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.
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ateljé, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a rounded form with a short neck and crowned with a wide mouth. Classic and harmonious design language glazed in beautiful pale olive green...
Stoneware
"Cavorting Mermaids", Sensuous, Unusual Art Deco Flambe Vase w/ Gold by Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Swedish Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bronx, NY
Sweden, 1950s ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund, for Rörstrand in quartz green excellent condition and signed on the bottom.
Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a Gibbon Ape, Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
"Grape Carriers, " Striking and Unique Art Deco Bowl w/ Wine Motif by Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a Black male figure paired with a white female figure carrying clusters of grapes and ancient wine jars, this unique and striking Art Deco ...
Porcelain
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
Mid Century Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, circa 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund's Glazed Stoneware Vase made for Rörstrand, circa 1950s. Incised signature and studio mark to underside: [R Rubus GN Sweden 9]. Image 7: Gun...
Ceramic
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 dark purple glaze with clear blue undertones. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and...
Stoneware
Stoneware Bowl Model ARU by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Asaa, DK
Stoneware Bowl Model ARU by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. Very beautiful Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern bowl in glazed ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Dramatic...
Ceramic
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
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Large Floor Vase, Stoneware, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Large 'Rubus' Floor Vase, Stoneware, 1950s Swedish modern “Rubus” stoneware floor vase dfesigned by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of 9 Ceramic Bowls by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of nine bowls of stoneware/ceramics designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The largest bowl is 17 x 10.5 cm in diameter and the smallest is 10 x 7.5 cm in diame...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful, spherical ceramic art deco vase. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Good original condition. Some ...
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
$14,524 / set
Set of 9 Glass Vases by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Set of 9 Glass Vases by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H):...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund, Model ARZ, Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This ceramic vase, model ARZ—often referred to by its nickname Gäddgap (“Pike’s Mouth”)—was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden. The vase is a striking exam...
Ceramic
16" Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Huge Low Bowl Blue, Danish Modern Ceramic 1960s
By Saxbo, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Rörstrand, Palshus, 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
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 x 8 x 35 c...
Ceramic
$1,394 / set
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 ARO Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
Brown Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown ceramic vase with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 15 cm (6.) tall. It´s in excellent condition but marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund...
Stoneware
Glass Vase in Yellow by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Yellow by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H):...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940's, Large Baluster Shape Vase
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable and rare large vase produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, w...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking “Hedgehog” vase by Gunnar Nylund, made in chamotte stoneware. The clean form contrasts with the craggy surface. Eggshell white, glossy glaze. The model was introduced aroun...
Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymolle, Denmark, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, rorstrand studio, Nymolle, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Nymolle, Denmark, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature '...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue & brown ceramic vase with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14 cm (5.6.) tall. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gunn...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Floor Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare ceramic floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges. In...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Floor Vase Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A gorgeous floor vase produced at Rörstrand and designed by maker/Designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful brown glazed in shifting dark earthy colors. Rar...
Ceramic
A Blue & Brown Vintage Stoneware Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. This elegant piece measures 12.5 cm (5") in diameter and showcases Nylund’s signature design style. The bowl is in excell...
Stoneware
Midcentury Pair of Bowls Rörstrand Sweden by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Pair of bowls Rörstrand made in Sweden by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. Wonderful glaze on these bowls. They are both in good condition Measures: 16 x 12 X 8 cm.
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Brown Stoneware Birka Rubus Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite stoneware vase, designed by the renowned Swedish ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, dates to the 1960s and belongs to the distinguished “Rubus” series. A stri...
Stoneware
Green Speckled Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green speckled round bowl with a lovely glaze, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 9 cm tall and 24,5 cm in diameter. It´s in excellent condition, mark...
Stoneware
Midcentury Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
The green/brown glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape and form of this vase that’s a not so usual one to come by. Very nice condition. Dimensions: Height 24 cm,...
Ceramic
Collection of 3 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
Leaf shaped green Bowl Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century Scandinavia
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A leaf-shaped, green bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 28,5 x 13 cm (11.4" x 5.2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from a tiny chip near the b...
Ceramic
Porcelain "Carolina" Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund For Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Doraville, GA
A beautifully shaped "Carolina" vase with a blue / black matte feldspar glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950's for Rörstrand Procelain Works in Denmark. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Denmark, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase or pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Nymölle, Denmark, 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.35"H x ...
Stoneware
Unique Brown Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase of the highest quality with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Excellent condition. N...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Bowl Rörstrand AXK Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful largest model of the AXK bowl manufactured in the 1950s at Rörstrand, designed by Gunnar Nylund. The bowl has a wonderful glaze and it lifts the shape of the bowl to a won...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Eggshell Stoneware Pitcher, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, w...
Ceramic
Set of Five Rörstrand “Kub” Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product description A sculptural set of five stoneware vases from the Kub series, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1960s. The group is unified by its rich oliv...
Stoneware
Animal Sculpture of a Polar Bear Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Mid-20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a polar bear in ceramics with a stunning white glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is in excellent condition except from a minor stain in the glaze on the...
Stoneware
Large Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A large 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 orig...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Collection of 3 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Collection of 3 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Large White Stoneware Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely white vase with a stunning egg shell speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 30 cm tall. It is in excellent condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Brown Stoneware Rubus Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This exquisite stoneware ceramic bowl, designed by iconic Swedish artist Gunnar Nylund, was crafted by Rörstrand in the 1960s. Part of the distinguished "Rubus" series, this bowl (mo...
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Animal Sculpture of a Capercaillie Bird Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Mid-20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a Capercaillie Bird in ceramics with a stunning green glaze in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 35 x 27 cm and 29.5 cm tall. It is in excellent co...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Blue & Green, Globose Ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Mid 20th century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue & green ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17.5 cm (7") high and about 17 cm (6.8") in diameter and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as t...
Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Dish "Rubus" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Balen, BE
Large Swedish Mid-Century Ceramic Dish "Rubus" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s This large-scale ceramic dish from the 1950s, titled "Rubus", is a standout piece by celebrated...
Ceramic
Black Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or cra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful spherical Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful spherical Art Deco / Swedish Grace stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Small Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Small Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware