a finely tuned glaze mixture—creates a surface of soft vertical striations, mimicking the fine texture of animal fur. The subtle variations in tone and sheen across the surface lend the vase a tactile richness and visual depth, enhancing its sculptural presence. The warm amber coloration accentuates the flowing contours of the form, resulting in a cohesive harmony between color, texture, and shape.

On the underside, the vase is signed with Berndt Friberg’s incised monogram alongside the Gustavsberg studio stamp, confirming its authenticity and date of origin. The markings are clean and clearly legible, consistent with Friberg’s signed production from this period.

Berndt Friberg (1899–1981) remains one of Sweden’s most revered ceramicists. Initially trained as a thrower, his career at Gustavsberg allowed him to evolve from a technician into a celebrated artist. Influenced by East Asian ceramic traditions and deeply committed to surface experimentation, Friberg developed an array of complex glazes—hare’s fur being among the most iconic—that brought depth and individuality to his otherwise minimalist forms.

In excellent vintage condition, this vase shows no chips, cracks, or repairs. The glaze retains its full vibrancy and clarity, and the form is perfectly intact. As an early 1950s example of Friberg’s work, it represents a high point in Swedish ceramic artistry and remains a coveted piece for collectors and admirers of modern Scandinavian design.

Additional Information:
Producer: Gustavsberg
Decade: 1950s
Designed in: 1953
Country: Sweden
Style: Mid Century, Scandinavian Modern
Material: Ceramics
Dimensions: H 23 x Dia: 9 cm
Seller Ref. No.: 226738