Gunnar Nylund bowl

This is a ceramic bowl, model ARO, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s. The bowl exhibits a characteristic mid-century Scandinavian form with its smooth, elliptical silhouette and subtly undulating rim that peaks gently at opposing ends. The overall shape reflects a minimalist approach with organic contours, resulting in a form that is both sculptural and functional.

The glaze on this piece is rendered in deep moss green and earth tones, blending into an almost smoky, iridescent brown toward the base. The surface is animated by a finely speckled pattern that radiates inward toward the center, where the glaze deepens into darker, almost charcoal-like hues with greenish-blue undertones. This tonal interplay creates a sense of optical texture and depth, a signature of Nylund’s refined glazing techniques. The outer surface mirrors this variegation with subtle vertical movement and a smooth, semi-gloss finish. The base of the piece is marked with the Rörstrand hallmark, the three-crown emblem, and the model identifier “ARO” along with Gunnar Nylund’s monogram “GN”.

Gunnar Nylund was a leading figure in Swedish ceramic design, known for his organic aesthetics, mastery of glazes, and role as artistic director at Rörstrand. His work during the 1950s and 1960s focused on merging the clarity of modernist design with tactile and visual complexity. The ARO series is emblematic of this approach, with each piece subtly unique due to hand-applied glazes and individual kiln reactions.

Rörstrand, with a legacy dating back to 1726, was among the foremost manufacturers of Scandinavian ceramics throughout the 20th century. The company’s mid-century production under Nylund is especially noted for blending studio-level craftsmanship with industrial production standards, contributing to the global recognition of Swedish ceramic art.

This example remains in excellent vintage condition, exhibiting only minor signs of age and use. Its refined glaze work and balanced proportions position it firmly within the canon of Scandinavian mid-century modernism.

The bowl measures 16 cm in width, 12 cm in depth, and 8 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 6.30 inches wide, 4.72 inches deep, and 3.15 inches high.