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.
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Teapot by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$1,322Sale Price / set|30% Off
Midcentury Modern Set of 2 Ceramic Pieces Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These vases made in ceramic and named Rubus was designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This set containing 2 pieces with wonderful earthy blue colors ...
Ceramic
Art Deco Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
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
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. With incised decor on one side.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
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
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand factory in the 1950s, Sweden. The brown golden glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape a...
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 Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 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 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
$330Sale 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
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Vase ‘Caolina’ is made in stoneware. Measure: H 31 cm/ 12 1/4" ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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, Pitcher, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
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
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
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
Large Floor Vase - Green Speckled Glaze - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large floor vase with handle with a lovely green speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 45 cm (18") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor ma...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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
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 and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
$1,150 / item
A Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by GUNNAR NYLUND. Harp fur glaze, Rörstrand, Sweden circa 1960s. Marked GN AUF.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Red Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Gorgeous red glaze for this 1960s gunnar nylund ceramic in excellent condition. The Danish-Finnish artist, designer and sculptor Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) is one of the most renowne...
Ceramic
A Classic Blue "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Shades in blue and brown glaze. Made for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Inscribed with artist signature and Rorstand studio mark. E...
Ceramic
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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. Good condition, s...
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
Art Deco Stoneware Footed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco footed bowl. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great cond...
Ceramic, 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
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, large chamotte stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in with decorative handles and an embossed rope net pattern. Glazed light umbra and eggshell white. Gunnar Nylund was ...
Stoneware
Pair of Mid-Century Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware Art Deco / Scandinavian Modern bowl with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth hand-painted in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, in Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.5" Height x 5.25" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North Ca...
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
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
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
Black Stoneware Chamotte Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio
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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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 rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, 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
Small Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
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, 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 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, 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 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, 1960s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with signat...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 Art Deco Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A beige, brown and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Brown Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Good condition. But second grade becau...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware vase with two small handles and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLU...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Gunnar Nylund, a model ‘AKT’ stoneware vase, Rörstrand, 1950’s-60’s. Stoneware, speckled glaze in brown and blue. Signed R Sweden GN AKT. Height 17,3″. Minor wear. Marks. Minor sta...
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
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, 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
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, Model "NSZ", Red-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A red-glazed stoneware vase, "NSZ" Model, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
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
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
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
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