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Gustavsberg Bottles

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.

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Creator: Gustavsberg
White Carl-Arne Breger Modernist Watering Can Vessel for Gustavsberg Sweden 1959
White Carl-Arne Breger Modernist Watering Can Vessel for Gustavsberg Sweden 1959

White Carl-Arne Breger Modernist Watering Can Vessel for Gustavsberg Sweden 1959

By Carl-arne Breger, Gustavsberg

Located in Troy, MI

Sculptural plastic watering pitcher designed by Carl-Arne Breger for Gustavsberg Sweden circa 1950 Asymmetric form with narrow spout and larger fill hole Original label intact to un...

Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Plastic

Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg Pair of Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vessels 1970s
Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg Pair of Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vessels 1970s

Bengt Berglund for Gustavsberg Pair of Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vessels 1970s

By Gustavsberg, Bengt Berglund

Located in Miami, FL

A pair of Bengt Berglund's Tobacco porcelain pitchers from the 1970s for Gustavsberg, Swedish Ceramics Company. It seems that the pitchers were made only in the two colors shown here...

Category

1970s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Porcelain, Ceramic

Midcentury Ceramic Collection of "Pungo" Vases Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s
Midcentury Ceramic Collection of "Pungo" Vases Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s

Midcentury Ceramic Collection of "Pungo" Vases Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

The pungo vase made in Sweden 1950s by the master Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. The pungo vase have the most beautiful form and with its matt white glaze this is a piece for many en...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Carl-arne Breger Plastic Watering Cans Pitchers Gustavsberg Sweden Black White
Carl-arne Breger Plastic Watering Cans Pitchers Gustavsberg Sweden Black White

Carl-arne Breger Plastic Watering Cans Pitchers Gustavsberg Sweden Black White

By Carl-arne Breger, Gustavsberg

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Pair of sculptural. Very good vintage condition, one retains paper label.

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Plastic

Related Items
Gunnar Ander Water Pitcher by Ystad Metall, Sweden 1960's
Gunnar Ander Water Pitcher by Ystad Metall, Sweden 1960's

Gunnar Ander Water Pitcher by Ystad Metall, Sweden 1960's

By Gunnar Ander

Located in Den Haag, NL

Gunnar Ander Water Pitcher by Ystad Metall, Sweden 1960's.

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Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Gustavsberg Bottles

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Shiny Black 1960s Rörstrand Vintage Pitcher Vase, Sweden
Shiny Black 1960s Rörstrand Vintage Pitcher Vase, Sweden

Shiny Black 1960s Rörstrand Vintage Pitcher Vase, Sweden

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H 7.88 in Dm 3.55 in

Shiny Black 1960s Rörstrand Vintage Pitcher Vase, Sweden

By Rörstrand

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Black porcelain midcentury modern pitcher vase with large handle and lined relief decor manufactured by Rörstrand in the 1960s. Stamped unde...

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Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gustavsberg Bottles

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White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s

White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s

By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage

Located in Malmö, SE

A beautiful 'Swedish Modern' stoneware vase with white 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / CARRARA' and ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gustavsberg Bottles

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Harald Östergren, Vase / Pitcher Glazed Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s
Harald Östergren, Vase / Pitcher Glazed Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s

Harald Östergren, Vase / Pitcher Glazed Earthenware, Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, 1930s

By Harald Östergren, Upsala Ekeby

Located in High Point, NC

A beige and red, glazed earthenware vase designed by Harald Östergren and produced by Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, c. 1930s.

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1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

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1960s French Grape Pitcher
1960s French Grape Pitcher

1960s French Grape Pitcher

$250

H 7.1 in W 6.3 in D 4.1 in

1960s French Grape Pitcher

Located in High Point, NC

A ceramic pitcher from France, produced circa 1960. This sculpted pitcher is modeled into the distinctive shape of a grape canopy, suggesting the vessel's continents. Appearing with ...

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1960s French Country Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Sterling Water Pitcher
Sterling Water Pitcher

Sterling Water Pitcher

$1,900

H 9 in Dm 7 in

Sterling Water Pitcher

By Reed & Barton

Located in Brooklyn, NY

There isn’t much in the way of decoration but the shape and style of this water pitcher is fabulous. Notice the curved body juxtaposed against the straight handle. There’s a ribbing pattern along the neck that’s complimented in the lines and curl in the handle. The spout is narrow, which is helpful when pouring. There is an Old English letter L monogram...

