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.
Scandinavian Modern Bronze Sundial by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful sundial by Gunnar Nylund, made from bronze with great pale green patina. Decor of zodiac signs on the base in Nylund’s characteristic style. Gunnar Nylund was one of the m...
Bronze
$1,400 / set
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Planters
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1977) Ceramic Planters circa. 1930. Made with lattice design work and stamped with a production seal at the bottom.
Ceramic
$3,495
H 37.25 in W 15 in D 15 in
Large English Sundial of Composition Stone with Bronze Dial for the Garden
Located in Austin, TX
A large English sundial of composition or garden stone - featuring a bronze sundial inscribed with a sun, numerals, cardinal directions, along with a fixed gnomon (the shadow-casting...
Stone, Cast Stone, Metal, Bronze
California Design Ceramic Planter by Gainey
By Gainey Pottery
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice California design 8" ceramic planter by Gainey of LaVerne, California, circa 1960s. The planter is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks, has a footed ba...
Ceramic
Vintage Glazed Ceramic Planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Infuse your garden terrace or sunroom with the soulful elegance of the Mediterranean with this vintage glazed terra cotta planter. This substantial piece features a rich, mossy green...
Terracotta
Yellow and White Italian Ceramic Planter
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Italian ceramic planter. Glazed yellow and white. Retains hand made in Italy label. Measurements: 14” diameter 18” high.
Ceramic
Huge Gainey Pottery Ceramic Planter Deep Red
By Gainey Pottery
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Spectacular Gainey Pottery ceramic planter measuring 30.25" diameter, 12" H. Rich, deep red color, high gloss glaze. Vintage, never used stock.
Antique English Decorative Buff Terracotta Garden Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
A charming antique garden sundial featuring an ornate 19th century buff terracotta pedestal – possibly a work by Blanchard or Blashfield – with an earlier associated bronze sundial p...
Bronze
Raul Coronel Ceramic Planter for Architectural Pottery
By Architectural Pottery, Raul Coronel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Raul Coronel Ceramic Planter for Architectural Pottery
Ceramic
$2,950
H 11.45 in W 13.5 in D 4 in
Antique Victorian English Medieval Styled Solid Bronze Architectural Sundial
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Presumably having English origins, this antique solid bronze sundial is ornately cast with a series of Medieval figures across the top portion and standing in the facade of an arched...
Bronze
Tabletop Antique Garden Sundial
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
Dating from the early 20th century, this small tabletop antique garden sundial sees a stylistically carved York stone base below a later horizon...
Stone, Bronze
$2,652Sale Price|20% Off
H 29.93 in W 35.44 in D 19.69 in
Extra Large Antique Sundial in iron and bronze, France 19th Century
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a spectacular extra large Antique Sundial or Armillary Sphere with an arrow functioning as a gnomon. This type of item is commonly found as a garden orn...
Bronze, Iron
Austin & Seeley Antique Armillary Sundial
By Austin & Seeley
Located in Wormelow, Herefordshire
An impressive antique sundial pairing a mid 19th century gothic style stone pedestal by Austin and Seeley (unsigned) circa 1840, with a 20th century s...
Stone, Composition, Metal, Steel
Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Planter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Introduce eclectic charm to your home with the American style Vintage Boho Glazed Ceramic Planter. This beautifully crafted planter features a v...
Ceramic