GUNNAR NYLUND. Vase, stoneware, Rörstrand.

White harpsichord glaze, signed "R (with three crowns) Sweden GN".
Height approx. 16.5 cm.

Gunnar Nylund was a prominent Swedish ceramist and designer who worked during the 20th century. He was born on March 19, 1904 in Paris, France, and died on October 4, 1997 in Stockholm, Sweden. Nylund is regarded as a significant figure in the Swedish ceramics and design world and his work has had a major impact on Scandinavian design.

He began his career as a ceramicist at Rörstrand Porslinfabrik in 1925 and later became head of the company's artistic department in 1931 and worked until 1955. During his career, Nylund worked not only for Rörstrand, but also for other well-known ceramic companies such as Bing & Grøndahl in Denmark and Strömbergshyttan in Sweden. He was also a prolific designer of glass, furniture and textiles.

Gunnar Nylund was known for using glazes in earthy tones in his ceramic work. These colors, which often reflected natural elements such as earth, sand and stone, created an organic and down-to-earth feel in his work.