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.
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand Pitcher
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in beige by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the base with both the creator and manufacturer's mark. Very good vintage condition. No chips or ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This well balanced and beautifully colored Mid-Century Modernist Cobalt Blue Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. With a rounded ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Green-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green, glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1950s.
Stoneware
Mid-Century Sky Blue & Copper Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
This lovely Mid-Century Modernist Sky Blue & Copper Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vase features an elegantly curved profile and...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Handmade stoneware pitcher with applied handle and pale green feather glaze. Signed on underside.
1950s Swedish Midcentury Gunnar Nylund White Ceramic Pitcher – Marked G.N.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in IT
This stunning midcentury white ceramic pitcher by renowned Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund dates to the 1950s. Marked "Sweden G.N." on the base, the piece exemplifies Nylund’s signatu...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
$1,200
Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in hare's fur blue glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the bottom by both the creator and manufacturer's mark.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Brown and Blac-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and black, glazed stoneware pitcher, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
$1,200
Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A very small pitcher or vase in hare's fur glaze of yellow and mustard by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the bottom by both the creator and manufacturer's mark.
Ceramic
$783
H 9.65 in Dm 3.15 in
Stoneware Vases - Speckled Green Glaze - Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s
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
$1,868 / set
H 6.3 in Dm 6.3 in
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
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
$253
H 1.97 in W 2.96 in D 3.94 in
A Blue Vintage Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
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
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
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – Stoneware Vase, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bergen, NO
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – Stoneware Vase, Sweden, 1950s A beautiful mid-century stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. The piece features Nylund’s signa...
Ceramic
Green Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely green glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 14.5 cm (5.8") high and 7 cm (2.8") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st qualit...
Ceramic
Midcentury Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
A Brown Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown bowl in ceramics, it is designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 12 x 8.5 cm wide. It´s in excellent condition except from some craquelure and air-bubbles on...
Ceramic, Stoneware
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
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
Midcentury Striated Yellow Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This elegant and boldly scaled Mid-Century Modernist Striated Yellow Ocre Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This picture featu...
Ceramic
Sold
H 6.5 in Dm 3 in
MidCentury Striated Yellow Glazed Ceramic Pitcher by Gunnar Nyland for Rörstrand
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This charming and elegant Mid-Century Modernist Striated Yellow Ocre Glazed Ceramic Pitcher/Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand originates from Sweden, Circa 1950. This vase features...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, 1940s.
Stoneware
Pitcher by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A small pitcher or vase in hare's fur blue glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Impressed on the bottom by both the creator and manufacturer's mark.
Ceramic
Sold
H 9.31 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Blue and Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brownish glazed stoneware pitcher, designed by Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Signed and marked.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A green stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Signed and marked.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Stoneware Pitcher, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, wh...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Brown Stoneware Pitcher, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, wh...
Stoneware
Sold
H 8.86 in Dm 4.73 in L 8.86 in
Gunnar Nylund, Vase or vessel, Blue-glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A vase or vessel produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1950s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Factory second Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Brown Stoneware Pitcher, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A sizable stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, wh...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden Pitcher / Vase with Handle, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A midcentury ceramic vase / pitcher with handle designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Excellent vintage condition.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Set with Three Vases / Pitchers, Ceramic, Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Set with three vases / pitchers by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Ceramic, 1950s.
Ceramic