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.
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of six pieces of stoneware vases & one bowl with stunning white glazes designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 9 -...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfab...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 6 Rörstrand Miniature Vases by Stålhane, Nylund & Lundgren 1950-1960's
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Bertil Lundgren, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful set of six signed Rörstrand miniature vases, all first quality. The set comprises two by Carl-Harry Stålhane, three by Gunnar Nylund, and one by Bertil Lundgren. Each vase ...
Ceramic
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Knivsta, SE
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s A beautiful set of four stoneware miniature vases by the Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for Rörstrand, o...
Stoneware
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997). Sweden. Chamottered stoneware with blue glaze. Marked by manifacturer. Minor chip.
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition, some small glaze spots. Incised signature "G.N....
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase with a lovely glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24,5 cm (9.8) high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze and marked as 1...
Ceramic
$141Sale Price|48% Off
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase with Tiger Taupé Glaze for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small cylindrical vase with Taupe glazes commonly called tiger. Designed by Gunnar Nylund and created in the workshop at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s. Fully signed and marked...
Stoneware
Off-White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing off-white glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second because of firing cracks to the under...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Ceramic Carafe/Vase with Rare Pattern, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic carafe / vase with blue glaze and rare pattern by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition. Beautiful decorative shape ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Factory second
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware Art Deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great original c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund 'Rubus' Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1965
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in The Hague, NL
This stoneware vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced in Sweden in the late 1960s. Nylund designed many classics for the Swedish ceramic factory Rörstrand. One of the most ...
Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Miniature Vases by Nylund & Stålhane. Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful yellow and brown stoneware miniature vases with amazing glaze. One of them is by Gunnar Nylund and two of them are by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rorstrand, Swe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Sommerso Crystal Art Glass Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Strömbergshyttan, Sweden, 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
A refined somerso art glass vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan, Sweden, 1950s. The vase is crafted in thick clear crystal with a beautifully suspended pale amber co...
Crystal
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörstrand. Great...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörs...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Grouping of Rorstrand Ceramic Vases By Gunnar Nylund & Carl Harry Stalhane 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Troy, MI
Superb grouping of three ceramic vessels by Rörstrand Sweden Circa 1950s Pitcher form SYE vase in muted blue glaze by Carl-Harry Stalhane 4 inch diameter 4.5 inch height Rust gla...
Ceramic
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing blue hare's fur glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Goo...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful vases from Rörstrand and maker or Designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful glazed vases in good condition. Measures: Height 26 cm, 17 cm...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Excellent condit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Black Stoneware Miniatures by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Berndt Friberg, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful black and brown stoneware miniatures with amazing glaze. Made by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Signed with 'GN' and makers ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Collection of 3 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of stunning pieces of ceramics made in Sweden during the 1950s. These pieces have been gathered and put together by us, carefully sorted and now ready to be g...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beige vase with a stunning beige glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 35 cm (14") tall. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze w...
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Unique Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörs...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A grand white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. There is a glaze miss on the inside of t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Small Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A small green and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Lovely Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue & green ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17.5 cm (7") high and about 17 cm (6.8") in diameter and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as the p...
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and makers mark "R" for Rörstra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of 7 Glass "Sommerso" Vases by Strömbergshyttan, Sweden
By Strombergshyttan, Gunnar Nylund, Asta Stromberg
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Beautiful set of seven "Sommerso" vases in purple and clear designed by Gunnar Nylund and Asta Strömberg in Sweden during the 1950s. Hand made with underlay glass technique (colored ...
Glass
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Bowl and Vase "Rialto" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This set of two ceramic pieces bowl and Vase was manufactured in Sweden for Rörstrand in the midcentury and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Very good condition. Measures: Bowl 16 x...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Exceptional quality over these vases produced in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. It was made in 1950s and has a nice shimmer glaze with fine lines. Part...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful stoneware vases and one bowl with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. First sorting. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised makers mark, Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Collection of 4 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of 4 stunning pieces of ceramics made in Sweden during the 1950s. These pieces have been gathered and put together by us, carefully sorted and now ready to be...
Ceramic
Purple Sommerso Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan Sweden, 1960s.
By Strombergshyttan, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Asaa, DK
Purple Sommerso Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful hand blown Swedish Mid-Century Modern small vase ...
Blown Glass
Gray Speckled Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely gray/blue speckled vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") high and 8.5 cm (3.4") in diameter. It is in mint...
Porcelain
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of eight beautiful stoneware vases with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and maker...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Rare Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Glazed stone ware.
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to a minor chip from...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised with signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely, brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24 cm (9.6) high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It´s in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund wa...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Midcentury Set of 8 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowls Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Brown / green collection of 8 vases and bowls from Rörstrand Sweden, designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. This collection contains vases and bowls ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s. “GN SWEDEN” stamp on bottom
Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classic shape. Beautiful dark purple glaze with clear blue undertones. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and...
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfab...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. I...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in brown bronze enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund.
Ceramic
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund ceramic monkey produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 8 x 8 x 35 c...
Ceramic
Green Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with an amazing green / dark turquoise speckled glaze. This is one of the most popular glazes on Gunnar Nylunds ceramics. The vase is des...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Groupe of 3 Earthy Vases Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have gathered a Groupe of 3 pieces, made at Rörstrand during the midcentury. The pieces are designed by Gunnar Nylund. Their slick minimalistic and elegant form make a perfect set...
Stoneware