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.
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, 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, 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
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
Light Blue Lidded Stoneware Urn by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Set of 3 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, 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
Unique Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund S...
Ceramic
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Slightly askew. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rör...
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. There is a glaze miss on the inside of t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Mid-Century Modern Figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a Gibbon Ape, Rörstrand 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Scandinavian Modern rare figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a checky Gibbon ape, from Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Sculpture with eggshell glaze and a stand in W...
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, 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
Brown 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. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second due to a glaze flaw on the rim, f...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, 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
Art Deco Crackle Glazed Dish by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Röstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, mid century modern, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Here we have a beautiful vase by Gunnar Nylund. Bulbous base with a narrow stem, and glazed i light colours. Made by Rörstrand in th 1950´s. Good original condition.
Ceramic
Rare Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Glazed stone ware.
Ceramic
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 Vase Model ARZ Produced by Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase model ARZ designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stonewear Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950's
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Scandinavian Modern stonewear vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950's. Signed with makers mark. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consistent wi...
Stoneware
Stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware platter in a leaf shape by Gunnar Nylund. Purplish brown glaze with contrasting bright blue areas. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers of the Swedish mid-century period. He was Rörstrand’s creative leader from 1931 until 1949 and as such propelled the artistic work at the factory and served as mentor to younger artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson. Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who brought ideas of democratizing stoneware and creating beautiful, qualitative and affordable everyday items for the people to Rörstand in the mid-1920s. The factory had at the time lost its former leading market position, but Nylund’s efforts gave it a great reboot. He designed ceramic kitchenware...
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
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vases "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These two wonderful vases was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Good vintage condition. Measure: H 31 cm and 26.5cm Signed R SWE...
Ceramic
A Classic Elegant "Aro" ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic pieces Sweden 1950 Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund The vases have nice antique look in a modern shape. The vases are nicely sc...
Ceramic
Small Gunnar Nylund “Rubus” Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
A small “Rubus” stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1960s. The vase has a rounded cylindrical form. The glaze combines cream and brown tones w...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Large AXK Stoneware Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An impressive and large stoneware bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Gorgeous coloring and great scale, the bowl has wonderful movement. Could be used as a fruit bowl, or ...
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
"Shore Leave, " Sailors at Port with Female Escorts, Rare Art Deco Form, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Suggestive of the work of Charles Demuth in its focus on sailors on leave, and its smudgy, atmospheric depiction of men and women on the edge of society, this large and important vas...
Porcelain
$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...
Pottery, Ceramic
Green & Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with par...
Ceramic
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish decorative mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Aro Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s. Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges. ...
Stoneware
Ceramic Vase Jug by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Paris, FR
Midcentury Ceramic jug vase in brown bronze enamel Signed on back with "R" for Rorstrand, Sweden, and GN for Gunnar Nylund. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with parents who wor...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
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
Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 45 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor scratches. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar...
Ceramic
A Classic Elegant "Aro" Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A Classic "Aro" Ceramic bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s. A timeless and sophisticated "Aro" bowl crafted by Gunnar Nylund showcases exquisite shades in blue and brow...
Ceramic
Bear Figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Bear figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware figurine from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic
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 Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown, yellow and gray tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very ...
Ceramic
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
"Grape Carriers, " Striking and Unique Art Deco Bowl w/ Wine Motif by Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a Black male figure paired with a white female figure carrying clusters of grapes and ancient wine jars, this unique and striking Art Deco ...
Porcelain
$1,521Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Magenta Chamotte, Porcelain Vase for Rorstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Green Vase, Glazed Stoneware, 1960s Swedish ceramic vase, vessel, or jug designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in Sweden circa 1960s. G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Mid-Century Speckled Umber Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Classic brown and beige-glazed stoneware bowls designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund, born in Paris in 1904 to parents engaged in sculptin...
Stoneware
"Nude with Dove, " Rare Art Deco Bowl by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before he became known for his organic forms and gorgeous glazes for the famous Rorstrand ceramic works in Sweden, Gunnar Nylund designed a line of very fine Art Deco pieces in what ...
Porcelain
Sculpture Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950’s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950’s. Stoneware and wood. Signed. Dimensions: H: 17.5 cm / 6 3/4" W: 20 cm / 8” D: 13.5 cm / 5 1/3” Gunnar Nylund was...
Ceramic, Stoneware, Wood
Gunnar Nylund Vase Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden.
Ceramic
Glass Vase in Gray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Gray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 9...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Vase, Eggshell Glaze, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stamford, CT
Gunnar Nylund, Swedish Mid-Century Modern, Ceramic Vase, Vessel, Jug, Eggshell Glaze, 1940s Stoneware jug, vase, or vessell designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden in the ...
Stoneware
"Nudes with Falcons, " Masterful Art Deco Covered Jar by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
The largest "Flambe" piece we have ever offered, this covered jar with female nudes accompanied by falcons and leafing trees was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand pottery in Sw...
Porcelain
$3,360Sale Price|20% Off
"Swans and Cygnets, " Important Art Deco Covered Jar by Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
One of the most ambitious Art Deco pieces in the "Flambe" style we have seen, this covered jar was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand pottery in Sweden in the 1930s. Glazed in r...
Porcelain
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace bowl with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. Incised with makers mark. Gunnar N...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Caolina Vase White Glazed Stoneware Carrara Rörstrand Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, 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
White Art Deco Chamotte Candlesticks by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Wilhelm Kage, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
An orange glazed earthenware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.5" Height x 2.75" Diameter All items ship from...
Stoneware
Swedish Ceramic Tray by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Organic stoneware tray designed by Gunnar Nylund. Swedish Modern ceramic hand made at Rörstrand in Stockholm during the 1940s. Leave shape with a greyish to eggshell glaze. Gunnar ...
Ceramic, Stoneware