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, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A brown and black-glazed stoneware pitcher, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 12.68" Height x 3.87" Diameter All item...
Stoneware
Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Ceramic Bowl/Ashtray for Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Bochum, NRW
A "Paradiso" stoneware bowl/astray with robust forms, glossy green glaze, and nature floral motifs in relief. By Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Paradiso sticker scraps. Diameter 15 c...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Blue & Green, Globose Ceramic vase - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Mid 20th century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue & green ceramic vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 17.5 cm (7") high and about 17 cm (6.8") in diameter and in excellent condition. The vase is marked as t...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Large Ceramic Vase Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful large vase in ceramic named Rubus and designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This one with incredible colors in blue, grey and dark brown. ...
Ceramic
A Blue Vintage Ceramic Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand Sweden 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A blue/gray bowl in ceramics, it is designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 10 x 7.5 cm (4" x 3") in diameter. It´s in excellent condition except from a tiny mark on the ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Rörstand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A green-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, c. 1950s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 8.37"H x 2.62"W x 2.62"D All items ship from Hi...
Stoneware
Miniature Stoneware Vases by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Collection of six amazing miniature stoneware vases and platters by Gunnar Nylund. Made in matching forms, with a variety of colors and glazes, tied together by a graphic expression....
Stoneware
Group of 4 Green Speckled Vases Ceramics, Rörstrand - Gunnar Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund, Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A group of four green vases with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane at Rörstrand in the 1950s. The vases are between 19 - 24,5 cm high and in excelle...
Porcelain
Sculpture Ceramic Fish - Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely fish sculpture in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 16.5 cm (6.6") high. It is in excellent condition except from some minor chips on the fish mouth. G...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Acorn-Shaped Brown Bowl, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A acorn-shaped brown bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 13,5 x 8,5 cm in diameter. It´s in very good condition except from some minor marks. ...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Deer Sculpture, Ceramic, Rörstrand, 1950s, Excellent
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A sculpture of a deer in ceramic designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 27,5 x 16.5 cm (11" x 6.6") and 21.5 cm (8.6") high. It is in excellent condition and comes with the or...
Stoneware
$1,278Sale Price|20% Off
Ceramic Figurine Monkey, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950-1960s Lovely Glaze
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely animal sculpture of a monkey designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it is 16 cm high and in very good condition with a lovely glaze. It comes with the original wooden base....
Stoneware
Black Vase, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Mid-Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A vase with a lovely black glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 9 cm (3.6") high and 6 cm (2.4") in diameter. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st quality. ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic set of 3 Bowls Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
This wonderful collection of 3 ARO bowls was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. The glaze is amazing and works with the articulat...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund Brown Ceramic Vase, Rörstrand, Mid-Century, Circa 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 16.5 cm (6.6) high. It´s in excellent condition and marked as 1:st quality. Gunnar Nylund was born in Paris 1904 with pare...
Stoneware, Ceramic
Scandinavian Modern Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Brown Pitcher
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand. It is 30.5 cm high and in very good condition except from some minor marks in the glaze why it is marked as 2nd quality. ...
Ceramic, Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Brown Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Design, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely brown squared vase designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the vase is 15 cm (6") high and 7.5 cm (3") in diameter at the top. It is in mint condition and marked as 1st qual...
Porcelain
Gunnar Nylund Flambé Large Bowl, Rörstrand, Mid-20th Century, 33.5 cm Wide
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely bowl in Flambé technique designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 5.5 cm (2.2") High and 33.5 cm (13.4") Wide. It has a motif of a woman. The bowl is in excellent...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Ceramic Vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden 1950s
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. The brown golden glaze is amazing and works wonderful with the shape a...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s The vase is marked as 1st quality and is in excellent condition. Gunnar Nylund (1904-1997) was a ren...
Ceramic, 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
Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in London, GB
Large Rörstrand Ashtray Table by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Signed A large and distinctive ashtray table produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, in the 1950s. Designed by Gunnar N...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Hardo, Höga, Set of Seven Miniature Ceramics Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand
Located in Lège Cap Ferret, FR
A set of seven miniature vases and bolws by : 1 vase Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand : 10 cm x 3 cm 2 Bolws Höganäs : 6 x 2 cm 6.5 x 2.5 cm 3 Glazed Vases Hardo : 6 x 3 cm 5...
Ceramic
Vanilla Colored Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Small vanilla colored Swedish Grace ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s.
Ceramic
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 Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
Large Rörstrand Ashtray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Organic Form
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in London, GB
Large Rörstrand Ashtray by Gunnar Nylund, 1950s Swedish Ceramic, Organic Form A striking large ashtray, shell-like in its design, produced by the esteemed Swedish ceramic maker Rörs...
