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.
Gunnar Nylund, Ceramic Carafe/Vase with Rare Pattern, Scandinavian Modern
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic carafe / vase with blue glaze and rare pattern by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition. Beautiful decorative shape ...
Ceramic
Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Modern Vase, Brown / Black Har-fur Glaze, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A dark vase brown base with black har-fur glaze with a lovely glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 17,5 cm (7") high. It´s in mint condition a...
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 Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 12 H cm.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s. “GN SWEDEN” stamp on bottom
Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
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
Set of 3 Stoneware Miniature Vases by Nylund & Stålhane. Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Berndt Friberg, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Blue Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, 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 Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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. Slightly askew. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rör...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Rare model and the largest that was designed by Nylund and serially produced by Rörstrand during the 1950s. Rare polychrome glaze shifting...
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 signature 'NYLUND' and makers mark, Rörstrands three...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Lidded Box by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace lidded box of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porsl...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Art Deco Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Details in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$3,050Sale Price|25% Off
Sculpture. Indian Chief. Signed Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptured head of an American Indian Chief. It is said that this really is a self-portrait of Gunnar Nylund, the artist. It has its original wooden stand . The height is 42 cm wi...
Clay
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
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
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
GUNNAR NYLUND. A floor vase, Rörstrand 1950’s, stoneware, harp fur glaze in brown shades. Signed. H 17.3″.
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Marked as second due to an irregularity in the glaze (from ...
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
Pair of Swedish Modern "Chamotte" Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
"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
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classic shape. Beautiful glaze that alternates between purple and clear blue in dramatic splashes.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" Medium Stoneware Bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ARO" medium stoneware bowl by Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s Measures: Height 3 1/4" (8cm) Width 6 1/4" (16cm) Depth 4 3/4" (12cm) Incised "R (Three Crowns) Sweden ...
Stoneware
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rostrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rostrand, Circa 1950th. Signed R GN. H 9″.
Stoneware
Green Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands three c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Floor 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 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
"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
$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 sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund ceramic monkey produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
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: Creamic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Ceramic bowl model ARO Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand circa 1950s. Gorgeous glaze and great movement with the bowl, this could work in a variety of interiors. Other notable ceramic...
Ceramic
Pair of Gunnar Nylund Vases Chamotte Yellow Rörstrand Sweden 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Basel, BS
A pair of Gunnar Nylund vases for Rörstrand in Sweden, 1960s. Yellow glazed ‚Chamotte’ stoneware, marked underneath. Both in very good condition. Tall vase Height: 30 cm Width: 11 ...
Stoneware
Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze and different incised patterns on each side. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. In...
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
Mid-Cenury Modern "Chamotte" Vase in Corn Blue Color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Bowl and Vase "Rialto" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$288Sale Price|60% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Vide-Poche Bowl, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Decorative Scandinavian Modern stoneware vide-poche bowl handmade by Swedish artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in the 1950s. Ripple textured surface with stunning earth and mint col...
Ceramic, Pottery, Stoneware, Clay
$177Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Swedish Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Glazed Stoneware Jug Vase Model ARL
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase with a green/yellow color designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 19 cm high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was b...
Ceramic
Grey Stoneware Vases Chamotte, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 18.5 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some minor marks. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...
Stoneware
Mid Century Turquoise Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Denmark, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare blue / turquoise Scandinavian mid century vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Denmark, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 17 cm / 6.70" W...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Mid century modern, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Here we have a beautiful vase by Gunnar Nylund. Bulbous, almost egg shaped, with a narrow tipp. Glazed in shades of blue with a speckled pattern. Made by Rörstrand in th 1950´s. Sig...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund "ASH" Blue & Ochre 3 Wave Small Bowl Signed Rorstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund "ASH" blue & ochre 3 wave small bowl signed Rorstrand Sweden 1950s. Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of blue ...
Stoneware
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
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
Pair of Mid-Century Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully textured Pair of Mid-Century Modernist Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originate from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vases feature a rounded bod...
Ceramic
Large Rebus Series Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large blue Rebus Series stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand The textural pattern is carved into the piece and finished with a matte glaze of varied light and dark blue ton...
Stoneware
Brown Vintage Stoneware Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. This elegant piece measures 17 x 11.5 cm (6.8 x 4.6") in diameter and has a lovely brown speckled glaze. The bowl is in...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ca 1950's
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, ca 1950's. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent with age and use. Some den...
Stoneware