Gunnar Nylund bowl

This ceramic bowl was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. The piece reflects Nylund’s signature organic sensibility, evident in its softly undulating elliptical form and subtly asymmetric silhouette. The coloration features a mottled brown glaze with varying tones from warm sienna to deep umber, creating a nuanced surface texture that recalls natural materials such as bark or stone. The glazing is both matte and variegated, with a speckled finish that enhances the hand-crafted appearance typical of Rörstrand’s artistic stoneware from this era.

The shape of the bowl is low and shallow, with fluid, tapering curves that lift gently at the ends, producing an expressive, almost biomorphic contour. The piece rests on a small circular foot that provides subtle elevation while maintaining overall stability. The underside bears the incised Rörstrand hallmark with the stylized “R” and triple crowns, along with the designer’s initials “GN”.

Nylund, one of Sweden’s foremost ceramic designers of the 20th century, was active at Rörstrand from the 1930s to the 1950s. His work was instrumental in defining the studio’s aesthetic during the mid-century period, favoring subdued glazes, sculptural forms, and a modernist but organic vocabulary. His approach was informed by both Scandinavian nature and continental European design influences, particularly from his earlier training in Denmark and Germany.

This bowl is exemplary of Scandinavian mid-century modern ceramics, characterized by a synthesis of functionality, artisanal quality, and a reverence for form inspired by nature. It remains in excellent condition, with no visible chips, cracks, or glaze loss.

The dimensions of the bowl are 17 cm in length, 11 cm in width, and 4 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 6.69 inches by 4.33 inches by 1.57 inches.