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.
Alf Wallander for Rörstrand Vessel
By Alf Wallander, Rörstrand
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 Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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
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
Green Ceramic Bowl Stunning Glaze Carl-Harry Stålhane Rörstrand -
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand, the bowl is 19.5 x 17 cm (7.8" x 6.8") in diameter and 5 cm (2") tall. It is in excellent condition, ...
Ceramic
Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand Stoneware Bowl
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A charming bowl designed by Carl Harry Stålhane for Rörstrand. Bowl features an emerald green body with a yellowish/gold rim. A very ...
Stoneware
$941
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, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Gunnar Nylund
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
Paul Philp Large Sculptural Vessel / Vase
By Paul Philp
Located in Uxbridge, GB
Discover the artistry of Paul Philp Ceramics, where every piece is a testament to craftsmanship and creativity. Paul combines traditional handcrafting techniques with a modern sensib...
Clay
Unique Stoneware Bowl by Carl-Harry Stalhane, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, rorstrand studio
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
$2,663
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
$331Sale Price|29% Off
H 1.97 in Dm 4.53 in
Blue Ceramic Bowl Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, Vintage Midcentury
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
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
California Studio Organic Pottery Vessel Brush Pot Vase
By Beatrice Wood
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Studio organic pottery vessel brush pot vase with incised Geometric pattern. A very nice California studio pottery earthenware vase with beautiful grayish blue and brown earth tones. The vase has a wonderful free form design featuring abstract stroke...
Pottery
Unique Stoneware Bowl by Carl-Harry Stalhane, Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
Unique stoneware bowl with amazing relief decor and glaze. Made by Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand Ateljé, Sweden, 1960s. Great condition. Signed 'CHS', 'ATELJÉ' and makers mark '...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Mexican Colorful Folk Art Ceramic Vase Tecuanes Dance Vessel
By Los Castillo
Located in Queretaro, Queretaro
Beautiful Mexican ceramic vase made with cooked clay and decorated with acrylic paint. The vessel represents the traditional dance for the good...
Ceramic, Acrylic, Clay
Carl-Harry Stålhane SHX Stoneware Bowl, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional stoneware bowl by Carl-Harry Stålhane, one of Sweden’s most celebrated mid-century ceramic artists. Crafted in the 1950s for the prestigious Rörstrand studio, this pie...
Stoneware
Sold
H 0.79 in W 7.09 in D 7.09 in
Small vintage ceramic dish designed by Sylvia Leuchovius in the 60s/70s
By Sylvia Leuchovius, Rörstrand
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
Sold
H 2 in W 12 in D 7.75 in
Carl-Harry Stålhane Signed Rörstrand Studio Swedish Scandinavian Midcentury Bowl
By Rörstrand, Carl-Harry Stålhane
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 Birger Kaipiainen, Rörstrand
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