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.
Large Rörstrand Ashtray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Organic Form
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in London, GB
Large Rörstrand Ashtray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Organic Form A striking large ashtray, shell-like in its design, produced by the esteemed Swedish ceramic maker Rörs...
Ceramic
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 for Rörstrand Vase AXZ, Midcentury Scandinavian Ceramic 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Saxbo, Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Absolutely stunning glaze on this vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. It's the model AXZ and it was designed and manufactured circa 1950s to 1960s. The vase has an elegant s...
Ceramic
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 handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Light Purple Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Design
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely light-purple glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand of model Granola, the vase is 14 cm (5.6") high and 9 cm (3.6") in diameter. It is in mint condition an...
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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 for Rörstrand Large AXK Stoneware Bowl
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An impressive and large stoneware bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Gorgeous coloring and great scale, the bowl has wonderful movement. Could be used as a fruit bowl, or ...
Stoneware
Green Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green vase with handle designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 25 cm high and it has a lovely glaze, it´s in excellent condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Ny...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modernist Taupe Glazed Ceramic Vase By Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vase is a testament to the skill and creativity of Gunnar Nylund, one of the most renowned ceramicists of the 20th century. Crafted in Sweden during the pivotal decade ...
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Flambé Large Bowl, Rörstrand, Mid-20th Century, 33.5 cm Wide
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl in Flambé technique designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 5.5 cm (2.2") High and 33.5 cm (13.4") Wide. It has a motif of a woman. The bowl is in excellent...
Ceramic
A Classic Elegant "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
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997). Sweden. Chamottered stoneware with blue glaze. Marked by manifacturer. Minor chip.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfab...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Table 'Rubus' Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1940-50
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Table 'Rubus' Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1940-50 Height: 20.5 cm/8 inch Diameter: 13.5 cm/5.3 inch
Stoneware
$1,470Sale 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...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Animal Sculpture of Weasel in Nature for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage animal sculpture/figurine of a weasel in nature by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The sculpture is made of st...
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 Beautiful shaped vase, model AUS. The vase is marked as 1st quality and is in good condition. Heigth...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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 Sky Blue & Copper Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
This lovely Mid-Century Modernist Sky Blue & Copper Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vase features an elegantly curved profile and...
Ceramic
$723Sale Price|30% Off
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Table Lamp, Brass & Stoneware, 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
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A grey-beige-glazed stoneware table lamp designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7.5” H x 3.25” Diameter Dimensions of Shade...
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
Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 33 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some scratching marks below (see photo) therefore it is marke...
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 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
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
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. With incised decor on one side.
Stoneware
Pair of Mid-Century Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm) Width 6 1/4" (16cm) Depth 4 3/4" (12cm) Incised "R (Three Crowns) Sweden ...
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
Mid-Century Modern Double Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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, 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. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.68"H x 3.93"W x 3.93"D All items ship fr...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Yellow Ocre & Umber Striped Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
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
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, 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, 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
Art Deco Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase. Beautiful glaze with foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Impre...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco vase. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
Expertly crafted by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s for Ršrstrand, this beautiful vase features a unique combination of brown and yellow glaze on stoneware. All items ship from High Poin...
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, 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, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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, Brown Stoneware Table Lamp for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg
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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
$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
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 classic shape. Beautiful glaze that alternates between purple and clear blue in dramatic splashes.
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
A mottled brown and yellow deep sided round shaped dish by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A mottled brown and yellow deep sided round shaped ceramic dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Rebus Series #8. Inscribed on the bottom with the makers and the manufacturer’s mark.
Ceramic
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, Vase, Model "NSZ", Red-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A small brown-glazed pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware