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 Animal Sculpture of Weasel in Nature for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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, 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
Blue & White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful "Banderillo" stoneware vase. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Stamped with signature 'G.N....
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. The vase has two g...
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 Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase Signed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern vase was realized by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden circa 1960. It features an hourglass form tapered body in glazed ceramic in a sophisticated...
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
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
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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. Excellent condit...
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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Miniature Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940/50s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Collection of six cute miniature stoneware vases by Gunnar Nylund. Beautiful glazes with a nice variety of shapes. Price is for the set. Height between 6.2-8 cm. Diameter between ...
Stoneware
$410Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Eterna Yellow Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: Gunnar Nylund, one of Sweden's leading ceramic artists, lived and worked all over Scandinavia being involved with Bing & Gröndahl in Denmark, Rörstrand in Swed...
Earthenware
White Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP Rörstrand Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with off-white glaze and hand-painted gold details. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great conditio...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.18"H x 3.12"W x 3.12"D All items ship from High Point,...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue, glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Brass neck presents with moderate patina consistent with age and use. ...
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
Nylund Stoneware Table Lamp in Brown Hare Fur Glaze. 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bromma, SE
Rare and Unique Mid-Century Modern Handmade Stoneware Table Lamp by Swedish ceramist and designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. 1940's. The body displays simplicity and the g...
Brass
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, 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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, 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
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, 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 Ander, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Ystad-Metall
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
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Mid-Century Design, Sweden, 1960s
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 AXK Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
Small Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful small stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 193...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware and brass table lamp, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 11.1875” Height x 5.0” Diameter Dimen...
Brass
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
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 condition....
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A grand white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. It has some dark firing spots at the bas...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ASH" Blue & Ochre 3 Wave Small Bowl Signed Rorstrand Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ASH" blue & ochre 3 wave small bowl signed Rorstrand Sweden 1950s. Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of blue ...
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
Unique 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. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Röstrand, ALP Lidköping 1
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
Art Deco Stoneware Footed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco footed bowl. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great cond...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Dish, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Unique Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Modernist stoneware table lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful table lamp by Gunnar Nylund, made from stoneware. Base with an embossed draped design, glazed celadon green. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and ...
Stoneware
Two Mustard Yellow Ceramic Plates by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two ceramic plates from the Eterna series, designed by Gunnar Nylund and fabricated by Rörstrand.
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
Swedish Mid Century "Rubus" Ceramics by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare collection and set of six Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls and dishes by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition...
Stoneware
Large table lamp “Rubus”, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
A Classic Blue "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Shades in blue and brown glaze. Made for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Inscribed with artist signature and Rorstand studio mark. E...
Ceramic
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, mid 20th century. Oval shape, yellow glaze, stamped maker's mark, 27 x 16,5 cm, height 34,5 c...
Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
$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
Chamotte Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Gunnar Nylund ''Chamotte'' Table Lamp for Rörstrand. The lamp is made of chamotte clay and finished with a green colored luster glaze. New wiring, Please note: the shade is not incl...
Clay
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Scandinavian Modern, Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 8.5 x ...
Ceramic
Set of 13 Chamotte Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Exceptional set of 13 Chamotte ceramic vases, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1940s. Also known as "Hedgehog Vases" for their distinctive, heavily textured s...
Ceramic
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant “Chamotte” stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a stately form. Made in a technique where crushed earthenware is mixed into the stoneware. Rörstrand introduced Gunnar Nylund’...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Ceramic Vases Set, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of stunning pieces of chamotte ceramics made in Sweden during the 1950s. These pieces have been gathered and put together by us, carefully sorted and now read...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scandinavian Modern vase designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Blue Brown Mid Century Ceramic Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of seven Swedish mid century stoneware / ceramic vases and bowls in blue brown hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original and matching con...
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Handmade stoneware pitcher with applied handle and pale green feather glaze. Signed on underside.
A 1950s studio pottery green "Hedgehog" lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in London, GB
A large version 1950s studio pottery "Hedgehog" lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in vibrant green and tamped on the underside of the base Re wi...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Shell Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning stoneware sculpture by Gunnar Nylund in the shape of a shell. Beautifully executed with close resemblance to a real shell. Muted green glaze with a...
Stoneware
Pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. The name Chamotte indicates the large fragments of crushed earthenware pieces that was applied in the glace ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Rubus Table Lamp with Shade, Scandinavian Sweden 1950s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Arne Bang, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Saxbo
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