Gunnar Nylund bowl

This cast bronze decorative bowl, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced in Sweden during the 1940s, is a finely executed example of mid-century Scandinavian bronze work. The form is circular with a shallow, concave profile and a slightly elevated rim, giving it a poised and understated presence. The surface is defined by a rich, naturally aged patina, ranging from deep brown to variegated hues of oxidized green, typical of untreated or lightly handled bronze over time.

The interior of the bowl is adorned with a detailed low-relief composition featuring an aquatic motif. Stylized goldfish swim among fluidly rendered water plants, with small bubbles and etched lines suggesting movement, current, or surface reflections. The design is rhythmic and organic, showing careful attention to the sinuous motion of the fish and the soft undulation of the plant forms. Despite its decorative nature, the imagery avoids excess, remaining in keeping with the restrained yet expressive qualities that characterize Nylund’s broader body of work.

Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) is primarily celebrated for his prolific career in ceramics—most notably as the longtime artistic director at Rörstrand—but he also worked across multiple media including bronze, glass, and enamel. His aesthetic, informed by both natural forms and modernist abstraction, consistently emphasized surface texture, organic themes, and material integrity. The bowl’s engraved motif, combined with its modest scale and tactile surface, demonstrates Nylund’s ability to translate his sensibilities across materials without losing nuance or coherence.

This particular bowl likely falls into the category of studio or limited-edition objects, intended for decorative appreciation rather than utilitarian function. The presence of Nylund’s incised signature “GN” near the rim authenticates the work and situates it within his lesser-known but collectible output in cast bronze.

The dimensions are 27 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height (approximately 10.6 x 1.6 inches). The bowl remains in good vintage condition, with minor surface wear and oxidation consistent with age. These traces contribute to its visual complexity and reinforce the material’s historic and aesthetic character. As a sculptural object, it reflects both the decorative refinement and thematic naturalism that define Nylund’s contributions to Scandinavian modern design.