Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Chamotte 'Hedgehog' Series, Sculpted Topaz Vase
About the Item
- Creator:Gunnar Nylund (Designer),Rörstrand (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 6.3 in (16 cm)Diameter: 4.93 in (12.5 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:Ceramic,Glazed
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1950s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
- Seller Location:Frome, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU6310230714932
Gunnar Nylund
Swedish artist-designer Gunnar Nylund — who worked at iconic porcelain manufacturer Rörstrand for decades — was never satisfied with the status quo. He played with organic shapes, rich colors and dazzling patterns to create some of the most exquisite ceramic and porcelain sculptures, vessels and other furnishings and decor of the 20th century.
Born in Paris to artists Fernanda Jacobsen-Nylund and Felix Nylund, Gunnar lived in Finland as a child but when the Finnish Civil War broke out in 1918, he moved with his mother to her native Denmark. He initially pursued architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts but cut his schooling short when he accepted a position at the Bing & Grøndahl porcelain factory, where he worked for artist Paul Gauguin’s son, Jean, for several years, creating a range of stoneware pieces.
Dissatisfied with the factory's traditional approach to art, Nylund moved on from Bing & Grøndahl and sought to create works in a modernist style. In 1929, Nylund and chemist Nathalie Krebs opened their own ceramics workshop called Saxbo in Saxbo, Denmark. The company’s works garnered praise at a Svenskt Tenn exhibition, and the prestigious Swedish manufacturer Rörstrand offered Nylund a position as creative director.
While he later worked for Nymolle Ceramic Factory in Denmark for a short period, Nylund produced his most famous works while employed by Rörstrand. Fresh ideas and methods intrigued Nylund and he was always eager to try new techniques at the manufacturer. He worked in the Art Deco style, creating warm-toned matte-glazed stoneware sculptures and ceramic tableware that are devoid of lavish ornamentation. Later, he crafted numerous figurines and highly stylized animal sculptures. Nylund’s work can be found at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, the Designmuseum Denmark and elsewhere.
Find vintage Gunnar Nylund serveware, sculptures and vessels on 1stDibs.
Rörstrand
Before Rörstrand and its contemporaries introduced ceramic serveware to Europe, people primarily ate off of metal plates. The Swedish ceramics company was pivotal in bringing porcelain from China to the Western world, and today, vintage Rörstrand ceramics are highly prized by collectors.
The company began in 1726 at Rörstrand Castle in Stockholm, under the direction of master porcelain maker Johann Wolff. Early works bore no stamp or seal to mark their origin, as the company had no competitors at the time. Once competing companies made inroads into the porcelain market, Rörstrand began to stamp its products.
With the rising demand for ceramic tableware, Rörstrand pieces filled the cabinets in the houses of the nobility, royalty and the social elite of Sweden and surrounding nations. The 1800s saw many technological advances for the company, as it began using steam presses to emboss patterns into material. The 20th century brought the company to international markets after it presented its Art Nouveau pieces at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris.
As Sweden was a neutral country during the world wars, Rörstrand was able to continue producing, whereas other companies shut down or shifted to making items for the war effort. Swedish artist-designer Gunnar Nylund created his most famous works — warm-toned matte-glazed Art Deco stoneware and more — while employed by Rörstrand. During the 1950s, Rorstrand brought on master porcelain maker Marianne Westman, lovingly referred to as “the Porcelain Mother.” Her design, the Rörstrand Mon Amie, became one of the company’s leading sellers. It was among many popular designs that she and her team developed. Westman continued with the company through the 1960s when it brought on other notable talents, such as designer Inger Persson.
In 1976, the company celebrated 250 years, and the Rörstrand Museum opened in Lidköping, holding over 15,000 pieces created by the historic ceramics manufacturer.
With almost 300 years of history, Rörstrand has survived numerous shifts in culture and design preferences, maintaining its heritage style, while smoothly adapting to new trends. With each decade, the company has debuted new designs, glazes, patterns and technologies, bringing new innovations and intriguing twists to traditional work.
