The Gustavsberg porcelain factory was, for many decades, the largest ceramics maker in Sweden and home to some of the most innovative and ingenious makers of the past century. The company, founded in 1825, mass-produced a wide range of products: first decorative household items and tableware in the English style and later bathroom fixtures, including the first pressed-steel bathtubs that would oust heavy cast iron. But of first interest to collectors are the remarkable decorative works created in the Gustavsberg art pottery studio, in particular those by master ceramists Wilhelm Kåge, Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Gustavsberg began producing some individually crafted, highly decorated and richly glazed pieces in the 1860s. While the forms of their mass-produced vessels and plates derived from English, Continental and Asian styles, a select few painters won acclaim for their personal artistry. Gunnar Wennerberg became known for his work in the organic Art Nouveau style, and Josef Ekberg, the company’s design chief from 1908 to 1917, was revered for his expert use of iridescent lusterware glazes and the sgraffito technique, in which a decorative pattern is incised in the surface of a clay pot before it is glazed and fired.
It was not until Ekberg’s successor, Wilhelm Kåge, opened Gustavsberg’s first dedicated art pottery studio that the work became widely recognized. Kåge’s “Argenta” series, which encompasses a variety of vessels coated with an oxidized green glaze and decorated in silver motifs, remains popular. Though perhaps his most striking works are his “Surrea” vases — white bisque porcelain in off-kilter forms inspired by Cubist paintings — and his “Farsta” wares, which include totemic, spindly footed stoneware vases and bowls with textured surfaces, glazed in brown, green and blue.
Kåge’s finest protégés, Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg, took over from Kåge as Gustavsberg’s design directors in 1945. Friberg was a master potter. He threw elegant, simple, symmetrical vases and bowls painstakingly coated in layer after layer of matte glazing to achieve a classic striated effect known as “rabbit’s fur.” Lindberg’s highly collectible studio ceramics fall into two principal categories: The first is made of white porcelain pieces in round, biomorphic or stylized natural forms. The second includes weightier vases — many with textured bodies and applied decorations — glazed in deep, earthy colors. As you will see from the works on these pages, Gustavsberg was a bastion of creativity and precise artistry that turned out a remarkable range of works whose style still resonates with lovers of Scandinavian design.
Lisa Larson, Bulldog Ceramic Sculpture, Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture by Lisa Larson at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden in the late 20th century. The sculpture is 13.5 cm (5,4") high and 16 x 13 cm (6.4" x 5.2") long and in excellent condition....
Ceramic
Bulldog Sculpture Figurine in Ceramic by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg 1960s
By Gustavsberg
Located in Troy, MI
Lisa Larson Gustavsberg Bulldog Sculpture Figurine Ceramic bulldog sculpture from the Large Zoo series Designed by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg Sweden c. 1960s Labeled to underside ...
Ceramic
Stoneware "BORIS" Sculptures by Boris Stojkov, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1960s
By Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Set of two surrealistic animal stoneware sculptures by Boris Stojkov for Gustavsberg, model number 2 and 4 in the series “BORIS”. Partially made in unglazed matte off-white color wit...
Stoneware
Sculpture designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Chamotte stoneware, partially glazed. Signed “Stig L” with the Gustavsberg Studio hand mark on the underside. A characteristic early studio work by Lindberg, featuring the textured ...
Stoneware
Lisa Larson, Bulldog Ceramic Sculpture, Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture by Lisa Larson at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden in the late 20th century. The sculpture is 13.5 cm (5,4") high and 13 x 12.5 cm (5.2" x 5") long and in excellent condition....
Ceramic
“The Man with the Mask” by Stig Lindberg
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in New York, NY
A parin porcelain bust by Stig Lindberg (1916 - 1982) titled "Mannen med masken" (The Man with the Mask). Made of parian porcelain with a matte white finish. Designed by Lindberg in ...
Porcelain
Lisa Larson Polar Bear Lilla Zoo series glazed stoneware by Gustavsberg Sweden.
By Gustavsberg
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
Lisa Larson “Polar Bear” Figurine for Gustavsberg — From the Lilla Zoo Series, 1976 A charming vintage Polar Bear figurine designed by renowned Swedish ceramic artist Lisa Larson fo...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian modern stoneware pike by Sven Wejsfelt, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1980s
By Gustavsberg, Sven Wejsfelt
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Great stoneware sculpture designed by Sven Wejsfelt for Gustavsberg, Sweden, during the 1980s. This pike belongs of the designers series 'Stim'.
Brass
Lisa Larson Bird figurine, a rare studio production for Gustavsberg, Sweden.
By Gustavsberg
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A very rare Bird figurine, by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg from a limited studio production known as "Fåglar" from 1964. This is typical of Lisa Larson's Scandinavian minimalism, a ni...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware dragon sculpture by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stunning, unique dragon sculpture by Wilhelm Kåge, made from stoneware with beautiful green glaze. Rare, large size. Very expressive and lively design, inspired by Chinese Ming era d...
Stoneware
Lisa Larson, Giraffe Ceramic Sculpture, Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture by Lisa Larson at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden in the late 20th century. The Giraffe sculpture is 38 cm (15.2") high and 14 x 9 cm (5.6" x 3.6") long and in excellent cond...
Ceramic
Lisa Larson, Moose / Elk Ceramic Sculpture, Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture by Lisa Larson at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden in the late 20th century. The Elk sculpture is 26 cm (10.4") high and 23 x 8 cm (9.2" x 3.2") long and in excellent conditio...
