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.
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
"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
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
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
$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
Pair of Mid-Century Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully textured Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originate from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vases feature a rounded bod...
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase or pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Nymölle, Denmark, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.35"H x ...
Stoneware
Pair of Table Lamps "Chamotte" by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ceramic table lamps in bulbous shape by Gunnar Nylund, composed of chamotte clay and glazed with a white colored luster glaze. Produced by Rörstrand. Stamped.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ca 1950's
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, ca 1950's. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Some den...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Brass, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware and brass table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 15.75” H x 5” Diameter Dimensions of S...
Brass
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in har fur glaze dark blue enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund. 1950's Gunnar Nylund was born in ...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
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 x 8 x 35 c...
Ceramic
Set of Five Rörstrand “Kub” Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description A sculptural set of five stoneware vases from the Kub series, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1960s. The group is unified by its rich oliv...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a Gibbon Ape, Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern rare figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a checky Gibbon ape, from Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Sculpture with eggshell glaze and a stand in W...
Stoneware
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
"Swans and Cygnets, " Important Art Deco Covered Jar by Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the most ambitious Art Deco pieces in the "Flambe" style we have seen, this covered jar was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand pottery in Sweden in the 1930s. Glazed in r...
Porcelain
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
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
Gunnar Nylund, Pale Blue Glazed Vase, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully glazed mid-century vase executed by Gunna Nylund for the venerable Swedish based ceramics firm Rorstrand. Signed.
Ceramic
Green Speckled Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green speckled round bowl with a lovely glaze, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 9 cm tall and 24,5 cm in diameter. It´s in excellent condition, mark...
Stoneware
$880Sale Price|20% Off
Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Stromberg, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in CABA, AR
Introducing a striking example of mid-century modern design: the transparent glass vase with bubbles underlay, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Stromberg, Sweden, in the 1950s. This exq...
Art Glass
Scandinavian modern vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful set of vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1950s. Both with a soft green glaze. Bowl with white spots. Dimensions of bowl: Heig...
Stoneware
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 in 1942 by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstran...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Animal Sculpture of a Polar Bear Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Mid-20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a polar bear in ceramics with a stunning white glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is in excellent condition except from a minor stain in the glaze on the...
Stoneware
$1,442 / set
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
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 ARO Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Very large ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand decorate vertical lines. Glaze beige and gray green. Stamped.
Ceramic
Pair of Table Lamps "Chamotte" by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ceramic table lamps in bulbous shape by Gunnar Nylund, composed of chamotte clay and glazed with a white colored luster glaze. Produced by Rörstrand. Stamped.
Ceramic
Larg Green Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Göteborg, SE
This Art Deco chamotte vase, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in the 1930s, is a masterpiece of Scandinavian ceramic artistry. Nicknamed the "Hedgehog" vase due to its distinc...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian Ceramic Bowl, Model ASH
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic bowl, model ASH. Brown and yellow glazure. Signed.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige green stoneware pitcher designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 11.0"H x 6.15"W x 5.15"D All items ship f...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940's, Large Baluster Shape Vase
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable and rare large vase produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, w...
Ceramic
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
Swedish ceramic floor lamp "Rubus" series by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1960.
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in JOINVILLE-LE-PONT, FR
Adorable, iconic Scandinavian "Rubus" table lamp designed by Swedish ceramic artist and designer Gunnar Nylund. This lovely glazed ceramic lamp features warm, soft, brown tones inspi...
Ceramic
Scandinavian jug by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in MONTESSON, FR
This Scandinavian jug, model AST, is designed by Gunnar Nylund for the editor Rörstrand in the 1960s. It is in very good condition.
Ceramic
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
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 celadon shades. Signed. H. 17.3 IN; H. 43.94 CM;
Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl Model ARU by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Asaa, DK
Stoneware Bowl Model ARU by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. Very beautiful Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern bowl in glazed ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Dramatic...
Ceramic
Glazed Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, c. 1960
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York City, NY
Small bowl with a stunning glaze.
Ceramic
Rörstrand Brown and Blue Haresfur Leaf-Shaped Tray by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Rörstrand brown and blue haresfur leaf-shaped tray by Gunnar Nylund. Model ARQ. Some cooking bubbles. Signed.
Ceramic
Brown Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Good condition. But second grade becau...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$336Sale Price|56% Off
Gunnar Nylund Blue Glaze Raw Chamotte Cylinder Vase, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Minimalist Scandinavian modern cylinder vase handmade by Swedish artist Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle in the 1960s. Rustic matte dark brown chamotte clay on the outside and shiny bright ...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Large White Stoneware Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely white vase with a stunning egg shell speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 30 cm tall. It is in excellent condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – Stoneware Vase, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bergen, NO
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – Stoneware Vase, Sweden, 1950s A beautiful mid-century stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. The piece features Nylund’s signa...
Ceramic
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
Animal Sculpture of a Capercaillie Bird Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Mid-20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a Capercaillie Bird in ceramics with a stunning green glaze in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 35 x 27 cm and 29.5 cm tall. It is in excellent co...
Stoneware
Large Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large 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 orig...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Eggshell Stoneware Pitcher, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, w...
Ceramic
Porcelain "Carolina" Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund For Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautifully shaped "Carolina" vase with a blue / black matte feldspar glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950's for Rörstrand Procelain Works in Denmark. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1...
Porcelain
Midcentury Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
The green/brown glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape and form of this vase that’s a not so usual one to come by. Very nice condition. Dimensions: Height 24 cm,...
Ceramic
$1,323Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely animal sculpture of a monkey designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it is 16 cm high and in very good condition with a lovely glaze. It comes with the original wooden base....
Stoneware
Brown Vintage Stoneware Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. This elegant piece measures 17 x 11.5 cm (6.8 x 4.6") in diameter and has a lovely brown speckled glaze. The bowl is in...
Stoneware
GUNNAR NYLUND. A stoneware floor vase, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
GUNNAR NYLUND. A stoneware floor vase, Rörstrand, Circa 1950th. Baluster-shaped in brown-beige glaze with squares in relief. Signed. Minor ships and scratches.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Brown Stoneware Birka Rubus Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite stoneware vase, designed by the renowned Swedish ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, dates to the 1960s and belongs to the distinguished “Rubus” series. A stri...
Stoneware
A Classic Blue "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Unique Brown Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 4 wonderful vases from Rörstrand and maker, designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful, glazed vases with wonderful curves. The craftsmanship on these...
Ceramic
Collectors stoneware bowl in ceramic, Scandinavian Modern, Rörstrand
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful, decorative stoneware bowl with glaze shifting in blues, black and brown. By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden mid1900s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
Gunnar Nylund's blue-glazed stoneware vase from Rörstrand, Sweden in the 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.5"H x 5.7"W x 4.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, "ARA" Model Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase, "ARA" Model, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.56" Height x 3.87" Diameter All items...
Stoneware