Gunnar Nylund vase

This is a mid-century stoneware vase designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. The form is vertically elongated with a slender neck and a flared mouth, gradually widening to a rounded shoulder before tapering into a narrow base. The silhouette is balanced and elegant, representative of Nylund’s refined and modernist approach to ceramic design.

The glaze is a matte, mottled surface treatment that blends deep aubergine and charcoal hues with striking turquoise overtones, particularly concentrated near the upper neck and mouth. This chromatic transition is characteristic of Nylund’s work from the period, where subtle color gradients and unexpected contrasts were achieved through reduction firing and careful glaze formulation. The inner lip of the vase features a lighter, slightly glossy turquoise layer, creating a delicate frame around the opening.

The underside is inscribed with the Rörstrand studio mark, including Nylund’s signature monogram, the word “SWEDEN”. The inscription confirms the vase as part of Rörstrand’s ARX series, a designation often associated with limited studio production or special glaze experimentation. Gunnar Nylund, one of the leading ceramic artists of 20th-century Scandinavia, was known for introducing modern forms and textural glazes to the Rörstrand factory after joining in the 1930s. His work often emphasized form over decoration, favoring muted glazes and sculptural purity.

The piece is in good vintage condition, with minor signs of handling and age-appropriate patina. The glaze surface shows intentional variation with no structural damage or restoration evident.

Dimensions: Diameter 8 cm (3.15 inches), Height 28 cm (11.02 inches).