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 brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Vase Model ARZ Produced by Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase model ARZ designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Modern Tall Vase, Green Speckled Glaze, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 25.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Floor Vase - Green Speckled Glaze - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large floor vase with handle with a lovely green speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 45 cm (18") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor ma...
Ceramic
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
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Gunnar Nylund Floor Vase, Stoneware, Rörstrand, Brown, Circa 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 39.5 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some scratches in the glaze.
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces, Rubus, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Midcentury Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces, Rubus, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden. The set contains one vase, one bowls, one bowl/tray. 2 pieces first quality, and 1 piece in second quali...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Red Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand Sweden
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Gorgeous red glaze for this 1960s gunnar nylund ceramic in excellent condition. The Danish-Finnish artist, designer and sculptor Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) is one of the most renowne...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1950s. Glaze presents with minor marks as illustrated. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.37"...
Stoneware
Black Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely black glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9 cm (3.6") high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Ceramic
Glass Vase in Blue by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
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
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Stoneware Fawn Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, c. 1960
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stoneware figurine of a deer by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. Incised on the base with makers mark, GN, SWEDEN.
Stoneware
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
Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in London, GB
Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed A large and distinctive ashtray table produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1950s. Designed by Gunnar N...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 8.75” H x 4” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Brown Stoneware Table Lamp for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A red and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Yellow Ocre & Umber Striped Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modernist Yellow Ocre & Umber Striped Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vase features a tapered neck with a rounde...
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Handled Vase Yellow Glaze, Scandinavian Mid-Century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
An elegant handled vase by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904-97) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1940s to 50s. The vase is made from stoneware and it comes in a rare version wit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Classic Blue "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Hand made turquoise glazed vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand during the 1950s. Flower petal shape with a rare turquoise glaze with dark grey spots. Very good vintage condition with f...
Stoneware
Turqoise Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand during the 1940s. Stoneware vase with a rare light turquoise glaze with darker spots. Signed with Nylunds initials an...
Stoneware
Light Blue Lidded Stoneware Urn by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Mid-Century Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$736Sale Price|30% Off
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Table Lamp, Brass & Stoneware, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Green Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands three c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A vase of brown-glazed stoneware, produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1950s and designed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Maker's stamp to the underside. Wear consistent with age...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
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. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13.25” H x 5.2” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (in...
Brass
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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. Some firing cracks (from production...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, 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
Pair of 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 amazing glaze and different incised patterns on each side. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. In...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Swedish Stoneware Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Beautiful sculptural ceramic base in a warm, finely textured glaze typical of Nylund’s post-war stoneware work for Rörstrand. The form is compact and elegant, with a subtle organic s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7.25” Height x 3.25” Diameter Dimensions of Sha...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Eterna Yellow Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg
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 Swed...
Earthenware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware Art Deco / Scandinavian Modern bowl with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth hand-painted in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Solid Bronze Low Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Akta Brons
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare solid bronze low bowl or plate designed by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons. Piece features an underwater motif featuring fish. Really wonderful pat...
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed incised stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 15.75” H x 4.35” Diameter Dimensions ...
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP Rörstrand Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with off-white glaze and hand-painted gold details. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great conditio...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, 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, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.37"H x 2.62"W x 2.62"D All items ship from Hi...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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, 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): 9.5” H x 5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (...
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. Incised makers mark, Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic, 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. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 9.75” H x 5.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inc...
Stoneware
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
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Desk Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century decorative ceramic / stoneware desk table "Rubus" lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. The...
Stoneware
Set of 2 Art Deco Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
Set of 2 stoneware Art Deco vases with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great or...
Ceramic, 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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown, glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7.125” Height x 4.1875” Diameter Dimensions of...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Double Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian double teapot was realized by the esteemed Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden circa 1960. It featur...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Model "NSZ", Red-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A red-glazed stoneware vase, "NSZ" Model, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
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, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware