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.
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
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
Gunnar Nylund Animal Sculpture of Weasel in Nature for Rörstrand Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
$3,033Sale Price|25% Off
Sculpture. Indian Chief. Signed Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
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
Midcentury Stoneware Monkey Sculpture, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Adorable stoneware monkey sculpture by Gunnar Nylund, glazed white and dark brown. Beautifully sculpted, with a reflecting expression. Gunnar Nylund’s animal figurines are among his ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, ceramic sculpture/vase/bowl, shape of fish, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
$687
H 7.68 in Dm 7.49 in
Brown Art Deco Stoneware 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 beautiful brown glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Good condition. But second grade becau...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,295
H 7.49 in Dm 7.49 in L 7.49 in
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful, spherical ceramic art deco vase. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Good original condition. Some ...
Ceramic
1960s Gunnar Nylund Brown Ceramic Vase by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Knebel, DK
Gunnar Nylund brown ceramic vase in good condition with glaze in shades of brown. Signed by Rörstrand G.N. Sweden
Ceramic
$525
H 3.25 in W 6.25 in D 4.75 in
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and makers mark "R" for Rörstra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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, some small glaze spots. Incised signature "G.N....
Ceramic, Stoneware
$525
H 3.25 in W 6.25 in D 4.75 in
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
Unique Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörs...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$795
H 8.67 in W 5.32 in D 4.34 in
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$878 / set
H 10.24 in Dm 2.76 in
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful vases from Rörstrand and maker or Designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful glazed vases in good condition. Measures: Height 26 cm, 17 cm...
Ceramic
$495
H 3.35 in Dm 3.15 in L 3.35 in
Small Green Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio
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
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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