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.
Patinated Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Ildfast bronze, 1930s
By Ildfast
Located in Balen, BE
Small Patinated Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Ildfast Bronze – Denmark, 1930s This small yet elegant bronze bowl by Ildfast Bronze, crafted in the 1930s, is ...
Bronze
A solid bronze decorative dish by Argenter bronce, Danmark, 1930s
Located in Balen, BE
Solid Bronze Decorative Dish by Argenter Bronce, Denmark, 1930s A solid bronze dish produced by Argenter Bronce in Denmark during the 1930s. The piece is decorated with etched and cast floral motifs that soften the heavy material with a delicate surface pattern. Highly detailed with beautiful leaf shaped feet. The bronze has developed a deep patina over time, enhancing the contrast and giving the dish a sense of depth and quiet character. Both decorative and functional, it reflects the refined craft traditions of early 20th-century Danish metalwork. Marked by maker: Argentor Bronce Denmark...
Bronze
Solid Bronze dish model 'B95' by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Balen, BE
Solid Bronze Dish Model ‘B95’ by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s A bronze dish by Just Andersen, model B95, produced in Denmark in the 1930s. The top has a polished brass finish with ...
Bronze
Art Deco brass dish with deer motif, France, 1930's
Located in Balen, BE
This elegant Art Deco dish from 1930s France features a beautifully etched deer motif at its center, surrounded by intricate elegant linework characteristic of the period. Crafted fr...
Brass, Copper
Large Axella Stentoj Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Denmark, 1970s
By Axella Stentøj
Located in Balen, BE
Axella Ceramic Centerpiece Bowl, Model 2705 A large and elegant mid-century ceramic centerpiece bowl by Axella, model 2705, known for its clean modernist form and warm, organic gla...
Ceramic
A blue and orange ceramic Art Deco plate by Michael Andersen, Denmark, 1940s
By Michael Andersen & Son
Located in Balen, BE
Blue and orange Ceramic Art Deco Plate by Michael Andersen – Denmark, 1940s This striking Art Deco plate by Michael Andersen, Denmark, dates to the 1940s and features a distinctive ...
Ceramic
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Sune Bäckström, Gunnar Nylund, Just Andersen, Akta Brons, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Sweden, 1940s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Gunnar Nylund, Sune Bäckström, Akta Brons
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl with amazing patina. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Äkta Brons, Sweden, 1940s. Excellent condition. Initials 'G.N.' on the front. Stamped 'ÄKTA BRON...
Bronze
Solid Bronze Low Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons, Sweden, 1940s
By Akta Brons, Gunnar Nylund
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare solid bronze low bowl or plate designed by Gunnar Nylund for Akta Brons. Piece features an underwater motif featuring fish. Really wonderful pat...
Bronze
Gunnar Nylund Art Deco Bronze Tray / Plate with Aquatic Motif, Sweden, 1930's
By Gunnar Nylund, Bohlmarks
Located in Stockholm, SE
A beautifully sculptural bronze plate by renowned Swedish designer Gunnar Nylund, featuring a richly detailed aquatic motif with stylized fish, seaweed, and marine elements in low re...
Bronze
Tinos Art Deco Bronze Dish / Bowl, Denmark, 1930s.
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Evan Jensen, Tinos, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A stunning art deco dish / bowl with amazing patina. Made in solid bronze by Tinos in Denmark, 1930s. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Stamped 'TINOS', 'BRONCE' and 'MA...
Bronze
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Dish with Raised Bowl by GAB, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Swedish Art Deco bronze centerpiece dish produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), dating from the 1930s. The piece features a wide circular tray with a raised, scalloped bowl...
Bronze
