Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg,
Sweden, 1964.

Stoneware with rabbit's fur glaze.

Signed.

H: 24 cm / 9 1/2''
Diameter: 27 cm / 10 1/2''

Berndt Friberg was born in the southern Sweden town of Hoganas. He came from a long line of ceramists, in an area steeped in the tradition of finely crafted pottery. Berndt started working at the nearby Hoganas ceramic factory when he was only 13 years old.

Berndt was fortunate to inherit his grandfather's turntable and to receive training from a talented uncle. He was a quick study, exhibiting innate artistic skill and a strong work ethic. During his 18 years at Hoganas, he became quite an accomplished thrower. In 1934, he was hired by the prestigious Gustavsberg ceramic factory in Stockholm.

During his first years at Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg worked as a thrower for the legendary artistic leader, Wilhelm Kage. Berndt's arrival was marked by a significant increase in the quality of Kage's art pieces. Soon enough, he became the undisputed master thrower at Gustavsberg. Through his early career, Friberg wasn't known for his artistic ambition. His artistic debut wouldn't come until the age of 42, when he exhibited in Stockholm with other Gustavsberg artists.

Berndt Friberg became known as a perfectionist with an eye for delicate, sensuous forms and magnificent glazes. His works ranged in size, from no higher than a few centimeters to large floor vases. The contours were reminiscent of classic styles, including Chinese stoneware from the Song Dynasty.

At the age of 52, Friberg had his first solo exhibition in Gothenburg, which was well-received. Even the Swedish King Gustav VI Adolf became an avid collector of Fribergís work, acquiring more than 100 pieces. The demand for Friberg's work soon eclipsed supply.

Berndt Friberg constantly refined his glazes, recording the details in his famous "black book". Early glazes were often matte delicate hare's fur glazes. During the 1960s, the glossy glazes "ox blood" and "aniara" became more dominant. Berndt remained at Gustavsberg until his death in 1981, leaving behind a legacy of brilliant ceramic craftmanship.

* SOLD *

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