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, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A white, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.31" Height x 3.75" Diameter All items ship from Hi...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Acorn-Shaped Brown Bowl, Rörstrand, 13.5 cm, Circa 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
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
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
$660Sale 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
Black Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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, 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
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
Blue 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. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signature ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Black Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, 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
Small Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 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
Brown Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, 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 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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
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 original c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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 Midcentury Set of 8 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowls Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Set of Five Rörstrand “Kub” Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Midcentury Modern Groupe of 3 Earthy Vases Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have gathered a Groupe of 3 pieces, made at Rörstrand during the midcentury. The pieces are designed by Gunnar Nylund. Their slick minimalistic and elegant form make a perfect set...
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
Group of 4 Green Speckled Vases Ceramics, Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, 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
Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl/Ashtray for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Modern Tall Vase, Green Speckled Glaze, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 25.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked a...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Miniature Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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 Porcelain Vase in White Glaze, 1964
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 cream. This vase was made as a com...
Porcelain
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
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
Set of 3 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful porcelain crown window bowls. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First sorting. Stamped 'Rörstrand' and 'Sweden'....
Ceramic, Porcelain
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$1,300
Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rostrand, Sweden, Circa 1950th. Signed.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase Rörstrand Jug Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Yellow Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a yellow glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand of model Granola, the vase is 26 cm (10.4") high and 7.5 cm (3") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as ...
Ceramic
$320Sale 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
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
$408Sale 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
Art Deco Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase. Beautiful glaze with foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Impre...
Ceramic, 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
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
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 Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Exceptional quality over these vases produced in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. It was made in 1950s and has a nice shimmer glaze with fine lines. Part...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Large Vase Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
$195Sale Price|30% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Scandinavian Modern White Chamotte Vase, Sweden 1940
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $280....Exquisite creation by Gunnar Nylund (1914–1997) during his tenure as artistic director of Rörstrand from 1932 through the 1950s. The vase has a glossy white glaz...
Ceramic, Pottery
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Lidded Box by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
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
Olive Green Ceramic Vase and Bowl 'Zenit' by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, 1970s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Matching bowl and vase in the series Zenit. Designed by Gunnar Nylund and manufactured by Rörstrand in Sweden during the early 1970s. Both pieces are marked with the crestmark of Rör...
Pottery
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, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, 1940s.
Stoneware
$256Sale Price|50% Off
1950s Gunnar Nylund White Golden Leaf Vide Poche, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Crisp white organic leaf shaped vide poche dish with golden accents by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in the 1950s. Stamped under base. Beautiful vintage condition. Sw...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund Hand-Crafted White Vase, Scandinavian Modern, 1936
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Forest, BE
This is a vase by Swedish master ceramicist Gunnar Nylund. Made in 1936. The vase is 16 cm x 13 cm diameter. We have a rare lamp in mother of pearl color with new linen shade and sil...
Clay
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
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
Swedish Modern White Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Uccle, BE
This stoneware vase named "Pike Mouth" by Gunnar Nylund (1914-1997) who was one of Sweden’s most famous ceramic designers. He was the creative director of R...
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rör...
Ceramic, 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
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco vase. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Vase AXZ, Midcentury Scandinavian Ceramic 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Saxbo, Berndt Friberg
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
Set of 2 Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Oval Ceramic Bowls Scandinavian, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Lovely set of two small ceramic bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made circa 1950s. One bowl is covered with green haresfur glaze and...
Ceramic
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
Swedish Mid-Century Modern Ceramic Vase Signed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern vase was realized by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden circa 1960. It features an hourglass form tapered body in glazed ceramic in a sophisticated...
Ceramic