Swedish artist-designer Gunnar Nylund — who worked at iconic porcelain manufacturer Rörstrand for decades — was never satisfied with the status quo. He played with organic shapes, rich colors and dazzling patterns to create some of the most exquisite ceramic and porcelain sculptures, vessels and other furnishings and decor of the 20th century.
Born in Paris to artists Fernanda Jacobsen-Nylund and Felix Nylund, Gunnar lived in Finland as a child but when the Finnish Civil War broke out in 1918, he moved with his mother to her native Denmark. He initially pursued architecture at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts but cut his schooling short when he accepted a position at the Bing & Grøndahl porcelain factory, where he worked for artist Paul Gauguin’s son, Jean, for several years, creating a range of stoneware pieces.
Dissatisfied with the factory's traditional approach to art, Nylund moved on from Bing & Grøndahl and sought to create works in a modernist style. In 1929, Nylund and chemist Nathalie Krebs opened their own ceramics workshop called Saxbo in Saxbo, Denmark. The company’s works garnered praise at a Svenskt Tenn exhibition, and the prestigious Swedish manufacturer Rörstrand offered Nylund a position as creative director.
While he later worked for Nymolle Ceramic Factory in Denmark for a short period, Nylund produced his most famous works while employed by Rörstrand. Fresh ideas and methods intrigued Nylund and he was always eager to try new techniques at the manufacturer. He worked in the Art Deco style, creating warm-toned matte-glazed stoneware sculptures and ceramic tableware that are devoid of lavish ornamentation. Later, he crafted numerous figurines and highly stylized animal sculptures. Nylund’s work can be found at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, the Designmuseum Denmark and elsewhere.
Find vintage Gunnar Nylund serveware, sculptures and vessels on 1stDibs.
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
An orange-brown, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 5.68" Height x 3.68" Diameter All items shi...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These pieces were made in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1940-1950s. This is the small size vase and the large vase called "Charmotte". The name in...
Ceramic
$413Sale Price / set|25% Off
Pair of Midcentury Hare's Fur Glazed Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This matching pair of small ceramic vases with taupe-brown hares fur glaze was designed by Gunnar Nylund and created in the workshop at Rörstrand in Sweden during the late 1950s.
Pottery
Gunnar Nylund, stoneware vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern / Midcentury
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase with beautiful hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstand, Sweden mid-1900s. Marked Nylund and Rörstand. In good condition, smaller signs of age and wear. About...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Vase ‘Caolina’ is made in stoneware. Measure: H 31 cm/ 12 1/4" ...
Ceramic
White Stoneware Vase Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A white vase in the slightly rougher Chamotte clay that Gunnar also designed the iconic hedgehog vases in. It is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2") high...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, in Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.5" Height x 5.25" Diameter All items ship from High Point, North Ca...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase, Brown, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 33 cm high and it is in very good condition except from some scratching marks below (see photo) therefore it is marke...
Stoneware
Large Floor Vase - Green Speckled Glaze - Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A large floor vase with handle with a lovely green speckled glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 45 cm (18") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some minor ma...
Ceramic
White Art Deco Chamotte Vase 'Hedgehog' by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand Sweden 1930s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund in 1936 for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Some firing cracks (from production...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 2 Art Deco Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
Set of 2 stoneware Art Deco vases with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great or...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Red Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand Sweden
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
Gorgeous red glaze for this 1960s gunnar nylund ceramic in excellent condition. The Danish-Finnish artist, designer and sculptor Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) is one of the most renowne...
Ceramic
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Striking, large chamotte stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in with decorative handles and an embossed rope net pattern. Glazed light umbra and eggshell white. Gunnar Nylund was ...
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware Art Deco / Swedish Grace vase of the highest quality. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfab...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Handled Vase Yellow Glaze, Scandinavian Mid-Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
An elegant handled vase by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904-97) for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made ca 1940s to 50s. The vase is made from stoneware and it comes in a rare version wit...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, "ARA" Model Vase, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase, "ARA" Model, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6.56" Height x 3.87" Diameter All items...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A grey and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s. “GN SWEDEN” stamp on bottom
Stoneware
Unique Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. With incised decor on one side.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige, brown and grey-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Orange-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
An orange, glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
$1,150 / item
A Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by GUNNAR NYLUND. Harp fur glaze, Rörstrand, Sweden circa 1960s. Marked GN AUF.
