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.
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Glazed Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Creamic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Ceramic bowl model ARO Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
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
Gunnar Nylund 'Ritzi' Vase in Sand Glaze, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare vase from the ‘Ritzi’ series was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden in the 1960s. It is marked on the underside with the Rörstrand Sweden stamp, ...
Ceramic
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Additional Information: Material: Stoneware, cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (...
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
Gunnar Nylund Vase Model AUF Produced by Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase model AUF designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A small brown-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 10” H x 5.25” Diameter Dimensions of Shade...
Stoneware
Green Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful green ceramic vase with a stunning speckled harfur glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2.) tall. It´s in excellent condition and marked as ...
Stoneware
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 44...
Ceramic
Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Rare model and the largest that was designed by Nylund and serially produced by Rörstrand during the 1950s. Rare polychrome glaze shifting...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Large Floor Vase, Stoneware, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Large 'Rubus' Floor Vase, Stoneware, 1950s Swedish modern “Rubus” stoneware floor vase dfesigned by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand Pitcher
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in beige by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the base with both the creator and manufacturer's mark. Very good vintage condition. No chips or ...
Ceramic
Floor Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Floor vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 62 H cm Diameter: 13 cm.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige, brown and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
1950s Swedish Midcentury Gunnar Nylund White Ceramic Pitcher – Marked G.N.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in IT
This stunning midcentury white ceramic pitcher by renowned Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund dates to the 1950s. Marked "Sweden G.N." on the base, the piece exemplifies Nylund’s signatu...
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Gunnar Nylund vase in hare's fur glaze of tans and cinnamon. Crafted by Rörstrand and inscribed {R Sweden GN}.
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
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
Bear Figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Bear figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware figurine from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s Swedish ceramic vase, vessel, or jug designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden circa 1960s. G...
Ceramic, 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 Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 16 H cm.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges. In...
Stoneware
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 green enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund. 1950's Gunnar Nylund was born in Pari...
Ceramic
Large Rebus Series Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large blue Rebus Series stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand The textural pattern is carved into the piece and finished with a matte glaze of varied light and dark blue ton...
Stoneware
$1,200
Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in hare's fur blue glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the bottom by both the creator and manufacturer's mark.
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
‘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 Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 12 H cm.
Ceramic
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymolle, Denmark, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Nymolle
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Nymolle, Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature '...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Chamotte stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large chamotte stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1930s. Round vase made from chamotte clay with a rustic expression. Glazed in shi...
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 Ceramic Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceramic floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Blue Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Mid-Century Scandinavian Design
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Blue by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 1...
Glass
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960s Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Ceramic Vase Model AUF Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions: (...
Ceramic
Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful ceramic vase with a stunning blue harfur glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 28.5 cm (11.4.) tall. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 1st qua...
Stoneware
Stunning Gray Ceramic Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning gray speckled, miniature ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9.5 cm (3.8") tall. It is in excellent condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gun...
Stoneware
Large Gunnar Nylund Blue Glazed Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a striking large ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Standing nearly 16 inches tall, the vase has an elongated silhouette with a gently rounded lowe...
Ceramic, Pottery
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden Teapot Brown Green Glaze, Ceramic 1950s
By Saxbo, Palshus, Gunnar Nylund, Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Teapot designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. The teapot has a beautiful brown haresfur glaze with green accents. The handle is original and is made of bamboo wrapped with r...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Ceramic Pichet, Model AXQ
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Scandinavian ceramic pichet, model AXQ signed.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Sculpture, Scandinavian Modern, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions: (W x D x H): 14.5 ...
Ceramic
Swedish Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Bronx, NY
Sweden, 1950s ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund, for Rörstrand in quartz green excellent condition and signed on the bottom.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl Model ARO by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic bowl model ARO designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Midcentury Stoneware Monkey Sculpture, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Adorable stoneware monkey sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, glazed white and dark brown. Beautifully sculpted, with a reflecting expression. Gunnar Nylund’s animal figurines are among his ...
Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classical shape, glazed in beautiful ochre and light brown. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers ...
Stoneware
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
Yellow Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Yellow by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H):...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund 'Rubus' Stoneware Bowl, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1965
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in The Hague, NL
This stoneware bowl was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced in Sweden in the late 1960s. Nylund designed many classics for the Swedish ceramic factory Rörstrand. One of the most ...
Stoneware
Swedish Mid-Century Small Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowls Model Caolina by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 3 ceramic bowls model Caolina designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Pitcher, Glazed, Scandinavian, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Elegant stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund, manufactured at Rörstrand (Stockholm) in Sweden during the 1940s. Signed. In very good vintage condition. this stoneware pitcher ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Hedgehog Large Chamotte Ceramic Table Lamp, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bochum, NRW
Designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for Rörstrand, this mid-century table lamp - colloquially known as “the hedgehog” - is a sculptural study in texture and form. It belongs to th...
Ceramic
Modernist Stoneware Vase in Brown Glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) designed many classics for the Danish ceramic Workshop Nymølle where he was artistic leader from 1959-63. This particular lean and stylish piece is executed...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. In good vintage condition, with visible wear consistent with age and use. Sca...
Stoneware
Rare Large Milk-White Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Stunning Green Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green bowl with a stunning glaze below, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 6.5 cm (2.6") tall and 21.5 cm (8.6") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition, ma...
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 Modern French Blue Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This Scandinavian modern vase, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, depicts the charming small town of Skara with its iconic church, birds soaring in the sky, and picturesque lan...
Stoneware
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
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
Yellow Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful, spherical ceramic Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks o...
Ceramic