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.
Swedish Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Asaa, DK
Swedish Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1960s. Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern teapot in glazed stoneware with braided bamboo handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund, made ...
Ceramic
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Teapot in Stoneware and Cane by Gunnar Nylund, 1960’s Additional Information: Material: Stoneware, cane Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (...
Stoneware
$765
H 9.65 in Dm 3.15 in
Stoneware Vases - Speckled Green Glaze - Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
$247
H 1.97 in W 2.96 in D 3.94 in
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
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
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
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
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
Swedish Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, Stockholms län
Beautiful ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, manufactured by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1940s. Made from stoneware with hare fur glaze in sand to red ochre color. Gunnar Ny...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Eggshell Stoneware Pitcher, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Impeccable stoneware pitcher produced by Rörstrands, Sweden, 1940s. Designed and signed by Gunnar Nylund, (Swedish, 1914-1997). Nylund served as artistic director at Rörstrands, w...
Ceramic
$1,245 / set
H 8.75 in W 7.25 in D 5 in
Mid-Century Modern Double Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian double teapot was realized by the esteemed Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden circa 1960. It featur...
Ceramic
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.
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
Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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