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.
Green Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Beautiful Glaze - Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green/turquoise vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24.5 cm (7") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks and marked as 1st quality. G...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, 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. Factory second
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.25” H x 6” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Bowl and Vase "Rialto" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This set of two ceramic pieces bowl and Vase was manufactured in Sweden for Rörstrand in the midcentury and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Very good condition. Measures: Bowl 16 x...
Ceramic
Sculpture Ceramic Fish - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely fish sculpture in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 16.5 cm (6.6") high. It is in excellent condition except from some minor chips on the fish mouth. G...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$8,372Sale 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 Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand factory in the 1950s, Sweden. The brown golden glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape a...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking “Hedgehog” vase by Gunnar Nylund, made in chamotte stoneware. The clean form contrasts with the craggy surface. Eggshell white, glossy glaze. The model was introduced aroun...
Stoneware
Rare Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s The vase is marked as 1st quality and is in excellent condition. Heigth: 19 cm/7.4 inch Diameter: 8 cm/3.1 inch
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, 1940s.
Stoneware
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in an elegant, sleek form. Glazed white with a subtle “Mimosa” pattern. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and desi...
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware Art Deco / Scandinavian Modern bowl with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth hand-painted in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in an elegant, sleek form. Glazed white with a subtle “Mimosa” pattern. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and desi...
Stoneware
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Si...
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Gunnar Nylund Vases Chamotte Yellow Rörstrand Sweden 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Basel, BS
A pair of Gunnar Nylund vases for Rörstrand in Sweden, 1960s. Yellow glazed ‚Chamotte’ stoneware, marked underneath. Both in very good condition. Tall vase Height: 30 cm Width: 11 ...
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. Blue-brown textured glaze. Marked by manufacturer. Light scratch...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Mustard Yellow 'Chamotte' Table Lamp, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare table lamp was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden in the 1950s. The base is impressed with the Rörstrand logo, followed by “Nylund, Chamotte, Sve...
Stoneware, Fabric
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
An off-white glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.2” H x 4.25” Diameter Dimensions of Shad...
Stoneware
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund ceramic monkey produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Exceptional quality over these vases produced in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. It was made in 1950s and has a nice shimmer glaze with fine lines. Part...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Swedish Cream Vase ARO circa 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
Ceramic ARO Vase created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Cream hares fur glaze breaking to pale peach. Excellent condition. No chips. Mar...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Green Chamotte Stoneware Table Lamp. Rörstrand, 1950s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bromma, SE
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Chamotte Table Lamp in Green by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. The lamp was made in the 40's of chamotte clay and finished with a green colored lust...
Brass
Leaf shaped green Bowl Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century Scandinavia
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A leaf-shaped, green bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 28,5 x 13 cm (11.4" x 5.2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from a tiny chip near the b...
Ceramic
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Lidded Box by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Midcentury Brown Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 25cm, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 25 cm (10") high and 7 cm (2.8") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund wa...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7” H x 4.3” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase AUQ Jug Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Basel, BS
Gunnar Nylund stoneware vase, model AUQ in hues of brown, beige and black. Hand-crafted in the 1950s in Sweden for Rörstrand factory. First cla...
Stoneware
$267Sale 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
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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12” H x 4.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (i...
Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Platter by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware platter by Gunnar Nylund, with an embossed pattern. Dark brown glaze with celadon green “Mimosa” flecks. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicist...
Stoneware
Ifö Sweden "Lyx" Glass Wall Sconce Moss Green, Modern Bathroom Light, 1950s
By Lindner, Wilhelm Wagenfeld, Ifö Electric, Gunnar Nylund, Sigvard Bernadotte
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rare original vintage wall sconce from Ifö, Sweden. It is from the series "Lyx" designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s and it was manufactured circa 1950s to 1960s. It comes in a r...
Ceramic, Glass
$334Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Olive Green Zenit Vase, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Organic midcentury modern muted olive, sage green Rörstrand pitcher bottle vase from the Zenit series. Designed by acclaimed artist Gunnar Nylund in the 1960s. Chamotte clay with han...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Set of 2 "Chamotte" Table Lamps 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. Set of 2 available. Please no...
Ceramic
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rostrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rostrand, Circa 1950th. Signed R GN. H 9″.
Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful stoneware vases and one bowl with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. First sorting. Incise...
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, the undulating rim softens the form. Vivacious blue glaze with purple streaks. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers of the Swedish mid-century period. He was Rörstrand’s creative leader from 1931 until 1949 and as such propelled the artistic work at the factory and served as mentor to younger artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson. Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who brought ideas of democratizing stoneware and creating beautiful, qualitative and affordable everyday items for the people to Rörstand in the mid-1920s. The factory had at the time lost its former leading market position, but Nylund’s efforts gave it a great reboot. He designed ceramic kitchenware...
Stoneware
Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely, brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24 cm (9.6) high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It´s in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund wa...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Modern Tall Vase, Green Speckled Glaze, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 25.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ceramic dish / catch all by Gunnar Nylund.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malibu, CA
Ceramic dish / catch all by Gunnar Nylund. Model ASZ for Rörstrand. Sweden circa 1960's.
Ceramic, Pottery
Large stoneware table lamp by GUNNAR NYLUND for Rostrand
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 with little touch of blue. Marked by...
Stoneware
Mid-Cenury Modern "Chamotte" Vase in Corn Blue Color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-Century Modern "chamotte" vase in corn blue color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand. A small and wonderful vase named the "hedgehog". This example Is perfect. No chips or remarks, as t...
Ceramic
Black Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely black glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9 cm (3.6") high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Ceramic
Green Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands three c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "AXK" bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1950s. In good original condition signed and numbered by the a...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Scandinavian Tall Rörstrand "Rubus" Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden 1950s
By Arne Bang, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Saxbo, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall ceramic table lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. It´s part of the "Rubus" series and was designed and made in the 1950s to 1960s. The lamp has a structured, tactile s...
Ceramic, Fabric
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised makers mark, Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 33 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some scratching marks below (see photo) therefore it is marke...
Stoneware
Rare Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Glazed stone ware.
Ceramic
Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 45 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor scratches. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar...
Ceramic
Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in London, GB
Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed A large and distinctive ashtray table produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1950s. Designed by Gunnar N...
Ceramic
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful ceramic art deco vase. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. No chips, cracks or craz...
Ceramic
Set of 2 Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Oval Ceramic Bowls Scandinavian, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Lovely set of two small ceramic bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made circa 1950s. One bowl is covered with green haresfur glaze and...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Rubus Table Lamp for Rörstrand Sweden Scandinavian Modern Ceramic
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Ceramic table lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. It's part of the "Rubus" series and was designed and made in the 1950s-1960s. It has a structured, tactile surface with sem...
Ceramic, Fabric
Gunnar Nylund, Small Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A small green and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware