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.
$254Sale Price|20% Off
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
Mid-Century Modern Figurine by Gunnar Nylund of a Gibbon Ape, Rörstrand 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Animal Sculpture of a Polar Bear Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Mid-20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a polar bear in ceramics with a stunning white glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is in excellent condition except from a minor stain in the glaze on the...
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
$1,294Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Bear Figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Bear figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware figurine from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Deer Sculpture, Ceramic, Rörstrand, 1950s, Excellent
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Scandinavian Modern Shell Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stunning stoneware sculpture by Gunnar Nylund in the shape of a shell. Beautifully executed with close resemblance to a real shell. Muted green glaze with a...
Stoneware
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
Gunnar Nylund Animal Sculpture of Weasel in Nature for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Vintage animal sculpture/figurine of a weasel in nature by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1960s. The sculpture is made of st...
Stoneware
$3,081Sale Price|25% Off
Sculpture. Indian Chief. Signed Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculptured head of an American Indian Chief. It is said that this really is a self-portrait of Gunnar Nylund, the artist. It has its original wooden stand . The height is 42 cm wi...
Clay
Ceramic Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, 1950’s Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions: (W x D x H): 14.5 ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian ceramic by Gunnar Nylund: fish. Brown mat glazure, haze fur.
Ceramic
Monkey Sculpture by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s, Glazed Stoneware
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware. Signed. H: 15.5 cm / 6'' W: 19 cm / 7 1/2'' D: 13.5 cm / 5 1/4''
Stoneware
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
$2,765 / set
H 9.45 in Dm 3.55 in
Collection of 3 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
$853
H 9.65 in Dm 5.52 in
Blue Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue vase with a lovely glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24,5 cm (9.8) high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze and marked as 1...
Ceramic
$1,118 / set
H 7.09 in Dm 2.37 in
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowl Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful blue glaze on these 2 vases and bowl from Rörstrand Sweden, designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. They are all in good vintage condition. Dimensions: Large vase H ...
Ceramic
1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand circa 1950s. Gorgeous glaze and great movement with the bowl, this could work in a variety of interiors. Other notable ceramic...
Ceramic
$2,054
H 6.3 in W 10.63 in D 9.45 in
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
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s Model 'ARN', first grade quality. Height: 20 cm/7.8 inch Diameter: 8 cm/3.1 inch Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedis...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Ceramic sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund ceramic monkey produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Beautiful stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in an elegant, sleek form. Glazed white with a subtle “Mimosa” pattern. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and desi...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Floor Vase Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
A gorgeous floor vase produced at Rörstrand and designed by maker/Designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful brown glazed in shifting dark earthy colors. Rar...
Ceramic
$2,177 / set
H 3.15 in W 6.3 in D 5.12 in
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
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Timeless ceramic floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Manufactured by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. The vase is made from stoneware with a hare fur glaze shifting in between...
Stoneware
$2,523
H 6.3 in W 10.63 in D 9.45 in
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
Scandinavian Midcentury Lion Figurine by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Gorgeous stoneware lion figurine by Gunnar Nylund with an expressive face and glaze gathering beautifully in all its nooks and crannies. Gunnar Nylund’s animal figurines are among hi...
Stoneware
Sold
H 6.7 in W 2.76 in D 4.73 in
Gunnar Nylund's 1960s Rörstrand Brutalistic Parrot Chamotte Sculpture, Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
This bird is created by the prominent artist Gunnar Nylund during the 1960s. Manufactured by Rörstrand, the renowned ceramic company in Sweden, the sculpture carries with it the lega...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Sold
H 3.93 in W 4.72 in D 7.87 in
Mid-century modern pottery figurine a "camel" made by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A very rare and stunning vintage porcelain figurine in the shape of a camel stoneware design by very talented Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. This is a gorgeous piece and fun, originall...
Ceramic
Sculpture Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Stoneware. Stamped. H: 15.5 cm W: 18.5 cm D: 10 cm.
Stoneware
Sold
H 16.93 in W 8.67 in D 6.7 in
Midcentury Modern Large Antelope Sculpture Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Fantastic sculpture of an antelope from Rörstrand and maker/designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful glazed and in good condition. The sculptural design of...
Ceramic
White Penguin Figurine, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely penguin sculpture designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. The sculpture is 15.5 cm (6.2") high and in mint condition, it is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born...
Ceramic
Sold
H 11.82 in W 6.3 in D 9.85 in
Gunnar Nylund Figurine of a Hermelin 'Ferret', Sweden 1940s, 1st Quality
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Skanninge, SE
Really nice stoneware sculpture by Gunnar Nylund with an imposing face and glaze. Depicting a Hermelin or a Ferret. Stands on the original elm stand from Rörstrand. The sculpture can of course stand all by itself without the wooden stand. The condition is great. No issues! All company...
Ceramic, Elm
Sold
H 5.6 in W 5.9 in D 5.9 in
Swedish Mid-Century Ceramic Owl Figurine by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Hermelin Figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Hermelin Figurine in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware figurine from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar N...
Ceramic
Squirrel Figurine in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Berlin, BE
Squirrel Figurine in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware figurine from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nyl...
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
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