Berndt Friberg is one of Sweden's most distinguished ceramic artists, recognised in particular for the depth of his glazes and the precise execution of his immaculate hand thrown forms.
Known as the “Hand of God” amongst other potters and his circle of friends, he was a perfectionist who destroyed any work that did not meet his exacting standards.
He was particularly inspired by traditional Chinese and Japanese works, the glazes were where Friberg ended up excelling, painstakingly applied these finishes to achieve great structure and depth.
Friberg was born in Höganäs to a family of potters and had been producing ceramic work from the age of 13. In 1944, Friberg was apprenticed as a thrower to Wilhelm Kåge and Stig Lindberg at Gustavsberg Potteries, two of the most prolific and renowned ceramists in Sweden.
Each one of Friberg's ceramic vessels was personally hand thrown and therefore unique. His ceramics are also distinctive for the structure and depth achieved from the application of exquisite matte glazes - characterised by a "hare's fur" effect that manifests as delicate striations where the glaze is applied.
Friberg created his signature ceramics up until his death in 1981. His works were collected by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, Yves Saint Laurent and Robert Mapplethorpe, and are featured in a multitude of prestigious public collections.