Find vintage Rörstrand serveware, decorative objects, lighting and more on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala Ekeby, 1957 'Chamotte' Series Modernist Floor VaseBy Upsala Ekeby, Ingrid AtterbergLocated in Frome, GBThis statement work of Mid-Century Modern design is by Ingrid Atterberg, (b. 1920 - d. 2008) a celebrated epitome for illustrious 20th century Swedish ceramic design. Atterberg was a...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsEarthenware
- Ingrid Atterberg for Upsala Ekeby, 1957-59 'Chamotte' Series Modernist VaseBy Ingrid Atterberg, Upsala EkebyLocated in Frome, GBThis awesome work of Mid-Century Modern design is by Ingrid Atterberg, (b. 1920 - d. 2008) a celebrated epitome for illustrious 20th-century Swedish ceramic design. Atterberg was als...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsEarthenware
- Albert Hallam for Beswick, Zebrette Series Zebra Stripe Décor Modernist VaseBy Albert Hallam, BeswickLocated in Frome, GBThis vivid work of of mid-century Modernist design is by Albert Hallam for British Pottery Beswick, a firmly celebrated name in British ceramics design. The stylised and elegant bottle form rested against the draped cushioning is just one of a range of creative and unexpected designs found in the Zebrette series. The semi-matte satin glaze décor is a base of Chiffon cream that is overlaid with the hand-painted Sable black stripes. The interior is an application gloss glaze in Bumblebee yellow, creating a striking contrast. This elegantly striking piece is stylistically contemporary and yet also prominently of the mid-century vivaciousness, the combination of the form with the colour palette and condition makes it a rare find. Condition Excellent. There are no chips or repairs. The most significant wear is movement marks that is on the underside of the base and mild crazing that is commensurable with the age of the piece. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report. The underside of the base bears the inscription 'BESWICK, ENGLAND' and the model number '1343', accompanied by the Beswick stamp and the text 'REGISTRATION APPLIED FOR'. Measurements Height: c. " 9.8 / 25 cm. Width: c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm (across widest point). Rim measurements: c. 3.1" / 7.8 cm. Depth: c. 9.6" / 24.5 cm. Base measurements: c. 4.4" / 11.2 cm x c. 5.7" / 14.6 cm. A Bit Of History Beswick Pottery 1892 - 2002 The Beswick firm was founded as 'J W Beswick' in 1892 by James Beswick and his sons in Staffordshire and originally produced tableware and ornaments. Following James Beswick's death in 1921, his grandson John took over and continued to expand the business. In 1934, introduced a new range of jugs, bowls and vases decorated with new matte glazes. Responding to the Modernist design influence of the time, many of these highly distinctive shapes were designed by Mr Symcox. These works were often decorated in 'satin-matte' glazes using soft pastel colours running into each other or arranged in striking modern geometric blocks and lines. Beswick would go on to become known for their ceramic animal figures before being taken over by Royal Doulton in 1969 and finally closing in the early 2000s. Little is known about the life and background of Albert Hallam. However, it is known that Hallam joined Beswick at the age of 14 as apprentice mould maker and in due course became the head of mould making. His model of the Norwegian Fjord Horse is a sought after collectible today. It is also known that Hallam contributed to hundreds of designs in the 1940s alone. Together with other well-known Beswick designers such as Colin Melbourne...Category
Vintage 1950s British Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsCeramic
- Hjordis Oldfors for Upsala Ekeby, 1954 'Kokos' 'Coconut' Series, Modernist VaseBy Hjordis Oldfors, Upsala EkebyLocated in Frome, GBThis elegant work of Swedish Mid Century Modern design is by Hjördis Oldfors (b. 1920 - d. 2014) for Upsala Ekeby. Oldfors was a celebrated Swedish ceramicist, painting, and textile ...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsCeramic, Stoneware
- Vicke Lindstrand 'Colora' series for Kosta, Modernist Lapis and Cobalt Blue VaseBy Vicke Lindstrand, Kosta BodaLocated in Frome, GBThis sleek work of Scandinavian Modern art glass is by Vicke Lindstrand (b. 1904 - d. 1983). Lindstrand is considered one of the most influential 20th-century glass artists and a gla...Category
Vintage 1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsArt Glass
- Mari Simmulson for Upsala Ekeby, Iris Series, Blue and White Stripe Polka VaseBy Upsala Ekeby, Mari SimmulsonLocated in Frome, GBThis delicious work of Swedish Mid-Century Modern design is by Mari Simmulson (b. 1911- d. 2000) for Upsala Ekeby. Simmulson was a celebrated Swedish ceramics designer and ceramicist...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsCeramic, Stoneware
- A Green Hedgehog vase - Chamotte - Gunnar Nylund - RörstrandBy Gunnar Nylund, RörstrandLocated in Stockholm, SEA green Hedgehog-vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 11 cm (4.4") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as the photo shows. Gunnar Nylund is born in Par...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsStoneware
- A White Hedgehog vase - Chamotte - Gunnar Nylund - RörstrandBy Gunnar Nylund, RörstrandLocated in Stockholm, SEA white Hedgehog-vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 11 cm (4.4") high and in excellent condition except from some minor marks. The vase is marked as the photo shows. ...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsStoneware
- Gunnar Nylund Magenta Chamotte, Porcelain Vase for Rorstrand, 1950sBy Rörstrand, Gunnar NylundLocated in Copenhagen, DKExceptional Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern handmade chamotte clay and porcelain vase by acclaimed Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Chamotte body with shiny deep raspber...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsStoneware, Pottery, Porcelain, Ceramic
- Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Scandinavian Modern White Chamotte Vase, Sweden 1940By Gunnar Nylund, RörstrandLocated in Miami, FLREDUCED FROM $280....Exquisite creation by Gunnar Nylund (1914–1997) during his tenure as artistic director of Rörstrand from 1932 through the 1950s. The vase has a glossy white glaz...Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsCeramic, Pottery
- Grey Stoneware Vases Chamotte, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian ModernBy Gunnar Nylund, RörstrandLocated in Stockholm, SEA vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 18.5 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some minor marks. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsStoneware
- Pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" Vases by Gunnar Nylund for RörstrandBy Rörstrand, Gunnar NylundLocated in Stockholm, SEA pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. The name Chamotte indicates the large fragments of crushed earthenware pieces that was applied in the glace ...Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vases
MaterialsCeramic