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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
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
Brown Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, 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
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$333Sale Price|56% Off
Gunnar Nylund Blue Glaze Raw Chamotte Cylinder Vase, 1960s
By Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Gunnar Nylund
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 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
Pair of White Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful Mid-Century stoneware vases. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Stamped with makers m...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Brown Stoneware Birka Rubus Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund Brown Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Design, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Miniature Gray Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 3.5 cm (1.4") high and 6.8 cm (2.7") in diameter. It is in excellent condition. It is mark...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
Gunnar Nylund's blue-glazed stoneware vase from Rörstrand, Sweden in the 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.5"H x 5.7"W x 4.5"D All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
Green Porcelain Vase "Collier", Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Mid century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase of model "Collier" designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14 cm (5,6") high and about 13 cm (5,2") in diameter. It´s in mint condition. Gunnar Nylund was...
Porcelain
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
$423Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Midcentury Hare's Fur Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This matching pair of small ceramic vases with taupe-brown hares fur glaze was designed by Gunnar Nylund and created in the workshop at Rörstrand in Sweden during the late 1950s.
Pottery
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
Pair of Stoneware Bowls by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of stoneware bowls by Gunnar Nylund, of the appealing “ARO” model. Streamlined, oval form with plunging sides. One with rich brown glaze and the other with eggshell and blue glaze.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modernist Taupe Glazed Ceramic Vase By Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This stunning vase is a testament to the skill and creativity of Gunnar Nylund, one of the most renowned ceramicists of the 20th century. Crafted in Sweden during the pivotal decade ...
Ceramic
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, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Scandinavian Midcentury Set of 8 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowls Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Brown / green collection of 8 vases and bowls from Rörstrand Sweden, designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. This collection contains vases and bowls ...
Ceramic
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1936 for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Some firing cracks (from production...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Igloo Vase Green with Stripes, Scandinavian, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
$261Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund White Blanc de Chine Vase, 1954
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Blanc de Chine vase design by Swedish ceramist Gunnar Nylund for Hellerupis (Hellerup Ice Cream) in Denmark. The front depicts a woman making ice...
Porcelain
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
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Handled Vase Yellow Glaze, Scandinavian Mid-Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
An elegant handled vase by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904-97) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1940s to 50s. The vase is made from stoneware and it comes in a rare version wit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
Green Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green vase with handle designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 25 cm high and it has a lovely glaze, it´s in excellent condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Ny...
Stoneware
$685Sale Price|27% Off
Gunnar Nylund pottery vase or jug "ASR" by , Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
An extraordinary, rare and rather large hand-made vintage ceramic vase known as "ASR", design by the very talented Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. What makes this vase so very special i...
Ceramic
White Stoneware Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A white vase in the slightly rougher Chamotte clay that Gunnar also designed the iconic hedgehog vases in. It is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2") high...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Acorn-Shaped Brown Bowl, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, 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. Signed. In good condition, normal minimal makers defects and smaller signs of age a...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Vase AXZ, Midcentury Scandinavian Ceramic 1960s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Saxbo, Berndt Friberg, 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
Gunnar Nylund, ceramic sculpture/vase/bowl, shape of fish, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Midcentury Modern Large Vase Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large, unusual stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s is gifted with light brown/green/red harefur glaze. And it has that stunning look of Nylunds great craftsmanship. It really gives a great impression. Signed Rörstrand Nylund...
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. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.45"H x...
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
Light Purple Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Design
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely light-purple glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand of model Granola, the vase is 14 cm (5.6") high and 9 cm (3.6") in diameter. It is in mint condition an...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, stoneware vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern / Midcentury
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase with beautiful hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand, Sweden mid-1900s. Marked Nylund and Rörstand. In good condition, smaller signs of age and wear. About...
Stoneware
$233Sale Price|19% Off
Gunnar Nylund Green Glazed Scandinavian Stoneware Vase, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This stoneware vase in olive green glaze was designed by Swedish ceramist Gunnar Nylund and manufactured by Boveskov, Denmark. It was produced during the 1960s and has a handwritten ...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vase Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Avant-Garde Pottery Vase 'Fantasia' by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle, Denmark, 1964
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This small turquoise Unika/unique vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund. It has two different sides each with handmade Avant-Garde motifs inspired by the Danish Cobra Movement and Picas...
Pottery
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Bowl Rörstrand AXK Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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, Vase, Orange-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
An orange, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Brown Pitcher
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$1,308Sale 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
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised makers mark, Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Large Vase Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A gorgeous large vase from Rörstrand and maker/Designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful brown glazed in shifting dark colors. Good vintage condition, s...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A red and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Group of 4 Green Speckled Vases Ceramics, Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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