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, 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
$1,539Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Magenta Chamotte, Porcelain Vase for Rorstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Exceptional Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern handmade chamotte clay and porcelain vase by acclaimed Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Chamotte body with shiny deep raspber...
Stoneware, Pottery, Porcelain, Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Golden Ochre Chamotte Table Lamp, Rorstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Beautiful and iconic Swedish Mid-Century Modern golden ochre colored chamotte table lamp by designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Manufactured in Sweden in the mid 1960s. Slim shape,...
Brass
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with identical relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Swedish Stoneware Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Örebro, SE
Elegant small table lamp in stoneware by Gunnar Nylund, produced in Sweden by Rörstrand during the 1940-50s. The shade is not included.
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
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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): 9.5” H x 5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase, 1950s, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s Sweden. The glaze in green and yellow colors is amazing and works beautifully wit...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Stonewear Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern stonewear vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950's. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent wi...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
"Perch & Angelfish, " Unique, Ambitious Art Deco Covered Urn by Nylund, Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This ambitious, elongated urn with elaborate handles and a sunburst lid is beautifully decorated with perch on one side and angelfish on the other, all in tones of black, charcoal an...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa 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 ren...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful porcelain crown window bowls with a hand-painted gold band on the foot. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First so...
Ceramic, Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A red and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, mid century modern, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Available here is a rare vase made by Gunnar Nylund. Organically shaped in a brown glaze with vertical stripes. Made by Rörstrand in the 1950´s. Good original condition.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
An orange-brown, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.68" Height x 3.68" Diameter All items shi...
Stoneware
Rubus Vase by Gunnar Nylund 1960s Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Gunnar Nylund was a renowned Swedish ceramic artist and designer known for his work with Rörstrand, a prominent Swedish porcelain and ceramics manufacturer. "Rubus" refers to a spec...
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, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and black-glazed stoneware pitcher, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.68" Height x 3.87" Diameter All item...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Teapot
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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 Swede...
Earthenware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Light Blue Lidded Stoneware Urn by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware urn with amazing relief pattern in the form of birds in trees. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second due to ...
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, Brown Stoneware Table Lamp for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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. Factory second (for no obvious reason)...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "ARO" Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "ARO" bowls in blue and brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition and si...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand Sweden 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Saint Ouen, FR
Stoneware ceramic vase serie Eterna by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1960s. Olive green glaze with decoration in relief.
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, in Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.5" Height x 5.25" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North Ca...
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, 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, Vase, Blue and Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimension (inches): 9.25"H x 2.65"W x 2.65"D All items ship from ...
Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware vase with two small handles and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLU...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Bowl, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware bowl or dish designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.45"H x...
Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions...
Stoneware
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 AXK Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scandinavian Modern vase designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand.
Ceramic
Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A ceramic bowl made by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, 1950's. Model AXA, made in the shape of a heart. Good condition. Second sorting.
Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Speckled Brown Stoneware Table Lamp. 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Bromma, SE
Drop Formed Stoneware Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Elegant, drawn shape with warm hare’s fur glaze blends in brown tones By Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Inscribed R, "Sve...
Brass
Vanilla Colored Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Small vanilla colored Swedish Grace ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
Ceramic
Small Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
Large vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gunnar Nylund, a model ‘AKT’ stoneware vase, Rörstrand, 1950’s-60’s. Stoneware, speckled glaze in brown and blue. Signed R Sweden GN AKT. Height 17,3″. Minor wear. Marks. Minor sta...
Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
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
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 18 cm / ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Flambé Stoneware Vase, Sweden, Signed, 1930s-1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and highly expressive stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, dating to the 1930s–1940s. Executed in Nylund’s celebrated flambé glaze, the surf...
Ceramic
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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, Large Brown 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
Large floor vase by Gunnar Nylud
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large floor vase by Gunnar Nylud for Rostrand. Sweden. Signed.
Stoneware
Mid Century Turquoise Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Denmark, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare blue / turquoise Scandinavian mid century vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Denmark, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 17 cm / 6.70" W...
Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
Unique Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
$1,300
Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rostrand, Sweden, Circa 1950th. Signed.
Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By 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
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
Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A table lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, stoneware, polychrome glaze, signed GN, the height of the lamp base about 28cm ( 11") diameter of 14.5 cm(6"). Existing electrical wiring,...
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