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.
Art Deco Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful ceramic art deco bowl. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition. Some wear and scratches i...
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
An orange glazed earthenware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.5" Height x 2.75" Diameter All items ship from...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, 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, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.37"H x 2.62"W x 2.62"D All items ship from Hi...
Stoneware
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
$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
"Wheat Harvest, " Unique Art Deco Vase with Semi-Nude Worker by Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Created in 1934 and commissioned by Från Nyman as a gift to Eric Tiblom, this unique vase depicts a shirtless farmworker using his scythe to cut wheat in a field, all glazed in warm,...
Porcelain
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
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 by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 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 "NSR" Dish Blueish Green Haresfur Glaze, Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "NSR" dish blueish green haresfur glaze, Rorstrand Sweden, 1960s.
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
Solid Bronze Low Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons, Sweden, 1940s
By Akta Brons, Gunnar Nylund
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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature 'NYLUND' and makers mark, Rörstrands three...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "ARO" Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "ARO" bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimen...
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A 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 condition,...
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Rebus Series Gunnar Nylund Plate for Rorstrand.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A motted brown and yellow deep sided round shaped ceramic dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Rebus Series #10. Inscribed on the bottom with the makers and the manufacturer’s mark.
Ceramic
1950s Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Signed Stoneware Bowl - Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Skien, NO
Stunning Scandinavian / Swedish Mid-Century Modern / Retro design deep plate / bowl in glazed ceramic / stoneware from the 1950s by Gunnar Nylund (Sweden, 1904–97) for Rörstrand/Rors...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second due to a glaze flaw on the rim, f...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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. Good condition, s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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 for Rörstrand Swedish Brown Dish or Bowl ARO circa 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
Medium size ARO bowl created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Brown hares fur glaze breaking to blacks with beautiful white rim. Excellen...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Large Axk Bowl Blue an Ocher Hares Fur Glaze Sweden 1950
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand large AXK bowl blue an Ocher Hares Fur glaze Sweden 1950. This unique and large stoneware bowl is glazed with a delicate yet bold blue hares fur glaze with...
Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish decorative mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian modern vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Small bowl and vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1950s. Both with beautiful earthy toned glaze. Dimensions of bowl: Height: 1.97 in (5 ...
Stoneware
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, ...
Set of Midcentury Ceramic Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two midcentury ceramic bowls designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Earthy wabi-sabi color and texture. Dimensions...
Ceramic
Small Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Small Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$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
Gunnar Nylund Bronze Bowl, Scandinavian Modern Design, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Bronze
Purple Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Purple 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
$1,436Sale Price / set|30% Off
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vases "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These two wonderful vases was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Good vintage condition. Measure: H 31 cm and 26.5cm Signed R SWE...
Ceramic
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
Scandinavian Modern Vase in Purple by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan -1950's
By Strombergshyttan, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern vase in purple by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan -1950's. Unsigned. Wear and patina consistent with age and use. Scratches, some small brown spots i...
Glass
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ateljé, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a classic rounded form. Glazed in ochre and light brown.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Model ARZ, Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This ceramic vase, model ARZ—often referred to by its nickname Gäddgap (“Pike’s Mouth”)—was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden. The vase is a striking exam...
Ceramic
Vase 'Unic' designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP Lidköping, Sweden, 1930s-40s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
This ‘Unic’ stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP Lidköping is a one-off piece, created as an individual work rather than as part of a standard production series. The ‘Unic’ design...
Stoneware
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
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 pottery ETERNA vase by Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
This is a vintage stoneware vase designed by the prestigious and well known artist /designer Gunnar Nylund. The series is known as ETERNA was made in the 50s and 60s with a fantastic...
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
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. Moderate wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Stoneware
$758Sale Price|30% Off
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Vase ‘Caolina’ is made in stoneware. Measure: H 31 cm/ 12 1/4" ...
Ceramic
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 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. ...
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 Swedish Stoneware Table Lamp by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Vase "Granola" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful vase from the "Granola" series by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s. Signed with makers mark. Good condition.
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 Ceramic Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in the 1940s. Glaze with burnt brown tones. Very good vintage condition with light wear and patina. Dimensions: H....
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in the 1940s. Glaze with burnt brown tones. Very good vintage condition with light wear and patina. Dimensions: H....
Stoneware
Swedish Table 'Rubus' Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1940-50
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Table 'Rubus' Lamp by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1940-50 Height: 18 cm/7 inch Diameter: 11.5 cm/4.5 inch
Stoneware