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 Flambé Large Bowl, Rörstrand, Mid-20th Century, 33.5 cm Wide
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl in Flambé technique designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 5.5 cm (2.2") High and 33.5 cm (13.4") Wide. It has a motif of a woman. The bowl is in excellent...
Ceramic
Swedish Table 'Rubus' Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1940-50
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Table 'Rubus' Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1940-50 Height: 18 cm/7 inch Diameter: 11.5 cm/4.5 inch
Stoneware
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Stromberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in CABA, AR
Introducing a striking example of mid-century modern design: the transparent glass vase with bubbles underlay, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Stromberg, Sweden, in the 1950s. This exq...
Art Glass
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 14 cm high and it has a lovely brown har fur glaze, it´s in mint condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nyl...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Purple Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
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 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
"Shore Leave, " Sailors at Port with Female Escorts, Rare Art Deco Form, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Suggestive of the work of Charles Demuth in its focus on sailors on leave, and its smudgy, atmospheric depiction of men and women on the edge of society, this large and important vas...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund Bronze Bowl, Scandinavian Modern Design, Sweden, 1940s
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
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
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
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
A Rebus series model 12 vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown and yellow tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very good v...
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
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 mossy green. Crafted by Rorstrand in the 1960s, and inscribed {R Sweden GN}.
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
Mid Century Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund's Glazed Stoneware Vase made for Rörstrand, circa 1950s. Incised signature and studio mark to underside: [R Rubus GN Sweden 9]. Image 7: Gun...
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, 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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed incised stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 15.75” H x 4.35” Diameter Dimensions ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
This vintage brown stoneware vase, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Ršrstrand in Sweden, is a perfect addition to any collection. Its sleek design and glazing make it a timeless piece. ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
This Gunnar Nylund vase features a unique brown and yellow-glazed stoneware design, crafted in Ršrstrand, Sweden in the 1950s. Add a touch of vintage sophistication to your home deco...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Blue and Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimension (inches): 9.25"H x 2.65"W x 2.65"D All items ship from ...
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
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 Gunnar Nylund, Wilhelm Kage, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
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
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
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
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, ARO Model, Scandinavian Modern, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Ceramic bowl model ARO Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
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, almost egg shaped, with a narrow tipp. Glazed in shades of blue with a speckled pattern. Made by Rörstrand in th 1950´s. Sig...
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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gun...
Ceramic, 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
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund S...
Ceramic
White 1960s Eggshell Glazed Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gray Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Modern, Sweden, 1950s
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
Scandinavian Ceramic Bowl, Model ASH
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic bowl, model ASH. Brown and yellow glazure. Signed.
Ceramic
A set of four vases by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Swedish modern, 1940´s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A set of Gunnar Nylund vases and pitchers for Rörstrand, Stockholm, Sweden. Made in the 1940´s. Earthy colourings in different glazes. Overall good vintage condition. The dark pitch...
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, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s Modern Design
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
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
Mid-Century Black Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Design
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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 Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund Table Lamp in Brown and Pale Olive Glaze Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
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
"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
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
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