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 Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
$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
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
A Classic Elegant "Aro" Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic "Aro" Ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s. A timeless and sophisticated "Aro" bowl crafted by Gunnar Nylund showcases exquisite shades in blue and brow...
Ceramic
"Shore Leave, " Sailors at Port with Female Escorts, Rare Art Deco Form, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Suggestive of the work of Charles Demuth in its focus on sailors on leave, and its smudgy, atmospheric depiction of men and women on the edge of society, this large and important vas...
Porcelain
Miniature Gray Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 3.5 cm (1.4") high and 6.8 cm (2.7") in diameter. It is in excellent condition. It is mark...
Stoneware
Collection of 2 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
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
"Nude with Dove, " Rare Art Deco Bowl by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before he became known for his organic forms and gorgeous glazes for the famous Rorstrand ceramic works in Sweden, Gunnar Nylund designed a line of very fine Art Deco pieces in what ...
Porcelain
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
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
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,...
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
Scandinavian Modern Shell Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning stoneware sculpture by Gunnar Nylund in the shape of a shell. Beautifully executed with close resemblance to a real shell. Muted green glaze with a...
Stoneware
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
Swedish Mid Century "Rubus" Ceramics by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare collection and set of six Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls and dishes by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Blue Brown Mid Century Ceramic Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of seven Swedish mid century stoneware / ceramic vases and bowls in blue brown hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original and matching con...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown, yellow and gray tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very ...
Ceramic
A Classic Elegant "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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Large AXK Stoneware Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 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
$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
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic pieces Sweden 1950 Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund The vases have nice antique look in a modern shape. The vases are nicely sc...
Ceramic
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
$1,306Sale Price / set|30% Off
Midcentury Modern Set of 2 Ceramic Pieces Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These vases made in ceramic and named Rubus was designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This set containing 2 pieces with wonderful earthy blue colors ...
Ceramic
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
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
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These pieces were made in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1940-1950s. This is the small size vase and the large vase called "Charmotte". The name in...
Ceramic
Green & Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with par...
Ceramic
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition and signed by the artist. D...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Vase in Purple by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan -1950's
By Gunnar Nylund, Strombergshyttan
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
White Stoneware Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A white vase in the slightly rougher Chamotte clay that Gunnar also designed the iconic hedgehog vases in. It is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2") high...
Stoneware
A Rebus series model 12 vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown and yellow tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very good v...
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 14 cm high and it has a lovely brown har fur glaze, it´s in mint condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nyl...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Vase, Eggshell Glaze, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Vase, Vessel, Jug, Eggshell Glaze, 1940s Stoneware jug, vase, or vessell designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden in the ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Large Decorative Ceramic Vase / Carafe, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful decorative carafe / vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, Mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition, normal minimal makers defects and smaller signs of age a...
Ceramic
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 Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Igloo Vase Green with Stripes, Scandinavian, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A rustic stoneware vase by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904-97) for Rörstrand, Sweden. It belongs to the Igloo series which Nylund designed in 1965. The vase is made ca 1960s to ...
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 Caolina Vase White Glazed Stoneware Carrara Rörstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Basel, BS
Gunnar Nylund ‚Caolina‘ vase in white glazed stoneware, designed in 1955 for Rörstrand factory in Sweden. 1st class quality sorting, very good c...
Stoneware
$1,493Sale 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, 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
Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Classic brown and beige-glazed stoneware bowls designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund, born in Paris in 1904 to parents engaged in sculptin...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Bronx, NY
Stoneware collection of 3 Chamotte vases by Gunanr nylund by Rörstrand Sweden, heavy colorful shiny glazes signed by the artist on the bottom.
Ceramic
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
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
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
A Set of two Ceramic Bowls "Rubus" Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Set of Two Ceramic Pieces, Rubus, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden. The bowls has a silky, textured surface with brown, green and yellow colors and faint glaze with a matt finish. G...
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 Rörstrand Large Axk Bowl Blue an Ocher Hares Fur Glaze Sweden 1950
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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, Table Lamp, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By 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. “SWEDEN 669” stamp on bottom Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 7.25” H ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
$1,540Sale Price|30% Off
White 1960s Eggshell Glazed Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the 1960s eggshell glazed ceramic vase in white by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. It comes in a female elegant form and sober white eggshell glazed silky matte surface. The v...
Ceramic
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Incised with makers mark. Gunnar N...
Ceramic, Stoneware
1960s Gunnar Nylund Brown Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Knebel, DK
Gunnar Nylund brown ceramic vase in good condition with glaze in shades of brown. Signed by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
Ceramic