Collecting ceramics

2025 marks 200 years since the opening of Gustavsberg porcelain, the world-renowned porcelain factory set in a Swedish town of the same name. The factory was active for over 170 years, producing over 45,000 objects before it closed in 1993.

Throughout the years several notable designers worked with Gustavsberg to produce their works – the most notable of which were Wilhelm Kåge (1889-1960), Stig Lindberg (1916-1982) and Berndt Friberg (1899-1981). Kåge, who was the artistic director, became a mentor and friend to Friberg. Friberg also worked closely with ceramist Stig Lindberg, who eventually succeeded Kåge as artistic director. Below we take a look at the work of each artist.

Kåge studied decorative painting at Tekniska skolan in Stockholm and later for the painter Carl W. Wilhelmson in Gothenburg, Johan Rohde in Copenhagen and at Plakatschule in Munich, where he learnt graphic techniques. During an exhibition of his work in 1917, Kåge drew the attention of the Gustavsberg factory. He ended up working as their artistic director up until 1948.

One of his first successes was the Argenta series, which featured elegant, hand-painted silver decorations on green-glazed ceramics. His work bridged traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, earning him international acclaim and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of decorative arts.

Another series and probably his most notable is Farsta, named after the clay-bearing peninsula near Gustavsberg. They are particularly noted for their experimental surfaces and architectural forms. Each item in the Farsta series was handmade, often signed and numbered, and frequently produced in extremely limited editions.

The ‘Surrea’ series makes up Kage's most prized works. He produced only 20 of the painted Surrea vases, all unique, due to the complexity of the craftsmanship, and displayed them at an exhibition in Stockholm in 1940. Modernity recently sold two magnificent pieces from this series to a private collector.

Modernity has an extensive collection of Kåge’s work, available to view online and in both galleries.

We're also touching on the work of Stig Lindberg. Lindberg was a Swedish ceramic designer, painter, and illustrator, widely regarded as one of Sweden's most influential postwar designers. In 1937, he went to work at Gustavsberg under Wilhelm Kåge. In 1949, he was named Kåge's successor as art director.  He was renowned for his playful and imaginative designs, characterized by organic forms, vibrant colors, and a whimsical sense of humor.

Modernity has a number of pieces that showcase Lindberg’s talent – this is a great way to start collecting.

Last on our list and not to be forgotten is the work of Berndt Friberg. Friberg was particularly celebrated for his mastery of glazes, producing pieces with subtle variations in colour and texture that achieved a remarkable sense of depth and luminosity. He began work as an apprentice at pottery in Höganäs at just 13 years of age, working between studios before moving to Gustavsberg at the age of 35.

He focused primarily on throwing simple but graceful forms, influenced by Chinese pottery, and monochromatic, unpatterned “haresfur” glazes. His work ranges in size from floor standing pieces to miniatures, and all are hand signed by the artist. His pieces have ended up in several notable collections, including that of King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, Yves Saint Laurent and Robert Mapplethorpe.

Modernity has an extensive collection of Friberg’s work available for purchase.