Stoneware
Light Blue Lidded Stoneware Urn by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware urn with amazing relief pattern in the form of birds in trees. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Good condition. Factory second due to ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown and Yellow-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and yellow-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
Stoneware
Large Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
A stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, mid 20th century. Oval shape, yellow glaze, stamped maker's mark, 27 x 16,5 cm, height 34,5 c...
Stoneware
Rare Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Long Island City, NY
Floor vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Glazed stone ware.
Ceramic
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with identical relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three cr...
Ceramic, Stoneware
White Art Deco Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A grand white vase in chamotte stoneware. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. There is a glaze miss on the inside of t...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco vase. Amazing glaze with hand-painted details in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and beautiful stoneware vase with two small handles and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "NYLU...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund Si...
Ceramic
Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
Vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund. Stoneware from Rorstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Artist: Gunnar Nylund S...
Ceramic
‘Chamotte’ Vase in Ceramic by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Berlin, BE
‘Chamotte’ vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund Chamottered stoneware from Rörstrand. Additional information: Material: Ceramic Ar...
Ceramic
Collection of 2 Ceramic Vessels by Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
We have curated a group of stunning pieces of ceramics made in Sweden during the 1950s. These pieces have been gathered and put together by us, carefully sorted and now ready to be g...
Ceramic
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H: 18 cm / ...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vases "Caolina" Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These two wonderful vases was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Good vintage condition. Measure: H 31 cm and 26.5cm Signed R SWE...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Blue Brown Mid Century Ceramic Vases for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare set of seven Swedish mid century stoneware / ceramic vases and bowls in blue brown hare fur glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original and matching con...
Ceramic
"Shore Leave, " Sailors at Port with Female Escorts, Rare Art Deco Form, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Suggestive of the work of Charles Demuth in its focus on sailors on leave, and its smudgy, atmospheric depiction of men and women on the edge of society, this large and important vas...
Porcelain
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic pieces Sweden 1950 Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund The vases have nice antique look in a modern shape. The vases are nicely sc...
Ceramic
$195Sale Price|30% Off
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Scandinavian Modern White Chamotte Vase, Sweden 1940
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Miami, FL
REDUCED FROM $280....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 white glaz...
Ceramic, Pottery
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase for Rörstrand
By Röstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown, yellow and gray tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very ...
Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Vase in Purple by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan -1950's
By Strombergshyttan, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Örebro, SE
Beautiful Scandinavian Modern vase in purple by Gunnar Nylund for Strömbergshyttan -1950's. Unsigned. Wear and patina consistent with age and use. Scratches, some small brown spots i...
Glass
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These pieces were made in Sweden at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1940-1950s. This is the small size vase and the large vase called "Charmotte". The name in...
Ceramic
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
"Gathering Water, " Fabulous Art Deco Vase with Female Nudes by Nylund/Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Beautifully conceived and executed, this elegant vase designed by Gunnar Nylund for the famed Rorstrand porcelain works in Sweden depicts two pairs of nude women, all collecting wate...
Porcelain
Green & Brown Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A green vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 23 cm (9.2") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 2nd quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with par...
Ceramic
Glass Vase in Gray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Glass Vase in Gray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Glass Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Strömbergshyttan in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 9...
Glass
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 14 cm high and it has a lovely brown har fur glaze, it´s in mint condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nyl...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Large Brown Ceramic Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand - Midcentury Modern Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 45 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor scratches. The vase is marked as 1st quality. Gunnar...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Gunnar Nylund, Large Decorative Ceramic Vase / Carafe, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful decorative carafe / vase in ceramic by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, Mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition, normal minimal makers defects and smaller signs of age a...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Igloo Vase Green with Stripes, Scandinavian, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
A rustic stoneware vase by Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904-97) for Rörstrand, Sweden. It belongs to the Igloo series which Nylund designed in 1965. The vase is made ca 1960s to ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
$1,486Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Magenta Chamotte, Porcelain Vase for Rorstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Exceptional Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern handmade chamotte clay and porcelain vase by acclaimed Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Chamotte body with shiny deep raspber...
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware