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.
Two Mustard Yellow Ceramic Plates by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two ceramic plates from the Eterna series, designed by Gunnar Nylund and fabricated by Rörstrand.
Ceramic
Swedish ceramic floor lamp "Rubus" series by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1960.
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Adorable, iconic Scandinavian "Rubus" table lamp designed by Swedish ceramic artist and designer Gunnar Nylund. This lovely glazed ceramic lamp features warm, soft, brown tones inspi...
Ceramic
Art Deco Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase. Beautiful glaze with foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Impre...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ceramic Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions: (W x D x H): 14.5 ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Vase, Eggshell Glaze, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Vase, Vessel, Jug, Eggshell Glaze, 1940s Stoneware jug, vase, or vessell designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden in the ...
Stoneware
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Additional Information: Material: Stoneware, cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (...
Stoneware
Glass Vase in Yellow by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Yellow by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H):...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund Vase Model ARZ Produced by Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase model ARZ designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s Swedish ceramic vase, vessel, or jug designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden circa 1960s. G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$14,870 / set
Set of 9 Glass Vases by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 9 Glass Vases by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H):...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund, Large Brown Glazed Vase, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully glazed mid-century vase executed by Gunna Nylund for the venerable Swedish based ceramics firm Rorstrand. Signed.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, mid century modern, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Here we have a beautiful vase by Gunnar Nylund. Bulbous base with a narrow stem, and glazed i light colours. Made by Rörstrand in th 1950´s. Good original condition.
Ceramic
Vase in brown glazed ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1960.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Superb single-flower vase pitcher in chocolate brown glazed ceramic with a white rim, AUP model, monogrammed and marked under the base. An extremely refined object of great finesse a...
Ceramic
Glass Vase in Purple by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Purple by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H):...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bronx, NY
Stoneware collection of 3 Chamotte vases by Gunanr nylund by Rörstrand Sweden, heavy colorful shiny glazes signed by the artist on the bottom.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Ceramic Bowl, Model ASH
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic bowl, model ASH. Brown and yellow glazure. Signed.
Ceramic
Glass Vase in Black by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Black by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan...
Glass
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H:...
Stoneware
Glass Vase in Blue by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Blue by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 1...
Glass
Vintage Swedish Stoneware Vase Eterna by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
Elegant Mid-Century Modern stoneware vase from the 'Eterna' series designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, circa 1960s. The vase features a tall cylindrical form with a str...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Glass Vase in Gray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Gray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 9...
Glass
Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Zurich, CH
Beautiful vase in Chamotte ceramic in blue glazed finish made for Rörstrand, the vases were made from the 1930 - 1960's - beautiful piece and in very good vintage condition
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960s Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Ceramic Vase Model AUF Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions: (...
Ceramic
$1,400 / set
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Planters
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1977) Ceramic Planters circa. 1930. Made with lattice design work and stamped with a production seal at the bottom.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Large Ceramic Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare and large ceramic floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Bronze
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Ceramic. Fawn by Gunar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian ceramic. Fawn by Gunar Nylund.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Ceramic Pichet, Model AXQ
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic pichet, model AXQ signed.
Ceramic
Rörstrand Brown and Blue Haresfur Leaf-Shaped Tray by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Rörstrand brown and blue haresfur leaf-shaped tray by Gunnar Nylund. Model ARQ. Some cooking bubbles. Signed.
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian ceramic by Gunnar Nylund: fish. Brown mat glazure, haze fur.
Ceramic
Swedish Mid-Century Small Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Ceramic
Table Lamp "Chamotte" by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic lamp in bulbous shape by Gunnar Nylund, composed of chamotte clay and glazed with a white colored luster glaze. Produced by Rörstrand. Stamped.
Ceramic
A Rebus Series Gunnar Nylund Plate for Rorstrand.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A motted brown and yellow deep sided round shaped ceramic dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Rebus Series #10. Inscribed on the bottom with the makers and the manufacturer’s mark.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Rebus Series Ceramic Vase, Mottled Glaze, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A ceramic vase with a mottled glaze in brown and yellow tones by Gunnar Nylund. Rebus series. Incised with maker's mark and designer's initials "R, GN, Sweden, 6."
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand Pitcher
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in beige by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the base with both the creator and manufacturer's mark. Very good vintage condition. No chips or ...
Ceramic
Urn Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1936
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Urn designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1936. Stoneware. Signed. Dimensions: H: 78.5 cm / 2' 7'' D: 53 cm / 21'' Exhibitions: In Paris 1937 at the World's Fair, Gunn...
Stoneware
"Nudes with Falcons, " Masterful Art Deco Covered Jar by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The largest "Flambe" piece we have ever offered, this covered jar with female nudes accompanied by falcons and leafing trees was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand pottery in Sw...
Porcelain
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
"Swans and Cygnets, " Important Art Deco Covered Jar by Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the most ambitious Art Deco pieces in the "Flambe" style we have seen, this covered jar was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand pottery in Sweden in the 1930s. Glazed in r...
Porcelain
"Sailing on the Nile, " Rare Covered Art Deco Box with Egyptian Pyramids
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking and rare, this round covered Art Deco box depicts two traditional boats with sails on the Nile River, with two of the great Pyramids of Egypt...
Porcelain
Table Lamp "Chamotte" by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic lamp in bulbous shape by Gunnar Nylund, composed of chamotte clay and glazed with a white colored luster glaze. Produced by Rörstrand. Stamped.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund "NSR" Dish Blueish Green Haresfur Glaze, Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "NSR" dish blueish green haresfur glaze, Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Table Lamp in Brown and Pale Olive Glaze Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund table lamp in brown and pale olive glaze Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s Brown and pale olive glaze with cream highlights. Light wear consistent with age and use, new pl...
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Gunnar Nylund vase in hare's fur glaze of tans and cinnamon. Crafted by Rörstrand and inscribed {R Sweden GN}.
Stoneware
Swedish mid-century set, vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1964's Mustard Flower Vase from Petitess Collection
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Mexico City, MX
Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1964 for the Petitess Collection this cylindric, mustard brown glazed vase with geometric relief is a beautiful piece of Swedish ceramic design. Signed w...
Ceramic
Scandinavian modern vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Small bowl and vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1950s. Both with beautiful earthy toned glaze. Dimensions of bowl: Height: 1.97 in (5 ...
Stoneware
Stoneware sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Stoneware. Signed.
Stoneware
Table Lamp "Chamotte" by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Göteborg, SE
The Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "Chamotte" Table Lamp in Mustard, crafted for Rörstrand, is a stunning example of mid-century Scandinavian design at its finest. Designed by the renowned ...
Ceramic, Clay
1960s Gunnar Nylund Brown Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Knebel, DK
Gunnar Nylund brown ceramic vase in good condition with glaze in shades of brown. Signed by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
Ceramic
Large Glazed Stoneware Vase with Handle by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Göteborg, SE
The vase is in good condition, but as this is a second-hand assortment, there are minor cosmetic flaws. See close-up of the vase. Overall, the vase is in very nice condition. Nice to...
Ceramic
Danish truncated cone table lamp in matte blue stoneware by Gunnar Nylund 1960.
By Nymolle, Gunnar Nylund
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Adorable Scandinavian lamp for a living room or office. A very elegant cylindrical stoneware structure topped with a delicate lampshade. Simple design, quality craftsmanship. The ele...
Stoneware
Monkey Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s, Glazed Stoneware
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware. Signed. H: 15.5 cm / 6'' W: 19 cm / 7 1/2'' D: 13.5 cm / 5 1/4''
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Vase Model AUF Produced by Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase model AUF designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Vase Model Caolina Produced by Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Caolina ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase Model Caolina Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Caolina ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowls Model Caolina by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 3 ceramic bowls model Caolina designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Table lamp, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950's, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A great table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund. Small in size and a great example of his style in the 1940's and 1950's. Signed and marked Rörstrand. Mid century modern. Glazed in brow...
Stoneware