Gunnar Nylund bowl

This ceramic bowl, model ARO, designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1960s, exemplifies mid-century Scandinavian ceramic artistry. The bowl features a deep, rounded form with a gently flared rim and a subtly textured exterior surface. Its glaze presents a rich brown tone with fine vertical striations, while the interior offers a speckled gradient of blue and black hues, creating a dynamic contrast between the interior and exterior finishes.

Gunnar Nylund, a Finnish-Swedish ceramicist and designer, was renowned for his tenure as artistic director at Rörstrand from the late 1930s through the 1950s. His work is distinguished by organic shapes, modernist simplicity, and sophisticated glaze techniques, which became hallmarks of Scandinavian mid-century ceramics.

Rörstrand, established in 1726, is one of Sweden’s oldest and most esteemed porcelain and ceramics manufacturers. During the mid-20th century, the company gained recognition for its collaborations with prominent designers, producing stoneware and ceramics that combined functional design with artistic craftsmanship.

This bowl reflects the mid-century Scandinavian aesthetic through its restrained yet expressive form and its nuanced glaze effects. The interaction between matte and glossy surfaces enhances the depth and complexity of the colors, resulting in a piece with strong visual appeal.

The bowl remains in vintage condition, showing minor signs of use consistent with age. Its dimensions are approximately 18 centimeters in diameter and 5.5 centimeters in height, or 7.1 by 2.2 inches, presenting a balanced and elegant profile.