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.
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
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
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
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
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
"Gathering Water, " Fabulous Art Deco Vase with Female Nudes by Nylund/Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully conceived and executed, this elegant vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for the famed Rorstrand porcelain works in Sweden depicts two pairs of nude women, all collecting wate...
Porcelain
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
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Berndt Friberg
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Timeless ceramic floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Manufactured by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. The vase is made from stoneware with a hare fur glaze shifting in between...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Pitcher, Glazed, Scandinavian, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
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
Brown Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown ceramic vase with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 15 cm (6.) tall. It´s in excellent condition but marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund...
Stoneware
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
Mid-Century Modern Figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a Gibbon Ape, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
$1,427 / 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
$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
Scandinavian Ceramic Bowl, Model ASH
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Scandinavian modern vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
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
$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
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
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
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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Swedish ceramic floor lamp "Rubus" series by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1960.
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
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
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Scandinavian jug by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
Large Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Large White Stoneware Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Mid 20th century ceramic pot by Gunnar Nylund of Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century ceramic pot by gunnar nylund of rorstrand circa 1950. Gunnar nylund was a ceramic designer (1904-1997) best known as a artistic director at Rorstrand. Fine quality...
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
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
$1,308Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund S...
Ceramic
Brown Vintage Stoneware Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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, 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
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a rounded form. Glazed war ochre brown with a lighter brown line around the top and inside the opening. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most ...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This well balanced and beautifully colored Mid-Century Modernist Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. With a rounded ...
Ceramic
Large Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Balen, BE
Large Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons – Sweden, 1940s This exceptional large bronze bowl, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons in the 1940s, is a rare examp...
Bronze
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
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Dish "Rubus" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Balen, BE
Large Swedish Mid-Century Ceramic Dish "Rubus" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s This large-scale ceramic dish from the 1950s, titled "Rubus", is a standout piece by celebrated...
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
Unique Brown Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, 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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
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 Gunnar Nylund Bottle-Form Vase, Brown Ceramics
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 16.5 cm (6.6) high. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...
Stoneware, 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 celadon shades. Signed. H. 17.3 IN; H. 43.94 CM;
Stoneware
A Blue & Brown Vintage Stoneware Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. This elegant piece measures 12.5 cm (5") in diameter and showcases Nylund’s signature design style. The bowl is in excell...
Stoneware
Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue & brown ceramic vase with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14 cm (5.6.) tall. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gunn...
Stoneware
Collection of 3 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of stunning pieces of ceramics made in Sweden during the 1950s. These pieces have been gathered and put together by us, carefully sorted and now ready to be g...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Teapot by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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