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.
White Stoneware Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely white vase with a stunning egg shell speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 16 cm tall. It is in excellent condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Group of White Ceramics by Nylund & Stålhane - Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Swedish Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand ca 1950s First grade quality. Heigth: 15 cm/5.9 inch Diameter: 8 cm/3.1 inch Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedish ceramic art...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Brown Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1950s.
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
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 the p...
Stoneware
A Black & Green Vintage Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Midcentury Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A black & green/brown bowl in ceramics, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 16 x 12.5 cm (6" x 5") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition except from some sma...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Ceramic Carafe/Vase with Rare Pattern, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
Large and Very Rare Purple Urn Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A really rare stoneware urn designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 33 cm (13.2") tall and in excellent condition except from a minor surface crack below. It is marked as the p...
Ceramic
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
Blue Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Scandinavian Midcentury Set of 8 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowls Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Brown / green collection of 8 vases and bowls from Rörstrand Sweden, designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. This collection contains vases and bowls ...
Ceramic
Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Group of 15 decorative ceramic bowls, Rörstrand Mid-century Modern
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely group of fifteen bowls with stunning glazes designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane & Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The largest bowl is 17 x 11 cm in diameter and the sma...
Porcelain
Collection of 4 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
White Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely white squared vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 15.5 cm (6.2") high and 7.5 cm (3") in diameter at the top. It is in excellent condition except from s...
Porcelain
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
Gray Speckled ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Vase, 1960's, stoneware
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Uccle, BE
Gunnar Nylund was a Swedish ceramist whose artistic mark on the world of ceramics is undeniable. During the 1960s, Nylund created pieces that reflected his creative ingenuity and com...
Stoneware
Dish By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Kastrup, DK
This striking stoneware dish was designed by Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for the renowned Swedish manufacturer Rörstrand in the 1960s. The dish is executed in a vivid azure blue glaze,...
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
A Blue Vintage Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue/gray bowl in ceramics, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 10 x 7.5 cm (4" x 3") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition except from a tiny mark on the ...
Ceramic, 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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Sculpture Ceramic Fish - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
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
Miniature Gray Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 3.5 cm (1.4") high and 6.8 cm (2.7") in diameter. It is in excellent condition. It is mark...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Vase Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large, unusual stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s is gifted with light brown/green/red harefur glaze. And it has that stunning look of Nylunds great craftsmanship. It really gives a great impression. Signed Rörstrand Nylund...
Stoneware
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
Midcentury Modern Set of 5 Bowls Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 5 wonderful bowls from Rörstrand and maker or designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful, glazed bowls in good condition. The structure and form of th...
Ceramic
Leaf shaped green Bowl Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th Century Scandinavia
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A leaf-shaped, green bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 28,5 x 13 cm (11.4" x 5.2") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except from a tiny chip near the b...
Ceramic
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
Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely, brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 24 cm (9.6) high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It´s in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund wa...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl/Ashtray for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Bochum, NRW
A "Paradiso" stoneware bowl/astray with robust forms, glossy green glaze, and nature floral motifs in relief. By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Paradiso sticker scraps. Diameter 15 c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Black Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely black glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9 cm (3.6") high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Ceramic
Lovely Bowl Flambé-technique - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand - Mid-20th Century Design
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl in Flambé technique designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 5.5 cm (2.2") High and 33.5 cm (13.4") Wide. It has a motif of a woman. The bowl is in excellent...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Scandinavian Modern Tall Vase, Green Speckled Glaze, Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 25.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked a...
Ceramic, 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 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
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These pieces were made in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1940-1950s. This is the small size vase and the large vase called "Charmotte". The name in...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand factory in the 1950s, Sweden. The brown golden glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape a...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Gunnar Nylund Brown Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Design, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown squared vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 15 cm (6") high and 7.5 cm (3") in diameter at the top. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st qual...
Porcelain
Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 33 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some scratching marks below (see photo) therefore it is marke...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Swedish Cream Vase ARO circa 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
Ceramic ARO Vase created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Cream hares fur glaze breaking to pale peach. Excellent condition. No chips. Mar...
Ceramic
Set of Midcentury Ceramic Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two midcentury ceramic bowls designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand. Earthy wabi-sabi color and texture. Dimensions...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Earthy Tone Ceramic Table Lamp Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful table lamp in ceramic named Rubus and designed by one of the ceramic designer icons from Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This one with incredible colors working together with the all...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Swedish Burgundy Dish or Bowl ARO circa 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
Medium size ARO bowl created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Burgundy eggplant hares fur glaze breaking to blues. Excellent condition. No...
Ceramic
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "ARO" Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "ARO" bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimen...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Barcelona, ES
Scandinavian Modern vase designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) for Rörstrand.
Ceramic
Swedish Mid Century "Rubus" Ceramics by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare collection and set of six Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls and dishes by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, rare Large Decorative Ceramic Vase / Carafe, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful decorative carafe / vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, Mid-1900s. A rare shape with a wonderful light green with spots of dark blue and grey. Signed....
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Ceramic Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Berndt Friberg, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Set of 3 Bowls Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful collection of 3 small 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 art...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund White Mid Century Ceramic Pitcher by Rörstrand in Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare and nice white Swedish mid century stoneware ceramic vase / pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition. Some smaller glaze bubbles. Dimen...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase with a green/yellow color designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 19 cm high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was b...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Brown Pitcher
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 30.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked as 2nd quality. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Blue Brown Mid Century Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare ceramic / stoneware bowl in blue brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund produced by Rörstrand Sweden 1950s. In good condition. Signed "ARO". Dimensions: H: 7,5 cm / 3" cm W: 16 cm / 6.5"...
Ceramic
Decorative Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Elegant stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund, manufactured at Rörstrand (Stockholm) in Sweden during the 1940s. Signed. In very good vintage condition. this stoneware pitcher ...
Stoneware
Scandinavian modern vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful set of vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1950s. Both with a soft green glaze. Bowl with white spots. Dimensions of bowl: Heig...
Stoneware