Items Similar to Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s

Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s

Set of 3 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 10

Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s

About the Item

A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze and different incised patterns on each side. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and makers mark "R" for Rörstrand. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was born in Paris, France. His parents were the well-known Finnish sculptor, Felix Nylund, and the Danish-born Fernanda Jacobsen-Nylund. After brief stays in France, Italy, and Denmark, the family moved to Finland in 1911. At the outbreak of the Finnish Civil War of 1918, Gunnar and his mother were forced to flee to Denmark under dramatic circumstances. Gunnar graduated from school in 1925, entering an architectural program in Copenhagen. In 1925, he interrupted his education to take a position at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory. After four years of work focused on stoneware, he had his fill of the factory’s conservative approach that stifled any gamble in modernity. In 1929, Gunnar and chemist Nathalie Krebs started their own ceramic workshop in the town of Saxbo. Gunnar was responsible for forming the pieces, while Nathalie handled the firing and glazing. In time, they achieved outstanding results, creating stoneware of unsurpassed quality. After an exhibition in Stockholm, Gunnar was offered the position of artistic leader at Rorstrand. He was drawn to the resources and wealth of opportunity at the large factory, and gladly accepted the position. Gunnar Nylund made his most important artistic contributions while at Rorstrand. He was employed there throughout the greater part of the early 1930s until the mid-1950s. Gunnar received widespread support for his modern approach to the factory’s management. These were years of tremendous expansion and innovation. The factory’s production ranged from quality stoneware to tableware and baptismal fonts. In the 1930s, Gunnarʼs production was influenced by the Swedish Grace movement; the Swedish take on Art Deco. The era was characterized by unadorned design with bold colors and strong contrast. Gunnarʼs Flambé series is a fine representation of the era’s style, with its geometric shapes, matte blue-green glaze, and gold detail. Gunnar Nylund crafted a wide variety of animal figurines and sculptures. They range from small bears to majestic lynx heads. The animals are made of stoneware with magnificent feldspar glazes. The figurines are lifelike with added stylistic features. Gunnar Nylund was always eager to experiment with novel forms, materials, glazes, and decor. The “Chamotte” pieces are fine examples of his experimentation. Made with chamotted stoneware, the rough surface provided a strong contrast against the playful, vivid decor. This is most clearly demonstrated in the “hedgehog vases" with their scarified form and color-absorbing glazes. Gunnar is best-known for his prolific production of high-quality vases and bowls. They were produced in stoneware with modern forms and finished with matte, feldspar glaze. These pieces are now very sought after among pottery collectors. Gunnar left a legacy of unsurpassed ceramic quality, magnificent creative design, and brilliant craftsmanship.

Creator:

Gunnar Nylund (Designer),rorstrand studio (Manufacturer),Rörstrand (Manufacturer)

Dimensions:

Height: 10.67 in (27.1 cm)Diameter: 4.34 in (11 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Style:

Scandinavian Modern (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Ceramic,Stoneware,Glazed,Turned

Place of Origin:

Sweden