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.
Art Deco Stoneware Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By ALP Lidköping 1, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware art deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great condition....
Ceramic, Stoneware
$140Sale Price|48% Off
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware Vase with Tiger Taupé Glaze for Rörstrand, 1960s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Small cylindrical vase with Taupe glazes commonly called tiger. Designed by Gunnar Nylund and created in the workshop at Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s. Fully signed and marked...
Stoneware
‘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 Artist: Gunnar Nylund Size: 12 H cm.
Ceramic
Collection of 3 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
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Knivsta, SE
Four Miniature Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s–60s A beautiful set of four stoneware miniature vases by the Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) for Rörstrand, o...
Stoneware
Large Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A large and unique stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Incised signature "NYLUND" and makers mark "R" for Rörstrand. Great...
Ceramic, Stoneware
HUGE Gunnar Nylund Rubus Floor Vase of Stoneware by Rôrstrand in Sweden 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Saxbo, Axel Salto, Rörstrand
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Huge Rubus stoneware floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund (1914-1997) in the 1950s. The vase is decorated with different shades of brown and green glaze. Handsigned with the Rörstra...
Stoneware
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. Impressed 'NYLUND', 'CHAMOTTE', 'S...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund 'Rubus' Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1965
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in The Hague, NL
This stoneware vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced in Sweden in the late 1960s. Nylund designed many classics for the Swedish ceramic factory Rörstrand. One of the most ...
Stoneware
A Uranium Yellow Hedgehog vase - Chamotte - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A unique uranium yellow Hedgehog-vase in chamotte designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 21 cm (8.4") tall and in excellent condition. This vase is unique or a sample from Gun...
Stoneware
Blue Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing blue glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent original condition. No chips, cracks or crazing. Incised with s...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Sculptural Vase Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderfully crafted stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s with exceptional yellow green, brown hare fur glaze. Good vintage condition with. Dimensions: Height 25 cm ...
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised makers mark, Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Nylun...
Ceramic, Stoneware
"Cavorting Mermaids", Sensuous, Unusual Art Deco Flambe Vase w/ Gold by Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Highly unusual and very sensuous, this richly decorated Flambé vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand porcelain works depicts a group of four mermaids cavorting and dancing with an arra...
Porcelain
Set of 8 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of eight beautiful stoneware vases with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature "GN" and maker...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. Incised signature 'G.N.' and makers mark 'R' ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Ceramic Carafe/Vase with Rare Pattern, Scandinavian Modern
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Stockholm, SE
Ceramic carafe / vase with blue glaze and rare pattern by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden. Scandinavian Modern, mid-1900s. Signed. In good condition. Beautiful decorative shape ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Porcelain Vase in White Glaze, 1964
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Blanc de Chine Vase design by Swedish Ceramist Gunnar Nylund for Hellerupis (Hellerup Ice Cream) in Denmark. The front depicts a woman making ice cream. This vase was made as a com...
Porcelain
Midcentury Modern Large Vase Rörstrand by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This large, unusual stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand 1950s is gifted with light brown/green/red harefur glaze. And it has that stunning look of Nylunds great craftsmanship. It really gives a great impression. Signed Rörstrand Nylund...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Floor Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Vintage Midcentury Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Large stoneware floor vase by Gunnar Nylund in a classic shape. Beautiful glaze that alternates between purple and clear blue in dramatic splashes.
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Globe Vase by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A stoneware Art Deco vase with beautiful brown glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. Great original c...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Brown Speckled Vase, Rörstrand, Mid Century, Circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown speckled vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 28 cm (11.2") high. It´s in excellent condition except from some m...
Stoneware
Large Rebus Series Vase by Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
Large blue Rebus Series stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand The textural pattern is carved into the piece and finished with a matte glaze of varied light and dark blue ton...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic Pieces Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Three wonderful pieces/vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. Great looking vases with that caracteristc harefur glaze. Good v...
Ceramic
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
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
Gray Speckled ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Mid 20th century
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray speckled ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17 cm (6.8") high and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as th...
Stoneware
Brown & Gold Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s.
By ALP Lidköping 1, Rörstrand, 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
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Rörstrand Ritzi Vases and Bowl Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful blue glaze on these 2 vases and bowl from Rörstrand Sweden, designed by Gunnar Nylund in the 1950s. They are all in good vintage condition. Dimensions: Large vase H ...
Ceramic
Pink Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition. I...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Midcentury Brown Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 25cm, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 25 cm (10") high and 7 cm (2.8") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund wa...
Ceramic
Large White Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Good condition. Marked as factory second due to it being slightly...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 4 Ceramic Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Set of 4 wonderful vases made in Sweden during the 1950s at Rörstrand factory and designed by Gunnar Nylund. The Vases are made in nice sculptural shape and with wonderful glaze. ...
Ceramic
Set of 3 Stoneware Floor Vases by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörs...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Brown-Glazed Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
Gunnar Nylund's 1950s vase, made of brown-glazed stoneware, showcases the expert craftsmanship of Ršrstand in Sweden. All items ship from High Point, North Carolina.
Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature 'NYLUND' and makers mark, Rörstrands three...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Small Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A small green and brown-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Stoneware Vase for Rörstrand, Blue Glazed, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hammarö, SE
Designed by the celebrated Swedish ceramic artist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, this sculptural chamotte stoneware vase is a striking example of Scandinavian Modern ceramics from the ...
Stoneware
Gray & Blue Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Midcentury Vintage
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A gray and blue vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 20 cm (8") high. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 ...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Vase by Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Gunnar Nylund, produced by Rörstrand. Stamped. Very good condition.
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. Factory second
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A beige-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Set of 3 Black Stoneware Miniatures by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s.
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, rorstrand studio, Berndt Friberg, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful black and brown stoneware miniatures with amazing glaze. Made by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Signed with 'GN' and makers ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and blue-glazed stoneware floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, 1940s.
Stoneware
Blue Art Deco Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco / Swedish grace vase with amazing blue hare's fur glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Goo...
Ceramic
Art Deco Vase in Brown and Gold by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Rörstrand, ALP Lidköping 1, rorstrand studio, 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. Great condition, ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed in 1942 by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstran...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Vase, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A blue-glazed stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Vase by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Ceramic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W x D x H): 8 x 8 x 35 c...
Ceramic
Unique Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with relief pattern and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gorgeous Mid-Century Modernist Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modernist vase in hues of green and blue by Swedish ceramicist Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. A lovely piece on its own or folding a single stem of flora. This p...
Ceramic
Stoneware Floor Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large floor vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Rare model and the largest that was designed by Nylund and serially produced by Rörstrand during the 1950s. Rare polychrome glaze shifting...
Stoneware
Pair of Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with handle and amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Pair of Brown Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, rorstrand studio, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of beautiful stoneware vases with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and makers mark, Rörstrand...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Set of 3 Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio, Rörstrand
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful stoneware vases and one bowl with amazing and rare glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Excellent condition. First sorting. Incise...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund, rorstrand studio
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with handle. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Great condition. Incised signature "G.N." and Rörstrands three crowns. Gunnar Ny...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Brown Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware vase with amazing glaze. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1940s. Great condition. Incised with signature 'G.N.' and makers mark, Rörstrands th...
Ceramic, Stoneware