Gunnar Nylund vase

This ceramic vase, model AUG, was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden. It is a refined example of Scandinavian modern ceramic design, characterized by subtle form, restrained detailing, and a soft material presence that speaks to Nylund’s masterful sense of proportion and surface treatment.

The vase features a slender, tapering silhouette that widens gently at the base and narrows toward the top, ending in an asymmetrical opening that adds a quiet sculptural tension. This organic irregularity at the rim, along with the subtle curvature of the body, imparts an artisanal quality that balances between natural form and deliberate design. The profile is elegant and poised, with a graceful verticality that makes it both decorative and functional.

Finished in a smooth, off-white or cream-toned glaze, the vase has a serene and neutral palette that allows the form to remain central. The surface is subtly textured with faint vertical impressions near the top—an understated detail that adds depth without overpowering the form. This tactile quality gives the glaze visual complexity while maintaining an overall sense of calm and refinement.

The condition of the vase is excellent. There are no chips, cracks, or repairs, and the glaze is evenly applied with no discoloration or surface damage. The base bears Gunnar Nylund’s incised signature along with the “Rörstrand Sweden” stamp, confirming the vase’s authenticity and its place within the broader context of Nylund’s prolific work for the Rörstrand factory.

Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was one of the leading ceramic designers in Scandinavia during the 20th century. Known for his pioneering work with matte glazes and modernist forms, Nylund’s aesthetic often fused clean lines with subtle surface treatments, resulting in timeless objects that embody both elegance and experimentation.

The vase measures 7.5 cm in diameter and 22.5 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 2.95 inches in diameter and 8.86 inches in height.