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.
Small vintage ceramic dish designed by Sylvia Leuchovius in the 60s/70s
By Rörstrand, Sylvia Leuchovius
Located in SAINT-YRIEIX-SUR-CHARENTE, FR
Small square dish finely enamelled in relief by Swedish artist Sylvia Leuchovius (1915-2003) in the 1960s/70s. The decoration depicts a white bird in the centre surrounded by white f...
Ceramic
Alf Wallander for Rörstrand Vessel
By Rörstrand, Alf Wallander
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Art Nouveau vase designed by noted Scandinavian ceramicist, Alf Wallander for Rörstrand, Sweden, circa 1904. Signed by artist on underside.
Ceramic
Carl-Harry Stålhane Signed Rörstrand Studio Swedish Scandinavian Midcentury Bowl
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed, richly, and deeply blue-colored/ glazed ceramic bowl by famed Swedish designer Carl-Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand, Sweeden. The craftsmanship and color are stu...
Stoneware
Antique Moroccan Moorish Handcrafted Ceramic Bowl Dish from Fez
By Berber Tribes of Morocco
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Antique handcrafted large Moroccan Moorish polychrome decorative ceramic bowl from Fez. Bleu de Fez, very nice designs hand painted by artist in Fez. Antique ceramic handcrafted bowl...
Ceramic
Mata Ortiz Pottery Vessel by Pilo Mora, 1990
By Pilo Mora
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mata Ortiz Polychrome Pottery vessel Pilo Mora, Master Potter (1961 - ) 1990 Hand coiled low fire clay Pueblo Quezada, Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico 7 inches H. x 7.5 inches in Diameter A classic example of this Master Potter's early work appearing in near excellent condition. This Pilo Mora pot has remained in my private collection since 1990 and has never been offered on the market before. Porfirio Mora Villalba, or Pilo Mora is one of the pioneers of Mata Ortiz Pottery...
Clay
Antique Guatemalan Majolica Pottery Water Vessel Pitcher
Located in New York, NY
Antique majolica pottery water pitcher / vessel from the highlands of Guatemala. This piece has such character, with majolica glaze and traditional decorative design applied in relie...
Pottery
Day Of The Dead Offering Vessel From Mexico
Located in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Day of the Dead offering vessel pot from the Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, circa 1970´s
Ceramic, Clay, Terracotta
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Stoneware Bowl
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming bowl designed by Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Bowl features a grayish blue body with an off white rim, some hues to ...
Stoneware
$943
H 2.56 in W 11.15 in D 7.56 in
Green Stoneware Bowl by Carl-Harry Stalhane, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware bowl with amazing glaze. Made by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden, 1950s. Great original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Signed 'CHS' an...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$332Sale Price|29% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 4.53 in
Blue Ceramic Bowl Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Vintage Midcentury
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely unique blue bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 11.5 cm (4.6") in diameter. It is in excellent condition except fr...
Ceramic
Unique Stoneware Bowl by Carl-Harry Stalhane, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By rorstrand studio, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Unique stoneware bowl with amazing celadon crackle glaze. Made by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden, 1960s. Good condition. Factory second due to dark spots in the bot...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$2,669
H 4.34 in Dm 13 in
Midcentury Modern Unique Large Ceramic Bowl Carl-Harry Stålhane Rörstrand Sweden
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large unique bowl has a wonderful glaze. It’s made in Sweden at Rörstrand and designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane. There is only one of its kind and is therefore a spectacular piece...
Ceramic
Handcrafted Modernist Ceramic Vase by Bitossi, Minimalist Design
By Bitossi
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Modernist Vintage ceramic vase, Italy 1960's. Beautiful Bitossi style etched vase. Handcrafted Modernist Minimalist vintage Mid Century Modern studio pottery ceramic Vase in brown ...
Ceramic
Carl-Harry Stålhane, Bowl, Stoneware, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in High Point, NC
An organic brown-glazed stoneware bowl designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. “RÖRSTRAND SWEDEN” sticker.
Stoneware
$403
H 3.35 in Dm 7.68 in
Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Modern, Abstract Turquoise Bowl - Scandinavian
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large turquoise Midcentury Swedish bowl in stoneware by Rörstrand, designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand. The bowl is 19,5 cm in diameter and in mint condition. Carl-Harry ...
Stoneware
Sold
H 2 in W 12 in D 7.75 in
Carl-Harry Stålhane Signed Rörstrand Studio Swedish Scandinavian Midcentury Bowl
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Studio City, CA
A beautifully designed, richly, and deeply blue-colored / glazed ceramic large bowl / tray by famed Swedish designer Carl-Harry Stålhane for ...
Stoneware
Sold
H 6.81 in W 18.58 in D 1.57 in
Birger Kaipiainen Decorated Ceramic Hanging Platter for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Birger Kaipiainen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Iconic ceramic hanging wall platter by Finnish ceramic artist Birger Kaipiainen for Swedish Rörstrand. White background with multicolored glazed decor depicting three couples sitting by tables with large fruits ready to eat. Blue, green, yellow, burgundy, purple, orange and black colors with original metal hanger on the back. Signed Kaipiainen and R for Rörstrand. A collector's item in excellent vintage condition. Birger Johannes Kaipiainen was a leading figure within 20th century Nordic ceramics...
Ceramic