Gunnar Nylund vase

This tall, slender ceramic vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. The form is distinctly elongated and balanced, featuring a narrow foot that expands gently into an ovoid body before tapering into a long neck and terminating in a wide, trumpet-shaped mouth. The profile is vertically continuous and symmetrical, evoking ancient vessel forms while embodying a distinctly modern Nordic refinement.

The surface is finished in a light matte glaze with a mottled speckle texture in tones of off-white and cream, which enhances the tactile quality of the stoneware body. The glaze application is consistent throughout, with slight tonal variations that reflect the artisanal glazing techniques characteristic of Rörstrand’s mid-century production. The vase is in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or restoration.

Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was one of the most influential figures in Swedish ceramic design of the 20th century. Active across several decades, he served as artistic director at Rörstrand from 1931 to the early 1950s and is known for introducing modernist sensibilities into the company’s output. Nylund’s work is characterized by soft sculptural forms, matte glazes, and a synthesis of functional and decorative concerns. His oeuvre spans utilitarian ware, art pottery, and monumental studio pieces, and he remains celebrated for his mastery of glaze and form.

Rörstrand, founded in 1726, is one of the oldest and most significant porcelain manufacturers in Europe. By the mid-20th century, it had become a leader in Scandinavian ceramics, collaborating with designers such as Carl-Harry Stålhane and Marianne Westman in addition to Nylund. Rörstrand’s postwar production emphasized both technical innovation and an elevated design language, resulting in pieces that were equally suited to domestic interiors and gallery settings.

The vase reflects a synthesis of organic elegance and classical proportions. Its proportions and surface treatment suggest an affinity with modernist abstraction while referencing traditional amphora-like forms. The speckled glaze, a signature of Nylund’s repertoire, softens the silhouette and enhances its architectural clarity.

The dimensions are 8 cm in diameter and 35.5 cm in height, corresponding to approximately 3.1 inches in diameter and 14 inches in height.