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Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

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.

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Creator: Gunnar Nylund
Set of 2 Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Oval Ceramic Bowls Scandinavian, 1950s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Lovely set of two small ceramic bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden. Made circa 1950s. One bowl is covered with green haresfur glaze and...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Small Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund. ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, Röstrand, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful small stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 193...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

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...
Category

1940s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Set of 2 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of two beautiful porcelain crown window bowls with a hand-painted gold band on the foot. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First so...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Porcelain

Art Deco Crackle Glazed Lidded Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for ALP, Sweden, 1930s
By Gunnar Nylund, ALP Lidköping 1
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful stoneware art deco bowl with crackle glaze. Foot and mouth detailed in hand painted gold. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for ALP (Lidköpings Porslinsfabrik), Sweden, 1930s. G...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Art Deco Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Set of 3 Porcelain Crown Window Bowls by Gunnar Nylund. Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933.
By rorstrand studio, Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Malmö, SE
A set of three beautiful porcelain crown window bowls. Designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand, Sweden, 1933. Excellent condition. First sorting. Stamped 'Rörstrand' and 'Sweden'....
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain, Ceramic

Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Dish by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare large Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" dish / bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Pair of Stoneware Bowls by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of stoneware bowls by Gunnar Nylund, of the appealing “ARO” model. Streamlined, oval form with plunging sides. One with rich brown glaze and the other with eggshell and blue glaze.
Category

1950s Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Rare Footed Bowl, Stoneware Ceramic Blue and Brown
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare footed bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Wonderful glaze with a amber body and tones of brown to blue. Unique design with footed base. Signed on underside with the "...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Stoneware

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Large AXK Stoneware Bowl
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An impressive and large stoneware bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Gorgeous coloring and great scale, the bowl has wonderful movement. Could be used as a fruit bowl, or ...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Stockholm, SE
Stoneware vase in a clean form by Gunnar Nylund, the undulating rim softens the form. Vivacious blue glaze with purple streaks. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers of the Swedish mid-century period. He was Rörstrand’s creative leader from 1931 until 1949 and as such propelled the artistic work at the factory and served as mentor to younger artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson. Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who brought ideas of democratizing stoneware and creating beautiful, qualitative and affordable everyday items for the people to Rörstand in the mid-1920s. The factory had at the time lost its former leading market position, but Nylund’s efforts gave it a great reboot. He designed ceramic kitchenware...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Beautiful stoneware platter in a leaf shape by Gunnar Nylund. Purplish brown glaze with contrasting bright blue areas. Gunnar Nylund was one of the most influential ceramicists and designers of the Swedish mid-century period. He was Rörstrand’s creative leader from 1931 until 1949 and as such propelled the artistic work at the factory and served as mentor to younger artists, among them Carl-Harry Stålhane and Hertha Bengtsson. Nylund was a dedicated functionalist, who brought ideas of democratizing stoneware and creating beautiful, qualitative and affordable everyday items for the people to Rörstand in the mid-1920s. The factory had at the time lost its former leading market position, but Nylund’s efforts gave it a great reboot. He designed ceramic kitchenware...
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Swedish Mid Century Ceramic "Rubus" Bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare pair of Swedish mid century ceramic / stoneware "Rubus" bowls by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Sweden, 1950s. In good original condition and signed by the artist. Dimensions: H:...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

A deep stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in San Francisco, CA
A deep stoneware bowl with a brown hairsfur glaze. Incised R, 3 crowns, SWEDEN, GN, ARP.
Category

1960s Swedish Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Swedish Mid Century Ceramic Dish "Rubus" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Balen, BE
Large Swedish Mid-Century Ceramic Dish "Rubus" by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand – 1950s This large-scale ceramic dish from the 1950s, titled "Rubus", is a standout piece by celebrated...
Category

1950s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960 s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund, 1960's Additional Information: Material: Creamic Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Ceramic bowl model ARO Produced by Rörstrand in Sweden Dimensions (W...
Category

20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

"Grape Carriers, " Striking and Unique Art Deco Bowl w/ Wine Motif by Nylund
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Depicting a Black male figure paired with a white female figure carrying clusters of grapes and ancient wine jars, this unique and striking Art Deco ...
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Gunnar Nylund ARO Stoneware Bowl with Hares Fur Glaze Rorstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund ARO stoneware bowl with hares fur glaze Rorstrand Sweden 1960s Measurements: 4" wide, 3" deep, 1" high in center and 1.5" high edges. In...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

"Sailing on the Nile, " Rare Covered Art Deco Box with Egyptian Pyramids
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Striking and rare, this round covered Art Deco box depicts two traditional boats with sails on the Nile River, with two of the great Pyramids of Egypt...
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Light Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gunnar Nylund Stoneware "GN ARU" Light Blue Bowl for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1960s Beautiful stoneware bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand in shades of l...
Category

Mid-20th Century Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Two Mustard Yellow Ceramic Plates by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1950s
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in Barcelona, ES
Two ceramic plates from the Eterna series, designed by Gunnar Nylund and fabricated by Rörstrand.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Swedish Mid-Century Small Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Bowl, Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand, 1950 s
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
A ceramic bowl made by Gunnar Nylund. Rörstrand, 1950's. Model AXA, made in the shape of a heart. Good condition. Second sorting.
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Gunnar Nylund Bowl Produced in Sweden
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Bronze bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund. Produced in Sweden.
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Two Brown and green-glazed Gunnar Nylund Bowls, Sweden, 1940s
By Rörstrand, Gunnar Nylund
Located in Stockholm, SE
Two Classic brown and beige-glazed stoneware bowls designed and produced in Sweden, 1940s. Marked as 1st quality. Gunnar Nylund, born in Paris in 1904 to parents engaged in sculptin...
Category

1950s European Scandinavian Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Stoneware

Swedish Mid-Century Ceramic Bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Category

1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic

Swedish mid-century set, vase and bowl by Gunnar Nylund for Rorstrand
By Gunnar Nylund
Located in Lidköping, SE
Gunnar Nylund is one of the most respected Swedish ceramic designers of the 20th century. Nylund began his career at Bing & Grondahl’s Porcelain Factory in Copenhagen (1925-1929) bef...
Category

1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

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 ...
Category

1930s Swedish Art Deco Vintage Gunnar Nylund Decorative Bowls

Materials

Porcelain

Gunnar Nylund decorative bowls for sale on 1stDibs.

Gunnar Nylund decorative bowls are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of ceramic and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Gunnar Nylund decorative bowls, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative bowls by Gunnar Nylund were created in the Scandinavian Modern style in scandinavia during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative bowls by Carl-Harry Stålhane, Rörstrand, and Stig Lindberg. Prices for Gunnar Nylund decorative bowls can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $165 and can go as high as $3,339, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $525.