Ceramic
Stig Lindberg Sculpture, Susanna and the Elders, Gustavsberg Sweden 1940-50s.
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Skanninge, SE
Very unusual biscuit sculpture by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg depicting Susanna and the elders. Made in Sweden around 1950. In excellent condition with no issues! Signed "Stig L 89...
Ceramic
Sculpture, "De Tu" in parian ware by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Goteborg, SE
Sculpture, "De Tu" ("The two") by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Sweden. Stig Lindberg made a series of sculptures in Parian ware. This one was made in a limited edition of 1000 copies.
Ceramic
Lisa Larson Signed Mid-Century Gustavsberg Large Lion Swedish Pottery Sculpture
By Gustavsberg
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderfully designed, beautifully made Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian lion sculpture/figurine by Swedish master potter/ceramicist Lisa Larson (1931-2024) for Gustavsberg, Sweden (...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Pottery
$732Sale Price|20% Off
Lisa Larson - Stora Zoo - Hippotamus and Little Bird - 1960s
By Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: Lisa Larson is arguably the most famous ceramist from Scandinavia. She is known for her cute looking animal figures as well as for unique design pieces. On off...
Earthenware, Ceramic
$235Sale Price|20% Off
VTG Gustavsberg Sweden Art Pottery Kennel Spaniel Figurine Design Lisa Larson
By Gustavsberg
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A vintage pottery Cocker Spaniel figurine of the "Kennel" series, designed by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg in the 1970s. Manufacturer: Gustavsberg, Sweden Design: Lisa Larson Marks: ...
Ceramic
Lisa Larson, Super rare Elephant Ceramic Sculpture, Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden
By Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A extremely rare sculpture by Lisa Larson at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden in the late 20th century. The sculpture is 12 cm (4.8") high and 18 x 15.5 cm (7.2" x 6.2") long and in excel...
Ceramic
Abstract, Ceramic Sculpture - Bengt Berglund - Gustavsberg 1970s
By Gustavsberg, Bengt Berglund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A small sculpture by Bengt Berglund at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden designed the late 20th century. The sculpture is 11 cm (4.4") tall and in excellent condition. It is incised with t...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Studio Pottery Bagdad Series House 2 Bertil Vallien
By Gustavsberg, Bertil Vallien
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Swedish Studio Pottery Bagdad Series House 2 by Bertil Vallien for Gustavsberg, 1960s
Pottery
Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg Mid-Century 'Johanna' Swedish Pottery Figurine 1960s
By Gustavsberg
Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
Rare, signed and delightful little vintage Midcentury modern Swedish European ceramic studio pottery sleepy 'Johanna' figure by Lisa Larson for Gustavsberg, Sweden, circa mid 1960s. ...
Ceramic, Pottery
$1,073Sale Price|20% Off
Lisa Larson - Trapp 'from Tripp Trapp Trull' - Gustavsberg - 1970s
By Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: Another cat animal from Lisa Larson is on offer here. This time we offer and item from the The Tripp Trapp Trull - series, consisting...
Earthenware, Ceramic
Unique Midcentury Stoneware Sculpture by Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg, 1960s
By Gustavsberg, Bengt Berglund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Unique stoneware sculpture by Bengt Berglund, in a whimsical, organic form reminiscent of a mushroom. Beautiful jade, brown and blue colored glaze with a glossy surface, gathering in...
Stoneware
Rare Stoneware Wall Plaque by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Swedish Modern
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Stoneware Wall Plaque by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, 1950s. Beautifully glazed relief carvings and incisions. Stamped at the back and the artist’s signature at the front in...
Ceramic
Lisa Larson - Malin
By Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: This cute boy called "Malin" was brought to this world in 1961 by Lisa Larson. Malin is part of the Lisa Larson family called "Larsons Ungar" and consists of mor...
Earthenware
Stoneware "Dragon Puppy" figurine by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Adorable “Dragon Puppy” figurine by Wilhelm Kåge, made from stoneware with white cararra glaze. Fun and mischievous design, inspired by Chinese Ming era dragon sculptures and execute...
Stoneware
Enamel Sculpture / Painting by Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare enamel sculpture / painting. Made by Stig Lindberg in Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. In 1949, Stig painted his first enamel painting o...
Enamel, Steel
Adorable Mid-Century Ceramic Children by Lisa Larson
By Gustavsberg
Located in BROOKLYN, NY
In wonderful condition. This adorable ceramic set is designed by Lisa Larsen for Gustavsberg, Sweden.
Ceramic
Post Modern Flash Vases by Margareta Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden
By Margareta Hennix, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Post Modern flash vases by Margaretha Hennix for Gustavsberg, Sweden, shaped as trees. Margareta Hennix is a Swedish ceramicist, glass artist and designer. During her long career as...
Porcelain, Stoneware
Unique, Tall Ceramic Sculpture - Bengt Berglund - Gustavsberg 1963
By Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique sculpture by Bengt Berglund at Gustavsbergs Studio, Sweden designed in 1963 to the debut exhibition at the PUB department store in Stockholm. The sculpture is 72 cm (28.8") ...
Ceramic
$796Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Vintage 1950s Scandinavian Skohg Sterling Paintings on Swedish Stones
By Borje Skohg, Gustavsberg
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Wonderful pair of rare studio craft Scandinavian collectibles.
Stone
Stoneware Sculpture by Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg, 1960s
By Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A hand built sculpture made of stamped, stained and glazed stoneware slabs. Signed 'B. Berglund' with Gustavsberg Sweden sticker numbered '47'.
Ceramic