Gunnar Nylund vase

This rare and large floor vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden around 1955. The vase is a commanding example of mid-century Scandinavian ceramic artistry, showcasing both sculptural elegance and a highly refined glazing technique.

The form is tall and slender with a softly tapering body that rises into a long neck, which then flares outward into a wide trumpet mouth. The silhouette evokes a classical amphora reinterpreted with modernist restraint. The surface is covered in a rich “hare’s fur” glaze, a signature finish in Nylund’s repertoire, notable for its layered, streaked effect. The coloration shifts subtly between deep blue, forest green, and muted brown, with variations emerging through fine vertical striations that give the piece its characteristic depth and movement.

Gunnar Nylund was a prolific designer and artistic director at Rörstrand from the 1930s to the late 1950s. He was instrumental in developing new glaze techniques and promoting studio-quality ceramics in a production setting. The hare’s fur glaze was influenced by ancient Chinese Song dynasty glazes, reinterpreted by Nylund in a distinctly Nordic palette and aesthetic.

The vase remains in good vintage condition, with minor signs of wear and patina appropriate to its age. The base is marked with the Rörstrand logo, along with incised initials identifying the artist and decorator.