Berndt Friberg, in the world of Scandinavian ceramic design, he is just plain famous, there are no other words to describe this illustrious designer of the 20th century. Perfection was in his blood and in his hands, creating delicate forms with magnificent glazes put him on the forefront of Swedish ceramic design. Friberg worked for Gustavsberg factory (a Swedish porcelain company) from 1934 until his death in 1981.
Friberg was born in 1899 into a family of noted potters in Höganäs, Sweden. He started as an apprentice in pottery at the age of 13 in Höganäs, and continued to work for various studios until he was 35, developing and perfecting his pottery skills. In 1934 he joined Gustavsberg working as a thrower and an apprentice to the famed art director, Wilhelm Kåge. In 1944, he started producing his own line of pottery at Gustavsberg.
Friberg’s technical perfection along with his simplicity of form and the use of glazes, plus his attention to detail was perfected during his endless years of throwing pots and vases. Friberg was influenced by Chinese and Asian pottery, designing and creating his own graceful forms. Likewise it is these Chinese and Japanese influences of monochromatic colors, unpatterned vases and “hare’s fur” glaze that contributed to his outstanding work.
The Ceramic Network describes “hare fur” glaze as a high-iron glaze that is applied in thick layers, and bubbles up through one another generating patterns of running streaks that resemble striated pattern in the fur of a rabbit.
Robert Mapplethorpe used his ceramics as props in his photographs, and he was collected by such luminaries as: King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and Yves Saint Laurent. His work is represented in major museum collections, including: the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design and national art museums in Copenhagen, New York, Kyoto, and Tokyo. He received the gold prize at the Triennale di Milano in 1948, 1951, and 1954; Gregor Paulsson Trophy in 1960; first prize at the Faenza International Ceramic Art Competition in 1965; and the Prince Eugene Medal (Sweden) in 1980. He was also represented in the Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition held in Japan in 1964.
His studio work was personally thrown and signed by him, works ranged in size from miniatures to large floor vases. In the vase below, it is small masterpiece, approximately 4-1/2 inches tall.
Friberg was born in 1899 into a family of noted potters in Höganäs, Sweden. He started as an apprentice in pottery at the age of 13 in Höganäs, and continued to work for various studios until he was 35, developing and perfecting his pottery skills. In 1934 he joined Gustavsberg working as a thrower and an apprentice to the famed art director, Wilhelm Kåge. In 1944, he started producing his own line of pottery at Gustavsberg.
Friberg’s technical perfection along with his simplicity of form and the use of glazes, plus his attention to detail was perfected during his endless years of throwing pots and vases. Friberg was influenced by Chinese and Asian pottery, designing and creating his own graceful forms. Likewise it is these Chinese and Japanese influences of monochromatic colors, unpatterned vases and “hare’s fur” glaze that contributed to his outstanding work.
The Ceramic Network describes “hare fur” glaze as a high-iron glaze that is applied in thick layers, and bubbles up through one another generating patterns of running streaks that resemble striated pattern in the fur of a rabbit.
Robert Mapplethorpe used his ceramics as props in his photographs, and he was collected by such luminaries as: King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and Yves Saint Laurent. His work is represented in major museum collections, including: the Swedish National Museum of Art and Design and national art museums in Copenhagen, New York, Kyoto, and Tokyo. He received the gold prize at the Triennale di Milano in 1948, 1951, and 1954; Gregor Paulsson Trophy in 1960; first prize at the Faenza International Ceramic Art Competition in 1965; and the Prince Eugene Medal (Sweden) in 1980. He was also represented in the Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition held in Japan in 1964.
His studio work was personally thrown and signed by him, works ranged in size from miniatures to large floor vases. In the vase below, it is small masterpiece, approximately 4-1/2 inches tall.
 |
| Friberg's vase with a swelling shape, waisted neck, and midnight blue hare’s fur glaze. It is a unique stoneware gem from the Gustavsberg master, Circa: 1974. |
 |
| Friberg's unique objects from 1948–1974, include an incised signature "Friberg", with a production year letter mark, and Gustavsberg studio hand. The Production Year appears to be a “P” for 1974. ______________________________________________ ©2021. Waller-Yoblonsky Fine Art is a research collaborative, working to track artists that got lost and overlooked due to time, changing styles, race, gender and/or sexual orientation. Our frequent blogs highlight artists and art movements that need renewed attention with improved information for the researcher and art collectors. These photos were created by Mr. Waller and all materials are used under the Fair Use Section 107, Copyright Act, unless otherwise noted. #waller yoblonskyblogspot #berndtfriberg
|
Comments
Post a Comment