Before Rörstrand and its contemporaries introduced ceramic serveware to Europe, people primarily ate off of metal plates. The Swedish ceramics company was pivotal in bringing porcelain from China to the Western world, and today, vintage Rörstrand ceramics are highly prized by collectors.
The company began in 1726 at Rörstrand Castle in Stockholm, under the direction of master porcelain maker Johann Wolff. Early works bore no stamp or seal to mark their origin, as the company had no competitors at the time. Once competing companies made inroads into the porcelain market, Rörstrand began to stamp its products.
With the rising demand for ceramic tableware, Rörstrand pieces filled the cabinets in the houses of the nobility, royalty and the social elite of Sweden and surrounding nations. The 1800s saw many technological advances for the company, as it began using steam presses to emboss patterns into material. The 20th century brought the company to international markets after it presented its Art Nouveau pieces at the 1900 World Exposition in Paris.
As Sweden was a neutral country during the world wars, Rörstrand was able to continue producing, whereas other companies shut down or shifted to making items for the war effort. Swedish artist-designer Gunnar Nylund created his most famous works — warm-toned matte-glazed Art Deco stoneware and more — while employed by Rörstrand. During the 1950s, Rorstrand brought on master porcelain maker Marianne Westman, lovingly referred to as “the Porcelain Mother.” Her design, the Rörstrand Mon Amie, became one of the company’s leading sellers. It was among many popular designs that she and her team developed. Westman continued with the company through the 1960s when it brought on other notable talents, such as designer Inger Persson.
In 1976, the company celebrated 250 years, and the Rörstrand Museum opened in Lidköping, holding over 15,000 pieces created by the historic ceramics manufacturer.
With almost 300 years of history, Rörstrand has survived numerous shifts in culture and design preferences, maintaining its heritage style, while smoothly adapting to new trends. With each decade, the company has debuted new designs, glazes, patterns and technologies, bringing new innovations and intriguing twists to traditional work.
Find vintage Rörstrand serveware, decorative objects, lighting and more on 1stDibs.
Scandinavian Art Deco Ceramic Candleholder by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Ilse Claesson
Located in New York, NY
This refined Art Deco glazed ceramic candle was designed by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand in Sweden, circa 1930. It features a stylized hour glass form with a striated onyx glazed base...
Ceramic
White Art Deco Chamotte Candlesticks by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Wilhelm Kage, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful white candlesticks in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s Great condition. No chips, cracks or ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Swedish Art Deco Bakelite “Saturn” Candlestick, 1930s
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish Art Deco Bakelite “Saturn” Candlestick, 1930s A striking and sculptural Art Deco candlestick crafted in Sweden during the 1930s, executed in richly colored bakelite and conc...
Bakelite
$220Sale Price|37% Off
H 8.5 in Dm 4 in
Swedish Modern Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Ceramic Mustard Yellow Chamotte Vase
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $350...Exquisite creation by Gunnar Nylund (1914–1997) during his tenure as artistic director of Rörstrand from 1932 through the 1950s. The vase has a glossy spicy mustard yellow glaze over a rough rustic body creating a smooth touch but a brutal look to the piece. The Chamotte line was first introduced in the late 1930s. Stamped on bottom with RÖRSTRAND, 3 crowns logo, SVERIGE, CHAMOTTE and NYLUND. Measurements: 4 inches diameter x 8 1/2 inches high. We have also listed a larger example of the same design in white. The last image is of the stamp on bottom of white vase for clear bottom...
Ceramic, Pottery
Art Deco Disko Metal Candleholder by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
- Large candelabra in disko metal designed by Just Andersen - Manufactured during the 1930s in his workshop in Copenhagen - This is model 155 and it features an octagonal base and ...
Metal
1930s Art Deco vase by Ilse Claesson for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Ilse Claesson, rorstrand studio
Located in Skarpnäck, SE
A striking Art Deco ceramic vase designed in the 1930s by Ilse Claesson for the prestigious Swedish manufacturer Rörstrand. This vase is a classic example from Claesson’s celebrated ...
Ceramic
Sold|$1,625
H 6.516 in Dm 5.875 in
Art Deco Vase in Oxblood, Swedish Grace Stoneware by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Elegant and sculptural, this Art Deco vase in rich oxblood glaze was designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in 1932. It exemplifies Swedish Grace ideals—refined proportions, quiet...
Stoneware
Just Andersen Art Deco Candleholders in Pewter
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Candleholders designed and made by Just Andensen in Denmark during the 1930s or 40s. They are made from the finest pewter available at the time. The bases features architec...
Pewter
Pair of Art-Deco bronze sphinx candleholders
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A chic vintage pair of Art-Deco Sphinx candleholders cast in solid black bronze embodying European high-style and sophistication. They are more than candle holders, they're sculpture...
Bronze
$649Sale Price|20% Off
H 8.67 in Dm 5.52 in
Art Deco Vase by Ilse Claesson, Rörstrand, Green and Black, 1930s
By Rörstrand, Ilse Claussen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely vase designed by Ilse Claesson in the 1930s at Rörstrand, Sweden. It is 22 cm high and in very good condition except from some craquelure in the glaze because of the age.
Porcelain
Scandinavian Functionalist Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Striking “Hedgehog” vase by Gunnar Nylund, made in chamotte stoneware. The clean form contrasts with the craggy surface. Eggshell white, glossy glaze. The model was introduced aroun...
Stoneware
$1,382
H 4.93 in Dm 3.55 in
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
Art Deco Brass Inlaid Black Triangle Candleholder
By Leah Singh
Located in Westfield, NJ
Our Art Deco-inspired candleholders are ethically handcrafted by artisans in Southern India using a technique that is native to the region. The artisans use a metal alloy that is bla...
Metal, Silver
Green and Black Art Deco Vase in Porcelain by Ilse Claesson, Rörstrand
By Ilse Claussen, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Art Deco at its best! A lovely green and black vase designed by Ilse Claesson in the 1930s at Rörstrand, Sweden. It is 11 cm high and in very good...
Porcelain