Gunnar Nylund bowl

This ceramic bowl was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. It features an organically asymmetrical, oval form with a low, fluid profile and subtly flared rim. The silhouette is balanced and minimal, tapering gently to a recessed circular foot, allowing the bowl to rest lightly on the surface.

The exterior surface is finished in a deep, matte forest green glaze with a finely textured appearance, while the interior presents a more dynamic visual effect with radial brush-like bursts of ochre, burnt orange, and moss green against the dark background. These warm, painterly accents radiate from the center and give the impression of a glowing ember beneath a muted surface. The interplay of light and dark glaze effects is characteristic of Nylund’s glaze experimentation during this period. The bowl is in excellent condition with no visible restoration or structural flaws.

Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was one of the most influential Swedish ceramic artists of the mid-20th century. He was artistic director at Rörstrand from 1931 to the early 1950s and is known for his development of matte and textured glazes, as well as his exploration of sculptural vessel forms. His approach often merged traditional craftsmanship with modernist abstraction, prioritizing surface experimentation and organic form over decorative ornamentation.

Rörstrand, one of Europe’s oldest porcelain manufacturers, was a central force in shaping Scandinavian ceramic design throughout the 20th century. Under the direction of artists like Nylund and Carl-Harry Stålhane, the company embraced innovation in both materials and aesthetics, producing a wide range of art ceramics, domestic wares, and exhibition pieces.

The dimensions are 27 cm in width, 22.5 cm in depth, and 15.5 cm in height, which corresponds to approximately 10.6 inches wide, 8.9 inches deep, and 6.1 inches high.