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.
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of six pieces of stoneware vases & one bowl with stunning white glazes designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 9 -...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfab...
Ceramic, 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
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classic shape. Beautiful dark purple glaze with clear blue undertones. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and...
Stoneware
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing blue hare's fur glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Goo...
Ceramic
Set of 6 Rörstrand Miniature Vases by Stålhane, Nylund & Lundgren 1950-1960's
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Bertil Lundgren
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful set of six signed Rörstrand miniature vases, all first quality. The set comprises two by Carl-Harry Stålhane, three by Gunnar Nylund, and one by Bertil Lundgren. Each vase ...
Ceramic
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Excellent condit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Lovely Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue & green ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17.5 cm (7") high and about 17 cm (6.8") in diameter and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st q...
Stoneware
Collection of 3 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997). Sweden. Chamottered stoneware with blue glaze. Marked by manifacturer. Minor chip.
Stoneware
HUGE Gunnar Nylund Rubus Floor Vase of Stoneware by Rôrstrand in Sweden 1950s
By Saxbo, Axel Salto, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Huge Rubus stoneware floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund (1914-1997) in the 1950s. The vase is decorated with different shades of brown and green glaze. Handsigned with the Rörstra...
Stoneware
Collection of 4 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of 4 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...
Ceramic
Green Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with an amazing green / dark turquoise speckled glaze. This is one of the most popular glazes on Gunnar Nylunds ceramics. The vase is des...
Ceramic
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörstrand. Great...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gray Speckled Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely gray/blue speckled vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") high and 8.5 cm (3.4") in diameter. It is in mint...
Porcelain
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces, two vases and one bowl from Rörstrand and maker, designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Exceptional glazed vases with wonderful curves. Thi...
Ceramic
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
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
Set of 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörs...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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, some small glaze spots. Incised signature "G.N....
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Ceramic Carafe/Vase with Rare Pattern, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic carafe / vase with blue glaze and rare pattern by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition. Beautiful decorative shape ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Floor Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Knivsta, SE
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s A beautiful set of four stoneware miniature vases by the Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for Rörstrand, o...
Stoneware
Sommerso Crystal Art Glass Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Strömbergshyttan, Sweden, 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
A refined somerso art glass vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan, Sweden, 1950s. The vase is crafted in thick clear crystal with a beautifully suspended pale amber co...
Crystal
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. Factory second
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
Group of 7 Glass "Sommerso" Vases by Strömbergshyttan, Sweden
By Asta Stromberg, Gunnar Nylund, Strombergshyttan
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Beautiful set of seven "Sommerso" vases in purple and clear designed by Gunnar Nylund and Asta Strömberg in Sweden during the 1950s. Hand made with underlay glass technique (colored ...
Glass
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 4 wonderful vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. The Vases are made in nice sculptural shape and with wonderful glaze. ...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Stoneware Miniature Vases by Nylund & Stålhane. Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Berndt Friberg, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful yellow and brown stoneware miniature vases with amazing glaze. One of them is by Gunnar Nylund and two of them are by Carl Harry Stalhane for Rorstrand, Swe...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund 'Rubus' Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1965
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in The Hague, NL
This stoneware vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced in Sweden in the late 1960s. Nylund designed many classics for the Swedish ceramic factory Rörstrand. One of the most ...
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware Art Deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great original c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Off-White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing off-white glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second because of firing cracks to the under...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$141Sale Price|48% Off
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase with Tiger Taupé Glaze for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small cylindrical vase with Taupe glazes commonly called tiger. Designed by Gunnar Nylund and created in the workshop at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s. Fully signed and marked...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to a minor chip from...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, 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
Midcentury Modern Groupe of 3 Earthy Vases Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have gathered a Groupe of 3 pieces, made at Rörstrand during the midcentury. The pieces are designed by Gunnar Nylund. Their slick minimalistic and elegant form make a perfect set...
Stoneware
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. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and makers mark "R" for Rörstra...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Black Stoneware Miniatures by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Berndt Friberg, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful black and brown stoneware miniatures with amazing glaze. Made by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Signed with 'GN' and makers ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
A Uranium Yellow Hedgehog vase - Chamotte - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique uranium yellow Hedgehog-vase in chamotte designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 21 cm (8.4") tall and in excellent condition. This vase is unique or a sample from Gun...
Stoneware
Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beige vase with a stunning beige glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 35 cm (14") tall. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks in the glaze w...
Stoneware
Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Rare model and the largest that was designed by Nylund and serially produced by Rörstrand during the 1950s. Rare polychrome glaze shifting...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Pieces Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These vessels and vases made in ceramic and named Rubus was designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This set containin...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Vase AXZ, Midcentury Scandinavian Ceramic 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand, Saxbo
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Absolutely stunning glaze on this vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. It's the model AXZ and it was designed and manufactured circa 1950s to 1960s. The vase has an elegant s...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful stoneware vases and one bowl with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. First sorting. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfab...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
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.
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Bowl and Vase "Rialto" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This set of two ceramic pieces bowl and Vase was manufactured in Sweden for Rörstrand in the midcentury and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Very good condition. Measures: Bowl 16 x...
Ceramic
1950s Ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
1950s Ceramic vase model ARL by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. In a good condition. Dimensions: H 8 in. x W 3 in. x D 3 in.
Ceramic
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of eight beautiful stoneware vases with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and maker...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. I...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Exceptional quality over these vases produced in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. It was made in 1950s and has a nice shimmer glaze with fine lines. Part...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Large Vase Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderfully crafted large stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s with exceptional yellow green, brown hare fur glaze. Good vintage condition with small uneven parts ...
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, almost egg shaped, with a narrow tipp. Glazed in shades of blue with a speckled pattern. Made by Rörstrand in th 1950´s. Sig...
Ceramic