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, Dish, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware dish designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.75"H x 10.45"W ...
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 Porcelain Vase in White Glaze, 1964
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Blanc de Chine Vase design by Swedish Ceramist Gunnar Nylund for Hellerupis (Hellerup Ice Cream) in Denmark. The front depicts a woman making ice cream. This vase was made as a com...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Mid-Century 1950s
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
A Uranium Yellow Hedgehog vase - Chamotte - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces/vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Great looking vases with that caracteristc harefur glaze. Good v...
Ceramic
"Man, Woman and Horses, " Striking Art Deco Covered Urn by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gorgeously glazed in tones of rust, sable, ivory and chocolate, this unique lidded urn with foliated pinnacle and curving handles depicts a man with upraised arms and rearing horse o...
Porcelain
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Circus Scenes", Unique Art Deco Covered Urn w/ Ringmaster & Horse Rider
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Although this unique covered urn captures circus scenes that are decidedly populist in nature, this piece is highly sophisticated and emphatically Art Deco. Note the repeated geomet...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund Bowl by Nymølle, Turquoise-Blue Glaze 1960s - Mid-century Denmark
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik
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
Large White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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 it being slightly...
Ceramic, 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
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
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1936 for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Impressed 'NYLUND', 'CHAMOTTE', 'S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Chamottered stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 16 H cm.
Ceramic
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Gunnar Nylund, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, Akta Brons
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Bronze
$329Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic miniature bowl known as "ARU" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A stunning hand-made vintage miniature stoneware pottery bowl with a classic design known as "ARU" design by very talented Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. What makes this bowl very spec...
Ceramic
Ceramic dish / catch all by Gunnar Nylund.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Ceramic dish / catch all by Gunnar Nylund. Model ASZ for Rörstrand. Sweden circa 1960's.
Ceramic, Pottery
Unique Brown Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
Mid-Century Sky Blue & Copper Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
This lovely Mid-Century Modernist Sky Blue & Copper Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vase features an elegantly curved profile and...
Ceramic
Green Porcelain Vase "Collier", Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Mid century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase of model "Collier" designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14 cm (5,6") high and about 13 cm (5,2") in diameter. It´s in mint condition. Gunnar Nylund was...
Porcelain
Modernist stoneware table lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking table lamp by Gunnar Nylund, made in chamotte stoneware in Nylund’s “Hedgehog” model. The clean form contrasts with the craggy surface. Vibran...
Stoneware
Unique Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, stoneware vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern / Midcentury
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase with beautiful hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand, Sweden mid-1900s. Marked Nylund and Rörstand. In good condition, smaller signs of age and wear. About...
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 a tapering form with a wide mouth, perfect for flowers. Embossed, graphic pattern with celodon green glaze and “Mimosa” flecks. Gunnar ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, made in Sweden, marked on the bottom, in matte enamel, 1960s. Dimensions: Height 22 cm, diameter 8 cm.
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Asaa, DK
Swedish Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern teapot in glazed stoneware with braided bamboo handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund, made ...
Ceramic
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 12 H cm.
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowl Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
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
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Teapot by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stoneware teapot by Gunnar Nylund, in a smooth, plump form with four chunky feet. Eggshell glaze with “Mimosa” flecks and a rattan handle. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most i...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Brown Speckled Vase, Rörstrand, Mid Century, Circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown speckled vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 28 cm (11.2") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some m...
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
Set of 2 Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Oval Ceramic Bowls Scandinavian, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 4 wonderful vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. The Vases are made in nice sculptural shape and with wonderful glaze. ...
Ceramic
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco dish with crackle glaze. Details in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Ceramic Carafe/Vase with Rare Pattern, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic carafe / vase with blue glaze and rare pattern by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition. Beautiful decorative shape ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
‘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
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
$1,592Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Green Chamotte Stoneware Table Lamp. Rörstrand, 1950s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Rare Large Milk-White Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Large Milk-White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s The vase is marked as 1st quality and is in excellent condition. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 12” H x 5.7” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (in...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
An orange, glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 8.5” Height x 5.625” Diameter Dimensions of ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Blue Glazed, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hammarö, SE
Designed by the celebrated Swedish ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, this sculptural chamotte stoneware vase is a striking example of Scandinavian Modern ceramics from the ...
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
Gunnar Nylund Animal Sculpture of Weasel in Nature for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage animal sculpture/figurine of a weasel in nature by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The sculpture is made of st...
Stoneware
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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
GUNNAR NYLUND. A floor vase, Rörstrand 1950’s, stoneware, harp fur glaze in brown shades. Signed. H 17.3″.
Ceramic
$423Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Oblong ceramic "ASX" tray / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. This is one of the harder to find pieces and it has the most beautiful blue, slightly green ...
Ceramic
Large table lamp “Rubus”, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Large-scale Swedish stoneware lamp, model Rubus, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in the 1940s. A sculptural and expressive design within Swedish modern, characterized by its ...
Stoneware, Teak
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "ARO" Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "ARO" bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimen...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, 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. Sold without Lampshade Dimensions of Lamp (inches) : 15.37 x 5.25 x 5.25 (...
Stoneware
"Cavorting Mermaids", Sensuous, Unusual Art Deco Flambe Vase w/ Gold by Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Highly unusual and very sensuous, this richly decorated Flambé vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand porcelain works depicts a group of four mermaids cavorting and dancing with an arra...
Porcelain
Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Ystad-Metall, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-painted metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Fits 0.8” diameter candles
Metal, Brass