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.
A Set of two Ceramic Bowls "Rubus" Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Set of Two Ceramic Pieces, Rubus, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden. The bowls has a silky, textured surface with brown, green and yellow colors and faint glaze with a matt finish. G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces, Rubus, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Midcentury Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces, Rubus, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden. The set contains one vase, one bowls, one bowl/tray. 2 pieces first quality, and 1 piece in second quali...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in the 1940s. Glaze with burnt brown tones. Very good vintage condition with light wear and patina. Dimensions: H....
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in the 1940s. Glaze with burnt brown tones. Very good vintage condition with light wear and patina. Dimensions: H....
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Model "NSZ", Red-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A red-glazed stoneware vase, "NSZ" Model, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A white, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.31" Height x 3.75" Diameter All items ship from Hi...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown, glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7.125” Height x 4.1875” Diameter Dimensions of...
Stoneware
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, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
An orange glazed earthenware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.5" Height x 2.75" Diameter All items ship from...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges. In...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm) Width 6 1/4" (16cm) Depth 4 3/4" (12cm) Incised "R (three crowns) Swed...
Stoneware
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
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
Two Mustard Yellow Ceramic Plates by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two ceramic plates from the Eterna series, designed by Gunnar Nylund and fabricated by Rörstrand.
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
$14,953 / 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
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in har fur glaze green enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund. 1950's Gunnar Nylund was born in Pari...
Ceramic
White 1960s Eggshell Glazed Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the 1960s eggshell glazed ceramic vase in white by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. It comes in a female elegant form and sober white eggshell glazed silky matte surface. The v...
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
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 Bowl Produced in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Bronze
Art Deco Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
Set of 3 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful porcelain crown window bowls. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First sorting. Stamped 'Rörstrand' and 'Sweden'....
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
$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
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
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 Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceramic floor vase 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
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
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1964's Mustard Flower Vase from Petitess Collection
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
A mottled brown and yellow deep sided round shaped dish by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A mottled brown and yellow deep sided round shaped ceramic dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Rebus Series #8. Inscribed on the bottom with the makers and the manufacturer’s mark.
Ceramic
$1,200
Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in hare's fur glaze of yellow and mustard by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the bottom by both the creator and manufacturer's mark.
Ceramic
"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
"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
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
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 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 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
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 "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
Danish truncated cone table lamp in matte blue stoneware by Gunnar Nylund 1960.
By Gunnar Nylund, Nymolle
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
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
1960s Gunnar Nylund Brown Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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 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
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
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