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 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
Bowl 'AXK Series' designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1957
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stoneware bowl from the AXK series, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden in 1957, with an open, softly irregular form and a gently undulating rim. The glaze gives th...
Stoneware
$412Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Ceramic bowl model AXK Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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 Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A grand white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. It has some dark firing spots at the bas...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, 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
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
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing blue hare's fur glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Goo...
Ceramic
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
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
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in an elegant, sleek form. Glazed white with a subtle “Mimosa” pattern. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and desi...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Shell Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
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 with signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands th...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Röstrand, 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
Art Deco Stoneware Footed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco footed bowl. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great cond...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Unique Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-century Modern Green Hedgehog Vase by Gunnar Nylund för Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-century Modern green hedgehog vase by Gunnar Nylund, (1904 - 1997) för Rörstrand, Sweden. Stamped. In mint condition. This beautiful example of Swedish Modernist design is the '...
Stoneware
Large White 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. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to it being slightly...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a tapering form with a wide mouth, perfect for flowers. Embossed, graphic pattern with celodon green glaze and “Mimosa” flecks. Gunnar ...
Stoneware
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, Akta Brons, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Bronze
Large Gunnar Nylund Blue Glazed Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a striking large ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Standing nearly 16 inches tall, the vase has an elongated silhouette with a gently rounded lowe...
Ceramic, Pottery
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, Dish, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware dish designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 2.75"H x 10.45"W ...
Stoneware
Mid-Cenury Modern "Chamotte" Vase in Corn Blue Color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-Century Modern "chamotte" vase in corn blue color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand. A small and wonderful vase named the "hedgehog". This example Is perfect. No chips or remarks, as t...
Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Two Mustard Yellow Ceramic Plates by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two ceramic plates from the Eterna series, designed by Gunnar Nylund and fabricated by Rörstrand.
Ceramic
"Cavorting Mermaids", Sensuous, Unusual Art Deco Flambe Vase w/ Gold by Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Highly unusual and very sensuous, this richly decorated Flambé vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand porcelain works depicts a group of four mermaids cavorting and dancing with an arra...
Porcelain
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. I...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Chamottered stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 16 H cm.
Ceramic
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed in 1942 by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstran...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant “Chamotte” stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a stately form. Made in a technique where crushed earthenware is mixed into the stoneware. Rörstrand introduced Gunnar Nylund’...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Very large ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand decorate vertical lines. Glaze beige and gray green. Stamped.
Ceramic
Pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. The name Chamotte indicates the large fragments of crushed earthenware pieces that was applied in the glace ...
Ceramic
Stunning Gray Ceramic Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning gray speckled, miniature ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9.5 cm (3.8") tall. It is in excellent condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gun...
Stoneware
Chamotte stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large chamotte stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1930s. Round vase made from chamotte clay with a rustic expression. Glazed in shi...
Stoneware
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
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 12 H cm.
Ceramic
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Circus Scenes", Unique Art Deco Covered Urn w/ Ringmaster & Horse Rider
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Although this unique covered urn captures circus scenes that are decidedly populist in nature, this piece is highly sophisticated and emphatically Art Deco. Note the repeated geomet...
Porcelain
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 8.5 x 8.5 x ...
Ceramic
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Ar...
Ceramic
"Man, Woman and Horses, " Striking Art Deco Covered Urn by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gorgeously glazed in tones of rust, sable, ivory and chocolate, this unique lidded urn with foliated pinnacle and curving handles depicts a man with upraised arms and rearing horse o...
Porcelain
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Handmade stoneware pitcher with applied handle and pale green feather glaze. Signed on underside.
Floor Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Floor vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 62 H cm Diameter: 13 cm.
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in har fur glaze dark blue enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund. 1950's Gunnar Nylund was born in ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s Swedish ceramic vase, vessel, or jug designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden circa 1960s. G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund 'Rubus' Stoneware Bowl, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1965
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in The Hague, NL
This stoneware bowl was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced in Sweden in the late 1960s. Nylund designed many classics for the Swedish ceramic factory Rörstrand. One of the most ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Blue Glazed, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hammarö, SE
Designed by the celebrated Swedish ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, this sculptural chamotte stoneware vase is a striking example of Scandinavian Modern ceramics from the ...
Stoneware
Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautiful ceramic vase with a stunning blue harfur glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 28.5 cm (11.4.) tall. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 1st qua...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige, brown and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Gunnar Nylund vase in hare's fur glaze of tans and cinnamon. Crafted by Rörstrand and inscribed {R Sweden GN}.
Stoneware
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in har fur glaze green enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund. 1950's Gunnar Nylund was born in Pari...
Ceramic
Vase "Granola" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful vase from the "Granola" series by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s. Signed with makers mark. Good condition.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Vase by Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware