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.
Blue & Green, Globose Ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Mid 20th century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 4 wonderful vases from Rörstrand and maker, designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful, glazed vases with wonderful curves. The craftsmanship on these...
Ceramic
Black Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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 rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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 Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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 Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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 Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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 rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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
Small Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP Rörstrand Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with off-white glaze and hand-painted gold details. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great conditio...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 Art Deco Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Set of 2 stoneware Art Deco vases with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great or...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ateljé, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a classic rounded form. Glazed in ochre and light brown.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Offwhite Teardrop-shaped Glazed Vase, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully glazed mid-century vase executed by Gunna Nylund for the venerable Swedish based ceramics firm Rorstrand. Signed.
Ceramic
Large Brown Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large, brown vase with a stunning brown har-fur glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 31.5 cm (12.6") tall and about 15.5 cm (6.2") in diameter at the top. It´s...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vase Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful large vase in ceramic named Rubus and designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This one with incredible colors in blue, grey and dark brown. ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl/Ashtray for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Miniature Dark Blue Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 4,5 cm (1.8") high and 8 cm (3,2") in diameter. It is in mint condition except from a minor mark in the glaze fr...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase Rörstrand Jug Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Basel, BS
Gunnar Nylund stoneware vase, hand-crafted at Rörstrand in Sweden, circa late 1950s. Soft green spotted glaze, signed underneath. Very good condition with signs of use and age, su...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Tall Vase Turquoise Blue, Scandinavian Modern 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Berndt Friberg, Saxbo, Rörstrand, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Tall and slender vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle, Denmark. Manufactured circa 1960s. The vase has a vivid blue green glaze over a radiating pattern. Height: 30,5 cm (...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Bowl, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware bowl or dish designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.45"H x...
Stoneware
$1,278Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely animal sculpture of a monkey designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it is 16 cm high and in very good condition with a lovely glaze. It comes with the original wooden base....
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Bowl, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware bowl or dish designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1940s. Moderate wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches):...
Stoneware
Collection of 2 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
Gunnar Nylund Acorn-Shaped Brown Bowl, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A acorn-shaped brown bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 13,5 x 8,5 cm in diameter. It´s in very good condition except from some minor marks. ...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Teapot by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stoneware teapot by Gunnar Nylund, in a smooth, plump form with four chunky feet. Eggshell glaze with “Mimosa” flecks and a rattan handle. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most i...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Brown Stoneware Rubus Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Miniature Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Collection of six amazing miniature stoneware vases and platters by Gunnar Nylund. Made in matching forms, with a variety of colors and glazes, tied together by a graphic expression....
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Deer Sculpture, Ceramic, Rörstrand, 1950s, Excellent
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a deer in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 27,5 x 16.5 cm (11" x 6.6") and 21.5 cm (8.6") high. It is in excellent condition and comes with the or...
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
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 and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
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
Sculpture Ceramic Fish - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely fish sculpture in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 16.5 cm (6.6") high. It is in excellent condition except from some minor chips on the fish mouth. G...
Stoneware
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, mid 20th century. Oval shape, yellow glaze, stamped maker's mark, 27 x 16,5 cm, height 34,5 c...
Stoneware
A Blue Vintage Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue/gray bowl in ceramics, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 10 x 7.5 cm (4" x 3") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition except from a tiny mark on the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Group of 4 Green Speckled Vases Ceramics, Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of four green vases with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 19 - 24,5 cm high and in excelle...
Porcelain
GUNNAR NYLUND. A stoneware floor vase, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
GUNNAR NYLUND. A stoneware floor vase, Rörstrand, Circa 1950th. Baluster-shaped in brown-beige glaze with squares in relief. Signed. Minor ships and scratches.
Stoneware
Very Tall Gunnar Nylund Vase by Nymølle with Dark Blue Glaze 1960s
By Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
This very tall and slender vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle and produced in Denmark, circa 1960´s. It has a vivid dark navy blue glaze over a radiating pattern. Measure...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces/vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Great looking vases with that caracteristc harefur glaze. Good v...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, ceramic sculpture/vase/bowl, shape of fish, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic vase/bowl in shape of a fish, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand. Sweden mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern French Blue Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden 1950
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Grythyttan, SE
This Scandinavian modern vase, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, depicts the charming small town of Skara with its iconic church, birds soaring in the sky, and picturesque lan...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Floor Vase, Stoneware, Rörstrand, Brown, Circa 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 39.5 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some scratches in the glaze.
Stoneware
$325Sale Price|56% Off
Gunnar Nylund Blue Glaze Raw Chamotte Cylinder Vase, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Minimalist Scandinavian modern cylinder vase handmade by Swedish artist Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle in the 1960s. Rustic matte dark brown chamotte clay on the outside and shiny bright ...
Ceramic, Clay, Pottery, Stoneware
Stoneware Fawn Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, c. 1960
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A stoneware figurine of a deer by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. Incised on the base with makers mark, GN, SWEDEN.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Vase AXZ, Midcentury Scandinavian Ceramic 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Berndt Friberg, Saxbo, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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
Light Blue Lidded Stoneware Urn by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware urn with amazing relief pattern in the form of birds in trees. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second due to ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Brown Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Mid-Century, Circa 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 16.5 cm (6.6) high. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic set of 3 Bowls Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful collection of 3 ARO bowls was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. The glaze is amazing and works with the articulat...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Brown Pitcher
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 30.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked as 2nd quality. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$325Sale 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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1950s. Glaze presents with minor marks as illustrated. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.37"...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, "ARA" Model Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase, "ARA" Model, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.56" Height x 3.87" Diameter All items...
Stoneware
Solid Bronze Low Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons, Sweden, 1940s
By Akta Brons, Gunnar Nylund
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare solid bronze low bowl or plate designed by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons. Piece features an underwater motif featuring fish. Really wonderful pat...
Bronze
$325Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Olive Green Zenit Vase, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Si...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Flambé Large Bowl, Rörstrand, Mid-20th Century, 33.5 cm Wide
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed fluted stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware