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.
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown, yellow and gray tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very ...
Ceramic
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
"Grape Carriers, " Striking and Unique Art Deco Bowl w/ Wine Motif by Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a Black male figure paired with a white female figure carrying clusters of grapes and ancient wine jars, this unique and striking Art Deco ...
Porcelain
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
Pair of Mid-Century Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully textured Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originate from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vases feature a rounded bod...
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
"Nude with Dove, " Rare Art Deco Bowl by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before he became known for his organic forms and gorgeous glazes for the famous Rorstrand ceramic works in Sweden, Gunnar Nylund designed a line of very fine Art Deco pieces in what ...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed incised stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. “SWEDEN 669” stamp on bottom Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7.25” H ...
Stoneware
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Incised with makers mark. Gunnar N...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White Art Deco Chamotte Candlesticks by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Wilhelm Kage, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful white candlesticks in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s Great condition. No chips, cracks or ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Caolina Vase White Glazed Stoneware Carrara Rörstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Basel, BS
Gunnar Nylund ‚Caolina‘ vase in white glazed stoneware, designed in 1955 for Rörstrand factory in Sweden. 1st class quality sorting, very good c...
Stoneware
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, 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
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Si...
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
Swedish Ceramic Tray by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Organic stoneware tray designed by Gunnar Nylund. Swedish Modern ceramic hand made at Rörstrand in Stockholm during the 1940s. Leave shape with a greyish to eggshell glaze. Gunnar ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Bronze
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Ar...
Ceramic
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. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with parents who wor...
Ceramic
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 Stoneware Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Porcelain "Carolina" Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund For Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautifully shaped "Carolina" vase with a blue / black matte feldspar glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950's for Rörstrand Procelain Works in Denmark. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, mid century modern, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Available here is a rare vase made by Gunnar Nylund. Organically shaped in a brown glaze with vertical stripes. Made by Rörstrand in the 1950´s. Good original condition.
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
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
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl Model ARO by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic bowl model ARO designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic 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 Bowl, Model ASH
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic bowl, model ASH. Brown and yellow glazure. Signed.
Ceramic
Rörstrand Brown and Blue Haresfur Leaf-Shaped Tray by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Rörstrand brown and blue haresfur leaf-shaped tray by Gunnar Nylund. Model ARQ. Some cooking bubbles. Signed.
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Rare Footed Bowl, Stoneware Ceramic Blue and Brown
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare footed bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Wonderful glaze with a amber body and tones of brown to blue. Unique design with footed base. Signed on underside with the "...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Bronze
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
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 matching and original condition and signed by the artist. D...
Stoneware
Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A ceramic bowl made by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, 1950's. Model AXA, made in the shape of a heart. Good condition. Second sorting.
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
Scandinavian Ceramic Pichet, Model AXQ
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic pichet, model AXQ signed.
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
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
Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Classic brown and beige-glazed stoneware bowls designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund, born in Paris in 1904 to parents engaged in sculptin...
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 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
"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
Swedish Mid-Century Miniature Vase 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, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pale Blue 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
Sculpture Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950’s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950’s. Stoneware and wood. Signed. Dimensions: H: 17.5 cm / 6 3/4" W: 20 cm / 8” D: 13.5 cm / 5 1/3” Gunnar Nylund was...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Wood
1950s Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Signed Stoneware Bowl - Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Scandinavian / Swedish Mid-Century Modern / Retro design deep plate / bowl in glazed ceramic / stoneware from the 1950s by Gunnar Nylund (Sweden, 1904–97) for Rörstrand/Rors...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vase in brown glazed ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1960.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$2,282 / set
Rörstrand Vase + Dish, Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los angeles, CA
Rörstrand Vase + Dish Dimensions: 1.5"H x 6.5"W x 4.25"D 6"H x 2.5"Dia
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1967's Model 5 Vase from Eterna Collection
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Mexico City, MX
Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1967 for the Eterna Collection this cylindric, ocre and yellow glazed vase is a beautiful piece of Swedish ceramic design. Signed with Rörstrand "R", GN ...
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
Stoneware sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Stoneware. Signed.
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
Scandinavian jug by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This Scandinavian jug, model AST, is designed by Gunnar Nylund for the editor Rörstrand in the 1960s. It is in very good condition.
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 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
$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 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