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.
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 1st q...
Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand Sweden Ceramic Leaf Bowl Tray 1940-1956
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking vintage bowl, platter, dish, or tray features abstract leaf form with distinct celadon green glaze with delicate mottled effect. The textured surfaces allow the glaze to po...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Mid-Century Swedish Vase, Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Paradiso Series
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This wonderful vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand is from the Paradiso series. This beautiful trumpet form vase is decorated in relief all over, with foliate forms and geom...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund 'Rubus' Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1965
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Gunnar Nylund, Floor Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Collection of 4 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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): 10.0625” Height x 5.3125” Diameter Dimensions ...
Stoneware
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco vase. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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. Great condition, some small glaze spots. Incised signature "G.N....
Ceramic, Stoneware
Small Brown Ceramic Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gustavsberg, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful mid-century stoneware table lamp with amazing glaze Made by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition. Signed 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R'. So...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage, Scandinavian Design
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20 cm (8") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor scratches and marks in the glaze, it is marked a...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Big Vase 1950s Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedish ceramic artist and designer known for his significant contributions to the field of ceramic art and pottery. He was a prominent figur...
Stoneware
Green Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely green glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") high and 7 cm (2.8") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st qualit...
Ceramic
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1
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 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Gunnar Nylund, Blue Speckled Stoneware Table Lamp for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Gustavsberg, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful mid-century stoneware table lamp with amazing glaze. Made by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great original condition. Signed 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R'. S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
$8,142Sale Price / set|30% Off
Gunnar Nylund Pair Ceramics Table Lamps, Sweden 1940 New Belgian Linen Shade
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Forest, BE
This is an elegant and rare pair of table lamps. Each hand made creation is unique so it's a pair but with slight differences which make every lamps unique. These are real lamps, not...
Ceramic, Linen
Midcentury Modern Large Vase Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large, unusual stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s is gifted with light brown/green/red harefur glaze. And it has that stunning look of Nylunds great craftsmanship. It really gives a great impression. Signed Rörstrand Nylund...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a rounded form. Glazed war ochre brown with a lighter brown line around the top and inside the opening. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most ...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces, two vases and one bowl from Rörstrand and maker, designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Exceptional glazed vases with wonderful curves. Thi...
Ceramic
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
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
Unique Blue Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase of the highest quality with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Excellent condition. N...
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Uranium Yellow Hedgehog vase - Chamotte - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique uranium yellow Hedgehog-vase in chamotte designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 21 cm (8.4") tall and in excellent condition. This vase is unique or a sample from Gun...
Stoneware
Pure White And Gold, Crown Bowl Set By Gunnar Nylund For Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Fabulous set of three Crown bowls, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden Beautifully crafted fine porcelain of the purest white, each decorated with bright gilded bands Bel...
Porcelain
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 glaze that alternates between purple and clear blue in dramatic splashes.
Stoneware
Large table lamp by GUNNAR NYLUND
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large stoneware vase now a table lamp designed by GUNNAR NYLUND for Rostrand, Sweden , circa 1950th. " Rubus" series. Medium brown textured glaze. Marked by manufacturer. Newly rewi...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Earthy Tone Ceramic Table Lamp Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful table lamp in ceramic named Rubus and designed by one of the ceramic designer icons from Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This one with incredible colors working together with the all...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.12"H x 6.0"W x 5.0"D All items ship from Hig...
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. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to a minor chip from...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Stoneware Vases - Speckled Green Glaze - Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 24.5 cm high and it is in mint condition. It has a stunning light green speckled glaze that is very rare to find. Gunnar ...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowl Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful blue glaze on these 2 vases and bowl from Rörstrand Sweden, designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. They are all in good vintage condition. Dimensions: Large vase H ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Glazed Ceramic Table Lamp, Model 669, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s. The base is marked on the bottom with Rörstrand’s symbol (R), "GN" for Gunnar...
Ceramic, Fabric
$260Sale Price|50% Off
1950s Gunnar Nylund White Golden Leaf Vide Poche, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Crisp white organic leaf shaped vide poche dish with golden accents by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in the 1950s. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. Sw...
Porcelain
Stunning Green Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green bowl with a stunning glaze below, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 6.5 cm (2.6") tall and 21.5 cm (8.6") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition, ma...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Bowl Rörstrand AXK Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful largest model of the AXK bowl manufactured in the 1950s at Rörstrand, designed by Gunnar Nylund. The bowl has a wonderful glaze and it lifts the shape of the bowl to a won...
Ceramic
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed in 1942 by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstran...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$139Sale 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
Gunnar Nylund Vase by Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Gunnar Nylund Pitcher-Form Brown Stoneware Vase
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 26.5 cm (10,6) high. It´s close to mint condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Bowl by Nymølle, Turquoise-Blue Glaze 1960s - Mid-century Denmark
By Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Beautifully shaped bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) Made by Nymølle in Denmark in the 1960s. It has a vivid turquoise-blue glaze over a radiating pattern. Signed G.N. for...
Ceramic
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
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
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gray Speckled ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray speckled ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17 cm (6.8") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as th...
Stoneware
Group of 3 Brown Ceramic Vases - Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund - Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of three vases designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 16 - 24 cm tall and in excellent condition. The tallest one is marked as 2nd quality...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
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
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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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, Vase, Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
Gunnar Nylund's 1950s vase, made of brown-glazed stoneware, showcases the expert craftsmanship of Ršrstand in Sweden. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s Model 'ARN', first grade quality. Height: 20 cm/7.8 inch Diameter: 8 cm/3.1 inch Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedis...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Lidded Box by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace lidded box of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porsl...
Ceramic, Stoneware