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. A perfectionist, Friberg ensured that his vessels were flawless, carefully avoiding dried glaze droplets on the brown foot rings that became a hallmark of his work.

For nearly fifty years, Friberg worked at Gustavsberg, Sweden’s most prestigious porcelain company, established in 1826. He began as a thrower for Wilhelm Kåge in 1934 and later collaborated with Stig Lindberg while developing his own signature style, influenced by traditional Asian pottery. His elegant designs, combined with his technical prowess, solidified his legacy as a master of Swedish ceramics.