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.
Blue spherical stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. Large stoneware vase with a spherical shape standing on a cylindrical base. Finished with a slight...
Stoneware
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund, in a rounded form. Glazed war ochre brown with a lighter brown line around the top and inside the opening. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most ...
Stoneware
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
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, 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
Mid-Cenury Modern "Chamotte" Vase in Corn Blue Color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-Century Modern "chamotte" vase in corn blue color by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand. A small and wonderful vase named the "hedgehog". This example Is perfect. No chips or remarks, as t...
Ceramic
Large Brown Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large, brown vase with a stunning brown har-fur glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 31.5 cm (12.6") tall and about 15.5 cm (6.2") in diameter at the top. It´s...
Stoneware
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
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
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
Miniature Dark Blue Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 4,5 cm (1.8") high and 8 cm (3,2") in diameter. It is in mint condition except from a minor mark in the glaze fr...
Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-Century Swedish Vase, Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Paradiso Series
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This wonderful vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand is from the Paradiso series. This beautiful trumpet form vase is decorated in relief all over, with foliate forms and geom...
Ceramic, 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
Lovely Blue Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces/vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Great looking vases with that caracteristc harefur glaze. Good v...
Ceramic
Grey Stoneware Vases Chamotte, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 18.5 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some minor marks. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...
Stoneware
Gray Speckled ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray speckled ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17 cm (6.8") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as th...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Vase, Rörstrand, Light Green Speckled Glaze, Circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 24.5 cm high and it is in mint condition. It has a stunning light green speckled glaze that is very rare to find. Gunnar ...
Stoneware
Art Deco Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Brown Gold.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful ceramic art deco vase. Amazing glaze with details in hand-painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. No chips, cracks or craz...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Courbevoie, FR
Very large ceramic vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand decorate vertical lines. Glaze beige and gray green. Stamped.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Mid-Century 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 26.5 cm (10,6) high. It´s close to mint condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with ...
Stoneware
Unique Brown Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and unique stoneware vase of the highest quality with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Excellent condition. N...
Ceramic, Stoneware
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 12 H cm.
Ceramic
Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowl Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Swedish Modern Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Ceramic Blue Chamotte Vase
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Uccle, BE
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 glaze over a rough rustic body crea...
Stoneware
Green Porcelain Vase "Collier", Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Mid century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase of model "Collier" designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14 cm (5,6") high and about 13 cm (5,2") in diameter. It´s in mint condition. Gunnar Nylund was...
Porcelain
Large White 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. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to it being slightly...
Ceramic, Stoneware
"Man, Woman and Horses, " Striking Art Deco Covered Urn by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Gorgeously glazed in tones of rust, sable, ivory and chocolate, this unique lidded urn with foliated pinnacle and curving handles depicts a man with upraised arms and rearing horse o...
Porcelain
Set of 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
$6,000Sale Price|20% Off
"Circus Scenes", Unique Art Deco Covered Urn w/ Ringmaster & Horse Rider
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Although this unique covered urn captures circus scenes that are decidedly populist in nature, this piece is highly sophisticated and emphatically Art Deco. Note the repeated geomet...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Green Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Beautiful Glaze - Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green/turquoise vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24.5 cm (7") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor marks and marked as 1st quality. G...
Ceramic
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 Brown Speckled Vase, Rörstrand, Mid Century, Circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown speckled vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 28 cm (11.2") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some m...
Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classical shape, glazed in beautiful ochre and light brown. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers ...
Stoneware
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1936 for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Impressed 'NYLUND', 'CHAMOTTE', 'S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Floor Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Floor vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 62 H cm Diameter: 13 cm.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Midcentury Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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 Gunnar Nylund Vases Chamotte Yellow Rörstrand Sweden 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Basel, BS
A pair of Gunnar Nylund vases for Rörstrand in Sweden, 1960s. Yellow glazed ‚Chamotte’ stoneware, marked underneath. Both in very good condition. Tall vase Height: 30 cm Width: 11 ...
Stoneware
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Unique Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands ...
Ceramic, 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 a tapering form with a wide mouth, perfect for flowers. Embossed, graphic pattern with celodon green glaze and “Mimosa” flecks. Gunnar ...
Stoneware
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Ar...
Ceramic
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. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mid-century Modern Green Hedgehog Vase by Gunnar Nylund för Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Mid-century Modern green hedgehog vase by Gunnar Nylund, (1904 - 1997) för Rörstrand, Sweden. Stamped. In mint condition. This beautiful example of Swedish Modernist design is the '...
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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 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
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Chamottered stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 16 H cm.
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. Great condition....
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, 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. Great condition,...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörstrand. Great...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Vase by Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Miniature Vases by Nylund & Stålhane. Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Stunning Gray Ceramic Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A stunning gray speckled, miniature ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9.5 cm (3.8") tall. It is in excellent condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gun...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Blue Glazed, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hammarö, SE
Designed by the celebrated Swedish ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, this sculptural chamotte stoneware vase is a striking example of Scandinavian Modern ceramics from the ...
Stoneware
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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