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.
White 'Surrea' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Surrea' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / SURREA'. Wilhelm Kåge...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$600Sale Price / set|20% Off
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
Vase 'Carrara' by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
Beautiful vase made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Carrara glazed stoneware. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg / CARRARA / 1132'. Wilhelm K...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Light Green Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg, in an interesting shape with an elongated, cylinder formed neck. Pale yellow hare’s fur glaze. About Berndt Friberg: Berndt Friberg was a Swe...
Stoneware
Set of 3 Antique Swedish Stoneware Preserving Jars, Rörstrand & Gustavsberg, c.
By Gustavsberg
Located in Frederiksberg C, DK
Set of 3 Antique Swedish Stoneware Preserving Jars, Rörstrand & Gustavsberg, c. 1900 A beautiful set of three antique Swedish stoneware preserving jars from around 1900, including p...
Stoneware
Wilhelm Kage bowl in Ceramic and Silver 'Argenta' Gustavsberg Sweden 1950
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Paris, IDF
WILHELM KÅGE. Large bowl, "Argenta", model 1107 II, Gustavsberg, stoneware with silver decoration. Marked Argenta 1107 11 Made in Sweden, inside with fish, height approx. 10, diamete...
Silver
Lovely Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg, 1965
By Gustavsberg, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning light brown (almost with a puple tint) stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg at Gustavsberg designed in 1965, the vase has a lovely har-fur gl...
Stoneware
Wilhelm Kage Large dish ceramic "Argenta" for Gustavsberg Sweden 1950s
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Paris, IDF
WILHELM KÅGE. Large round dish, "Argenta", Gustavsberg. Marked underneath Gustavsberg Argenta 1157. Stoneware in green glaze, with silver decoration of figures and fish, height 6, d...
Silver
Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg, Made at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Berndt Friberg. Made at Gustavsberg in sweden during the 1950s. Stoneware with a bone colored hares fur glaze. Signed. Good vintage condition with small si...
Stoneware
Mid Century Modern Gustavsberg Flameldfast Terma Brown Stoneware Covered Pot #6
By Gustavsberg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mid Century Modern Gustavsberg Flameldfast Terma Brown Stoneware Covered Pot #6. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: 5" H x 11" W x 8.75" D.
Stoneware
Wilhelm Kage Dish ceramic 'Argenta' A 29 for Gustavsberg Sweden 1940s Marked
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Paris, IDF
WILHELM KÅGE. Dish, "Argenta", Gustavsberg, stoneware with silver decoration. Decor with silver woman, marked, height approx. 5 cm, diameter 32 cm. Marked and stamped Gustavsberg Arg...
Silver
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
"Nude Archers, " Rare Art Deco Dish Celebrating Stockholm Archery Competition
By Gustavsberg
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A rare and stunning example of the Argenta line of porcelain art wares produced by the Gustavsberg works in Sweden, characterized by a glowing, turquoise blue-green glaze decorated w...
Porcelain
Vintage Stig Lindberg For Gustavsberg Ceramic Tray, Dish 1950's, Sweden
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in North Miami, FL
This vintage chic Swedish Mid-Century Modern hallmarked Stig Lindberg glazed ceramic tray, dish or desk accessory is hallmarked in 2 places with numbers; Gustavsberg Sweden with a sy...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Set of 3 Vases Konvex by Karin Björquist Gustavsberg, Sweden
By Karin Björquist, Gustavsberg
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful vases, manufactured by Gustavsberg Sweden in the 1960s, designed by the very talented Karin Björquist. The vases have a beautiful form ...
Ceramic
'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg 1930
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Farsta, SE
'Carrara' Vase by Wilhelm Kåge, Gustavsberg 1930 A beautiful swedish modern stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze in great condition. Height: 20 cm/7.8 inch Diameter: 13 cm/5.1 inch ...
