Since its inception, luxury retailer Nordiska Kompaniet, known affectionately to its customers as “NK,” has offered an influential platform for innovators in furniture design. Its department stores in Stockholm and Gothenburg, Sweden, have been home to many of the top names in mid-century modern design and in Scandinavian modernism. Admired for its production of high-quality pieces, it continues to support forward-looking designers.
Nordiska Kompaniet was founded in 1902 through the merger of the companies K.M. Lundberg and Joseph Leja. Its founder, Josef Sachs, envisioned a department store as a cultural arena that would rival the luxury stores of Paris. He opened a flagship store in Stockholm in 1915. Early on, the brand set its sights on quality furniture making, bringing on master cabinetmaker Axel Einar Hjorth, who headed its production from 1927 to 1938.
The Stockholm Exhibition of 1930 was pivotal for both Nordiska Kompaniet and the world of design as a whole. NK’s installation, designed by Sven Markelius, positioned the artist as a key influencer and force majeure of Swedish functionalism.
Nordiska Kompaniet has continued to hire renowned designers throughout its operations, including such luminaries as Carl Bergsten, David Rosen and Gio Ponti. Many iconic sofas, lounge chairs, bookcases and dining room tables from the mid-century modern period originated in its furniture shop. The brand has also been at the forefront of textile, ceramic and wallpaper design, with artists Berndt Friberg, Josef Frank, Stig Lindberg and Elsa Gullberg among those who have contributed to NK’s brand legacy.
To cater to its growing customer base, Nordiska Kompaniet opened a second store in Gothenburg in 1971. Today, NK continues to provide patronage to top designers, remaining a leader in high-end furniture production.
Find antique and vintage Nordiska Kompaniet tables, seating, mirrors, lighting and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s Modernist Gray Striped Vases
By Rörstrand, Nordiska Kompaniet, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rare set of two Scandinavian modern smooth porcelain vases by acclaimed designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand and Nordiska Kompaniet in Sweden. Light gray glaze with dark gray stripes...
Porcelain
$781
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
White Stoneware Vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
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
$2,525 / set
H 8.27 in Dm 3.55 in
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Vases Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 4 wonderful vases from Rörstrand and maker, designer Gunnar Nylund. Made in Sweden in the midcentury. Beautiful, glazed vases with wonderful curves. The craftsmanship on these...
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 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
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedish ceramic artist and designer known for his significant contributions to the field of ceramic art and pottery. He was a prominent figur...
Stoneware
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
Mid Century Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, circa 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund's Glazed Stoneware Vase made for Rörstrand, circa 1950s. Incised signature and studio mark to underside: [R Rubus GN Sweden 9]. Image 7: Gun...
Ceramic
$697
H 5.71 in Dm 3.35 in
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
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase 1950s Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a renowned Swedish ceramic artist and designer known for his significant contributions to the field of ceramic art and pottery. He was a prominent figur...
Stoneware