Berndt Friberg Oxblood Bowl

Berndt Friberg's ceramics for Gustavsberg are some of the finest examples of wheel-thrown pottery of the 20th century. His stunning portfolio of work is characterised by intricate glazes, exquisite forms, and an unsurpassed level of skill & craftpersonship. 

This decorative bowl was handmade by Friberg in 1964. The footed form is both delicate and tactile, and features a strikingly varied red 'Oxblood' glaze.

The technically difficult glaze, like much of Friberg's work, takes inspiration from Chinese ceramics; Oxblood, or 'Sang de Boeuf' glazes were first used in the early 1700's during the late Kangxi period. Their rich colour and varied, unpredictable nature is much admired by western ceramicists, who have been experimentally reproducing the glaze since the 19th century. 

Friberg's vibrant, dappled version of 'Sang de Boeuf' features unconventional colourful flecks of bright turquoise blue. The deep red and bright blue colours work harmoniously together to create a highly attractive effect. Further to the visual beauty of the object and the technical ability of the potter, the bowl features a delicate degradé towards the rim where the deep red colour fades to pale grey. 

Whilst the glaze itself is glossy, the piece features an unusual, lightly textured surface with matte areas. This not only lends further visual interest and tactibility to the object, but provides a surprising, unexpected example within Friberg's vast array of experimental glazes.