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 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 Stoneware Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 14 cm high and it has a lovely brown har fur glaze, it´s in mint condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nyl...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Tall Vase Turquoise Blue, Scandinavian Modern 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Nymølle Keramiske Fabrik, Saxbo, Rörstrand, Berndt Friberg
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 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
Gunnar Nylund Deer Sculpture, Ceramic, Rörstrand, 1950s, Excellent
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Gray & Blue Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray and blue vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20 cm (8") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Reggio Emilia, IT
Scandinavian ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, made in Sweden, marked on the bottom, in matte enamel, 1960s. Dimensions: Height 22 cm, diameter 8 cm.
Ceramic, 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
Set of 2 Art Deco Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, 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
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 Caolina Vase White Glazed Stoneware Carrara Rörstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Basel, BS
Gunnar Nylund ‚Caolina‘ vase in white glazed stoneware, designed in 1955 for Rörstrand factory in Sweden. 1st class quality sorting, very good c...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Blue Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Orange-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Gunnar Nylund Floor Vase, Stoneware, Rörstrand, Brown, Circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
$433Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund "ASX" Bowl Blue Brown Haresfur Glaze for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Oblong ceramic "ASX" tray / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. This is one of the harder to find pieces and it has the most beautiful blue, slightly green ...
Ceramic
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP Rörstrand Sweden 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
White Art Deco Chamotte Candlesticks by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Wilhelm Kage, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful white candlesticks in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s Great condition. No chips, cracks or ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with identical relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Hand-Crafted White Vase, Scandinavian Modern, 1936
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
$1,531Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Magenta Chamotte, Porcelain Vase for Rorstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Exceptional Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern handmade chamotte clay and porcelain vase by acclaimed Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Chamotte body with shiny deep raspber...
Stoneware, Pottery, Porcelain, Ceramic
$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
Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A ceramic bowl made by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, 1950's. Model AXA, made in the shape of a heart. Good condition. Second sorting.
Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, mid century modern, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Available here is a rare vase made by Gunnar Nylund. Organically shaped in a brown glaze with vertical stripes. Made by Rörstrand in the 1950´s. Good original condition.
Ceramic
Set of 2 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful porcelain crown window bowls with a hand-painted gold band on the foot. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First so...
Ceramic, Porcelain
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A red and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
An orange-brown, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.68" Height x 3.68" Diameter All items shi...
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
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 AXK Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Ceramic
Light Blue Lidded Stoneware Urn by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, 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
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A grand white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. It has some dark firing spots at the bas...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, 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
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Green Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A green glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
Gunnar Nylund's 1950s vase, made of brown-glazed stoneware, showcases the expert craftsmanship of Ršrstand in Sweden. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Blue and Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimension (inches): 9.25"H x 2.65"W x 2.65"D All items ship from ...
Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions...
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A grand white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. There is a glaze miss on the inside of t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 18 cm / ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Flambé Stoneware Vase, Sweden, Signed, 1930s-1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a rare and highly expressive stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, dating to the 1930s–1940s. Executed in Nylund’s celebrated flambé glaze, the surf...
Ceramic
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
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
Small Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful small stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 193...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco dish with crackle glaze. Details in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant “Chamotte” stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a stately form. Made in a technique where crushed earthenware is mixed into the stoneware. Rörstrand introduced Gunnar Nylund’...
Stoneware
Mid Century Turquoise Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Denmark, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare blue / turquoise Scandinavian mid century vase by Gunnar Nylund for Nymølle Denmark, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 17 cm / 6.70" W...
Stoneware
Large floor vase by Gunnar Nylud
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Large floor vase by Gunnar Nylud for Rostrand. Sweden. Signed.
Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, 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
Unique Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" ...
Ceramic, 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 GN ARO".
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
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, 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
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
Gunnar Nylund Blue Brown Mid Century Ceramic Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of seven Swedish mid century stoneware / ceramic vases and bowls in blue brown hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original and matching con...
Ceramic