Gunnar Nylund vase

This ceramic vase was designed by Gunnar Nylund and produced by Rörstrand in Sweden during the 1950s. The form is elongated and refined, with a slender neck that rises gently from a rounded shoulder and culminates in a flared lip. The silhouette is classically inspired yet interpreted through the lens of Scandinavian mid-century modernism, characterized by its balanced proportions and smooth, continuous curves. The body tapers elegantly from a full midsection down to a narrower foot, creating a profile that is both graceful and architecturally stable.

The glaze features a deep, earthy tonal palette dominated by dark green with transitions into olive, brown, and subtle black speckling. These surface variations produce a nuanced, mottled effect, especially prominent in the shoulder area, where the glaze subtly blooms and transitions. The finish is matte with soft luster, enhancing the depth of color and the naturalistic texture of the ceramic. The base is marked with the Rörstrand three-crown hallmark, Gunnar Nylund’s monogram “GN” and the model inscription “ARO”.

Gunnar Nylund was a pivotal figure in Scandinavian ceramics during the mid-20th century. As artistic director at Rörstrand for several decades, his work exemplified the studio’s commitment to form-driven design and glaze experimentation. Nylund’s pieces often emphasized organic shapes, tactile surfaces, and a restrained elegance that merged functional form with artistic expression.

Rörstrand, established in 1726, is one of the oldest and most respected porcelain manufacturers in Europe. By the 1950s, the company had become a key player in the Scandinavian design movement, with Nylund’s contributions at the forefront of their modernist output.

The vase is in good vintage condition, with small signs of usage and light patina consistent with age and careful handling. Its stylistic language is firmly rooted in Scandinavian mid-century aesthetics, blending traditional vessel forms with innovative surface treatments.

The dimensions are 8 cm in diameter and 28 cm in height, which corresponds to approximately 3.15 inches in diameter and 11.02 inches in height.