Stoneware
$6,957Sale Price|20% Off
Stig Lindberg Unique Huge bowl vase in black Glaze Tenmoku handmade Sweden 1977
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Ceramic
$2,319Sale Price|20% Off
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1970
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Ceramic
$6,957Sale Price|20% Off
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1978
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Ceramic
$6,030Sale Price|20% Off
Stig Lindberg Unique Vase in black Glaze Tenmoku Made by Hand Sweden 1970
By Gustavsberg, Stig Lindberg
Located in Forest, BE
Black glazed vase by Swedish master ceramicist Stig Lindberg. From light brown on the edges to dark black. It is the Japanese tenmoku glaze also used by the ancient Chinese. Elegant ...
Ceramic
Wilhelm Kage Dish 1035 I 'Argenta' for Gustavsberg Sweden 1940s Marked
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Paris, IDF
WILHELM KÅGE. Dish, "Argenta", model 1035 I, Gustavsberg, stoneware with silver decoration. Decor with mermaid, marked, height approx. 4.5 cm, diameter 30 cm. Marked Gustavsberg Arge...
Silver
Wilhelm Kage Vase ceramic ‘Argenta’ for Gustavsberg Sweden 1940s Marked
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Paris, IDF
WILHELM KÅGE. Vase with handle, "Argenta", Gustavsberg 1940s, green-glazed stoneware in the shape of a bottle, with decoration of silver leaf arrow/fish scale along the vase body an...
Silver
Stig Lindberg, ceramic faience bowl / bucket for Gustavsberg, 1950s
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Uppsala, SE
Ceramic faience bowl / bucket design by Swedish design legend Stig Lindberg for his long time collaborator Gustavsberg. Quite rare model a multicoloured plant on a white background. ...
Faience
Carl-arne Breger Plastic Watering Cans Pitchers Gustavsberg Sweden Black White
By Gustavsberg, Carl-arne Breger
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Pair of sculptural. Very good vintage condition, one retains paper label.
Plastic
Lidded vessel designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s, Floral
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Lidded vessel designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1950s. Signed.
Stoneware
Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Incised Stoneware Vase, Sweden
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Pasadena, CA
A sculptural stoneware vase designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden. The elongated form features a slender, gently flared neck rising from a cylindrical base, finished in a...
Ceramic, Earthenware
$1,995Sale Price|23% Off
Gustavsberg Argenta Vase, Swedish Art Deco
By Gustavsberg
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Stoneware vase with silver inlay, circa 1930s, Sweden. Free shipping within the United States and Canada.
Set of 2 White 'Vaga' Bowls by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful 'Våga' bowls. Stoneware with white 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Swedish Grace. Great condition. Stamped with...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 White 'Vaga' Bowls by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful 'Våga' bowls. Stoneware with white 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Swedish Grace. Great condition. Impressed wi...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 White 'Vaga' Bowls by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
Set of 2 beautiful 'Våga' bowls. Stoneware with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. 'Swedish Modern'. Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gusta...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 White 'Surrea' Vases by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of 2 beautiful 'Surrea' stoneware vases with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg Studio in Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Wilhelm Kåge was a Swedish artis...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White 'Surrea' Vase by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful 'Surrea' stoneware vase with 'Carrara' glaze. Made by Wilhelm Kåge at Gustavsberg in Sweden, 1940s. 'Swedish Modern' Excellent condition. Stamped 'Gustavsberg Studio ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Hare's Fur Stoneware Vase by Berndt Friberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1956
By Berndt Friberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Tall stoneware vase by Berndt Friberg in an elegant, drawn out bulbous shape. Warm brown hare’s fur glaze blends into beige tones. Signed "Friberg,...
Stoneware
Vase ‘Surrea’ designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Wilhelm Kage, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Vase ‘Surrea’ designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s. Stoneware with Carrara glaze. The ‘Surrea’ vase was made by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg in 1940. The Swede b...
Stoneware
Farsta Bowl by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg Studio
By Gustavsberg, Wilhelm Kage
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A large, glazed stoneware Farsta bowl with hand inscribed Asian calligraphic inspired decoration. Signed 'Kage,' Studio Gustavsberg,' on underside, a...
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase “Veckla” Designed by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, 1940s
By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stig Lindberg’s “Veckla” vases belong to a limited series of sculptural stoneware works produced by Gustavsberg from the late 1940s into the 1950s. The name “Veckla,” meaning “folded...
Stoneware