Ceramic
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Farsta, SE
Rare Egg-shell Mimosa White Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s Beautiful shaped vase, model AUS. The vase is marked as 1st quality and is in good condition. Heigth...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Double Ceramic Teapot by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern Scandinavian double teapot was realized by the esteemed Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand in Sweden circa 1960. It featur...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Eterna Yellow Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Gustavsberg
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: Gunnar Nylund, one of Sweden's leading ceramic artists, lived and worked all over Scandinavia being involved with Bing & Gröndahl in Denmark, Rörstrand in Swed...
Earthenware
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in High Point, NC
A brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware
Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in New York, NY
Handmade stoneware pitcher with applied handle and pale green feather glaze. Signed on underside.
Gunnar Nylund - Rörstrand - Teapot
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in MAASTRICHT, LI
Product Description: Gunnar Nylund, one of Sweden's leading ceramic artists, lived and worked all over Scandinavia being involved with Bing & Gröndahl in Denmark, Rörstrand in Swede...
Earthenware
Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand Vase, 1950s, Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Farsta, SE
This wonderful vase was created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s Sweden. The glaze in green and yellow colors is amazing and works beautifully wit...
Stoneware
Scandinavian modern vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Beautiful set of vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, during the 1950s. Both with a soft green glaze. Bowl with white spots. Dimensions of bowl: Heig...
Stoneware
Vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Gunnar Nylund vase in hare's fur glaze of tans and mossy green. Crafted by Rorstrand in the 1960s, and inscribed {R Sweden GN}.
Stoneware
Mid 20th century ceramic pot by Gunnar Nylund of Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Mid 20th century ceramic pot by gunnar nylund of rorstrand circa 1950. Gunnar nylund was a ceramic designer (1904-1997) best known as a artistic director at Rorstrand. Fine quality...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Swedish Burgundy Dish or Bowl ARO circa 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
Medium size ARO bowl created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Burgundy eggplant hares fur glaze breaking to blues. Excellent condition. No...
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Swedish Brown Dish or Bowl ARO circa 1950
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Chicago, IL
Medium size ARO bowl created and designed by Gunnar Nylund at the Rörstrand Factory in the 1950s, Sweden. Brown hares fur glaze breaking to blacks with beautiful white rim. Excellen...
Ceramic
Miniature Gray Bowl - Gunnar Nylund - 1940-1950s - Mid 20th Century
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
A miniature bowl with a stunning glaze designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, the bowl is 3.5 cm (1.4") high and 6.8 cm (2.7") in diameter. It is in excellent condition. It is mark...
Stoneware
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
"Nude with Dove, " Rare Art Deco Bowl by Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Before he became known for his organic forms and gorgeous glazes for the famous Rorstrand ceramic works in Sweden, Gunnar Nylund designed a line of very fine Art Deco pieces in what ...
Porcelain
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
Swedish Mid Century "Rubus" Ceramics by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare collection and set of six Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls and dishes by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition...
Stoneware
Midcentury Modern Set of 3 Ceramic pieces Sweden 1950 Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
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
Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "ARO" Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "ARO" bowls in blue and brown glaze by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good matching and original condition and si...
Ceramic
$1,301Sale Price / set|30% Off
Midcentury Modern Set of 2 Ceramic Pieces Rubus Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
These vases made in ceramic and named Rubus was designed by one of the ceramic designer icons of Sweden Gunnar Nylund. This set containing 2 pieces with wonderful earthy blue colors ...
Ceramic
Midcentury Modern Rare Pair of Vases Gunnar Nylund Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
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
A Rebus series model 12 vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A model 12 vase from the Rebus series glazed in brown and yellow tones by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Inscribed on the base with the makers and the manufacturer's mark. Very good v...
Ceramic
Green Vase with Handle, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s, Mid Century Vintage
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lovely green vase with handle designed by Gunnar Nylund at Rörstrand, it´s 25 cm high and it has a lovely glaze, it´s in excellent condition and marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Ny...
Stoneware
Gunnar Nylund Brown Stoneware Vase, Rörstrand, Scandinavian Modern
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
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
Stoneware Vase Designed by Gunnar Nylund
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Hägersten, SE
Stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund. Hand made at Rörstrand in the 1940s. Glaze with burnt brown tones. Very good vintage condition with light wear and patina. Dimensions: H....
Stoneware
$2,360Sale Price|20% Off
"Perch & Angelfish, " Unique, Ambitious Art Deco Covered Urn by Nylund, Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This ambitious, elongated urn with elaborate handles and a sunburst lid is beautifully decorated with perch on one side and angelfish on the other, all in tones of black, charcoal an...
Porcelain
$1,487Sale Price|20% Off
Gunnar Nylund Magenta Chamotte, Porcelain Vase for Rorstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
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
A Rebus Series Gunnar Nylund Plate for Rorstrand.
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A motted brown and yellow deep sided round shaped ceramic dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand. Rebus Series #10. Inscribed on the bottom with the makers and the manufacturer’s mark.
Ceramic
Gunnar Nylund, Pitcher, Stoneware, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in High Point, NC
A blue and brown-glazed stoneware pitcher designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s.
Stoneware