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.
Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely, brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24 cm (9.6) high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It´s in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund wa...
Ceramic
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
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
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 44...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Vase AXZ, Midcentury Scandinavian Ceramic 1960s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Saxbo, Berndt Friberg
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
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörstrand. Great...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Sky Blue & Copper Glazed Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
Located in New York, NY
This lovely Mid-Century Modernist Sky Blue and Copper Glazed Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This bowl features beautiful proportions ...
Ceramic
Gray Speckled Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely gray/blue speckled vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") high and 8.5 cm (3.4") in diameter. It is in mint...
Porcelain
Bear Figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Bear figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware figurine from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic
16" Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Huge Low Bowl Blue, Danish Modern Ceramic 1960s
By Rörstrand, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Palshus, Saxbo, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This very large circular bowl was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle and produced in Denmark, circa 1960s. It has a vivid dark blue glaze over a radiating pattern. It would look ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl/Ashtray for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Bochum, NRW
A "Paradiso" stoneware bowl/astray with robust forms, glossy green glaze, and nature floral motifs in relief. By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Paradiso sticker scraps. Diameter 15 c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Art Deco, "Flambe" vase with two mermaids, for ALP.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Gunnar Nylund unique, "Flambe" series vase with two mermaid figures with seaweed and fish. Beautifully draw and detail figures are embellished with gold lines which are offset by a r...
Gold
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in brown bronze enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund.
Ceramic
$144Sale Price|48% Off
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase with Tiger Taupé Glaze for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small cylindrical vase with Taupe glazes commonly called tiger. Designed by Gunnar Nylund and created in the workshop at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s. Fully signed and marked...
Stoneware
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of eight beautiful stoneware vases with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and maker...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to it being slightly...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Collectors stoneware bowl in ceramic, Scandinavian Modern, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful, decorative stoneware bowl with glaze shifting in blues, black and brown. By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden mid1900s.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a Gibbon Ape, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Knivsta, SE
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s A beautiful set of four stoneware miniature vases by the Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for Rörstrand, o...
Stoneware
Black Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand
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
Rare Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Glazed stone ware.
Ceramic
$195Sale Price|30% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Scandinavian Modern White Chamotte Vase, Sweden 1940
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $280....Exquisite creation by Gunnar Nylund (1914–1997) during his tenure as artistic director of Rörstrand from 1932 through the 1950s. The vase has a glossy white glaz...
Ceramic, Pottery
$432Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Oblong ceramic "ASX" tray / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. This is one of the harder to find pieces and it has the most beautiful blue, slightly green ...
Ceramic
Large Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "AXK" bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1950s. In good original condition signed and numbered by the a...
Ceramic
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful ceramic art deco vase. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. No chips, cracks or craz...
Ceramic
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Si...
Ceramic
Gray Speckled ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray speckled ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17 cm (6.8") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as th...
Stoneware
1950s Swedish Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Glazed Stoneware Jug Vase Model ARL
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in London, England
1950s mid century modern Swedish stoneware glazed jug vase designed by pottery master Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. The vase is elegant with a slim and tall neck and handle with vert...
Stoneware
$1,300
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
$336Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic miniature bowl known as "ARU" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A stunning hand-made vintage miniature stoneware pottery bowl with a classic design known as "ARU" design by very talented Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. What makes this bowl very spec...
Ceramic
Lovely Bowl Flambé-technique - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid-20th Century Design
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$336Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Olive Green Zenit Vase, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Organic midcentury modern muted olive, sage green Rörstrand pitcher bottle vase from the Zenit series. Designed by acclaimed artist Gunnar Nylund in the 1960s. Chamotte clay with han...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware
Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 45 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor scratches. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Stoneware Miniature Vases by Nylund & Stålhane. Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Berndt Friberg, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful yellow and brown stoneware miniature vases with amazing glaze. One of them is by Gunnar Nylund and two of them are by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rorstrand, Swe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
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
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Bowl and Vase "Rialto" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This set of two ceramic pieces bowl and Vase was manufactured in Sweden for Rörstrand in the midcentury and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Very good condition. Measures: Bowl 16 x...
Ceramic
Green Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely green glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") high and 7 cm (2.8") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st qualit...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
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. The brown golden glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape a...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Exceptional quality over these vases produced in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. It was made in 1950s and has a nice shimmer glaze with fine lines. Part...
Ceramic
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
Set of 3 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful stoneware vases and one bowl with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. First sorting. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Brown Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Design, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown squared vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 15 cm (6") high and 7.5 cm (3") in diameter at the top. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st qual...
Porcelain
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
Set of 3 Black Stoneware Miniatures by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Berndt Friberg, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful black and brown stoneware miniatures with amazing glaze. Made by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Signed with 'GN' and makers ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, rare Large Decorative Ceramic Vase / Carafe, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful decorative carafe / vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, Mid-1900s. A rare shape with a wonderful light green with spots of dark blue and grey. Signed....
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rör...
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Classic Blue "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
Purple Sommerso Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan Sweden, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Strombergshyttan
Located in Asaa, DK
Purple Sommerso Glass Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan Sweden, 1960s. Beautiful hand blown Swedish Mid-Century Modern small vase ...
Blown Glass
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
1950s Swedish Miniature Checkered Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1950s, Sweden. With bottleneck and slightly flared rim. Gourd shaped body. Signed by Gunnar Nyland for Rörstrand on underside.
Stoneware
Gunnar Ander, Candelabra, Brass, Metal, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Ystad-Metall
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and black-painted metal candelabra designed by Gunnar Ander and produced by Ystad-Metall, Sweden, c. 1950s. Fits 0.8” diameter candles
Metal, Brass
Blue Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
$1,800Sale Price|20% Off
Colorful Four Piece Art Glass Decanter Collection by Strombergshyttan Studio
By Gunnar Nylund, Strombergshyttan, Asta Stromberg
Located in Chicago, IL
A collection of four vintage art glass decanters by Swedish Design Studio Strombergshyttan. Colors include; bold yellow glass, green, blue a...
Blown Glass
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund ceramic monkey produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
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, Sweden, 1940s. “GN SWEDEN” stamp on bottom
Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "...
Ceramic, 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