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.
Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
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
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 a tapering form with a wide mouth, perfect for flowers. Embossed, graphic pattern with celodon green glaze and “Mimosa” flecks. Gunnar ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rubus Table Lamp for Rörstrand Sweden Scandinavian Modern Ceramic
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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. Great condition....
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Igloo Vase Green with Stripes, Scandinavian, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A rustic stoneware vase by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904-97) for Rörstrand, Sweden. It belongs to the Igloo series which Nylund designed in 1965. The vase is made ca 1960s to ...
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 Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Ar...
Ceramic
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. Good condition. Marked as second due to an irregularity in the glaze (from ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Cenury Modern "Chamotte" Vase in Corn Blue Color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
$3,349Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund 45cm Mother-of-pearl 1936 Lamp Rorstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Forest, BE
This is a real lamp in mother of pearl finish by Swedish master ceramicist Gunnar Nylund. Made in 1936. It's a real lamp not as most of them a vase transformed as a lamp. There's a n...
Clay, Linen
Gunnar Nylund, Blue Speckled Stoneware Table Lamp for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gustavsberg, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, 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
$1,150 / item
A Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by GUNNAR NYLUND. Harp fur glaze, Rörstrand, Sweden circa 1960s. Marked GN AUF.
Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
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
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
Dish By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Kastrup, DK
This striking stoneware dish was designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for the renowned Swedish manufacturer Rörstrand in the 1960s. The dish is executed in a vivid azure blue glaze,...
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund Vase by Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modernist Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modernist vase in hues of green and blue by Swedish ceramicist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. A lovely piece on its own or folding a single stem of flora. This p...
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): 13.25” H x 5.2” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (in...
Brass
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
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Blue Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second due to a glaze flaw on the rim, f...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Big 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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rör...
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
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 amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Slightly askew. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rör...
Ceramic, 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
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Rubus Table Lamp with Shade, Scandinavian Sweden 1950s
By Saxbo, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Arne Bang
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
"Wheat Harvest, " Unique Art Deco Vase with Semi-Nude Worker by Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Created in 1934 and commissioned by Från Nyman as a gift to Eric Tiblom, this unique vase depicts a shirtless farmworker using his scythe to cut wheat in a field, all glazed in warm,...
Porcelain
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Four Piece Art Glass Decanter Collection by Strombergshyttan Studio
By Asta Stromberg, Strombergshyttan, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
A collection of four vintage art glass decanters by Swedish Design Studio Strombergshyttan. Colors include; bold yellow glass, green, blue a...
Blown Glass
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
$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, Chamotte stoneware table lamp, Rörstrand, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning "Hedgehog" table lamp by Gunnar Nylund. Made for Rörstrand in a vibrant blue glaze on chamotte stoneware with brass details. This is the larger model and just the ceramic ...
Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Chamotte Ceramic Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A small, course-glazed table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. The lamp base made of chamotte stoneware, glazed in a rich turquoise color. Price includes new wiring, lamp...
Ceramic
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
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
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund ceramic monkey produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Modernist stoneware table lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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 amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature 'NYLUND' and makers mark, Rörstrands three...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish decorative mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of light blue and brown trim hares fur gl...
Ceramic
"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
A Ceramic Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A ceramic table lamp by Swedish ceramicist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. The body with an artisan teal glaze, topped with two sculpted ceramic leaves at the base of the brass neck. Si...
Ceramic
Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze and different incised patterns on each side. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. In...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm) Width 6 1/4" (16cm) Depth 4 3/4" (12cm) Incised "R (Three Crowns) Sweden ...
Stoneware
Mid-century Modern Green Hedgehog Vase by Gunnar Nylund för Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-century Modern green hedgehog vase by Gunnar Nylund, (1904 - 1997) för Rörstrand, Sweden. Stamped. In mint condition. This beautiful example of Swedish Modernist design is the '...
Stoneware
Grey Stoneware Vases Chamotte, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 18.5 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some minor marks. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase with a green/yellow color designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 19 cm high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was b...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Brown Pitcher
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 30.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked as 2nd quality. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware