Gunnar Nylund bowl

This small ceramic bowl was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. It demonstrates Nylund’s mastery of organic forms and glazing techniques, which became central to his influential career at Rörstrand, where he worked as artistic director and designer for several decades.

The bowl has a gently asymmetrical, organic shape with soft, flowing contours, a form that reflects Nylund’s ability to merge functionality with sculptural expression. The surface is covered in a mottled glaze of deep blue and black with earthy brown highlights, producing a dynamic visual effect that suggests both movement and depth. The rim is accented with a warmer brown tone, subtly framing the interior and emphasizing the vibrancy of the glaze.

The piece is in excellent condition, with the glaze surface intact and free from visible wear or damage. It stands as a fine example of the mid-century Scandinavian ceramic tradition, balancing restrained form with expressive surface treatment.

Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was one of the leading figures in Scandinavian ceramics, working primarily with Rörstrand but also collaborating with Bing & Grøndahl in Denmark. His works are celebrated for their biomorphic forms, experimental glazing, and distinctive modernist aesthetics that bridged art and utility. Rörstrand, founded in 1726, is one of Sweden’s oldest and most significant porcelain manufacturers, and under Nylund’s direction, it became a center for mid-century innovation in ceramic design.