Category

1940s American Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

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Lisa Larson - Unique Piece - Gustavsberg - 1970s
Lisa Larson - Unique Piece - Gustavsberg - 1970s

Lisa Larson - Unique Piece - Gustavsberg - 1970s

$840Sale Price|24% Off

H 9.06 in Dm 7.88 in

Lisa Larson - Unique Piece - Gustavsberg - 1970s

By Gustavsberg

Located in MAASTRICHT, LI

Product Description: This is a unique piece designed by arguably Sweden's most famous artist Lisa Larson. The signature of Lisa Larson and the hand of the studio Gustavsberg are clea...

Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Earthenware, Ceramic

Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s
Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s

Stunning White 'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1930s

By Rörstrand, Wilhelm Kage, Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg, Gunnar Nylund

Located in Malmö, SE

A beautiful and rare Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1930s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cra...

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1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

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Scandinavian Modern Sgraffito Vase by Gunnar Wennerberg, for Gustavsberg, Sweden
Scandinavian Modern Sgraffito Vase by Gunnar Wennerberg, for Gustavsberg, Sweden

Scandinavian Modern Sgraffito Vase by Gunnar Wennerberg, for Gustavsberg, Sweden

By Gustavsberg, Gunnar Wennerberg

Located in New York, NY

A Swedish Art Nouveau sgraffito vase in blues designed by Gunnar Wennerberg for Gustavsberg, 1905. Measures: Height: 11”.

Category

Early 20th Century Scandinavian Art Nouveau Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

1940’s Scandinavian Modern Carrara Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg
1940’s Scandinavian Modern Carrara Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg

1940’s Scandinavian Modern Carrara Vase by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg

By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage

Located in Grythyttan, SE

Elevate your home decor to a new level of sophistication with the Carrara Vase, a true masterpiece crafted by the renowned artist Wilhelm Kåge. This extraordinary piece effortlessly ...

Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Stoneware

Unique Midcentury Stoneware Bowl by Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg, 1960s
Unique Midcentury Stoneware Bowl by Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg, 1960s

Unique Midcentury Stoneware Bowl by Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg, 1960s

By Bengt Berglund, Gustavsberg

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Unique stoneware bowl by Bengt Berglund, in an organic form with an undulating edge. Beautiful green and ochre glazed inside, unglazed outside with an embossed graphic pattern.

Category

1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

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Murano Fratelli Toso Black Millefiori Flower Mosaic Italian Art Glass Pitcher
Murano Fratelli Toso Black Millefiori Flower Mosaic Italian Art Glass Pitcher

Murano Fratelli Toso Black Millefiori Flower Mosaic Italian Art Glass Pitcher

By Ermanno Toso, Fratelli Toso

Located in Kissimmee, FL

Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown black, white, blue, pink millefiori flower mosaic Italian art glass pitcher / vase. The piece is documented to designe...

Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine, Glass

Previously Available Items
Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s

Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s

By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Cool faience vase by Stig Lindberg, in an asymmetrical, fun form. Graphic, hand-painted pattern of black and aquamarine stripes.

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s

Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län

Cool faience vase by Stig Lindberg, in a lively, fun form. Graphic pattern of black and green stripes, elegantly hand-painted.

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Midcentury Ceramic Vase "Pungo" Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s
Midcentury Ceramic Vase "Pungo" Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s

Midcentury Ceramic Vase "Pungo" Stig Lindberg Gustavsberg, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Hillringsberg, SE

The pungo vase made in Sweden 1950s by the master Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg. The pungo vase have the most beautiful form and with its matt white glaze this is a piece for many en...

Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gustavsberg Bottles

Materials

Ceramic

Gustavsberg bottles for sale on 1stDibs.

Gustavsberg bottles are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gustavsberg bottles, although black editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original bottles by Gustavsberg were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in sweden during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider bottles by Kosta Boda, and Holmegaard. Prices for Gustavsberg bottles can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $140 and can go as high as $3,086, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,494.