Gunnar Nylund Giant Handled Vase

A monumental handled vase, designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, Sweden, c.1948.

With a focus on the beauty of pure, simple forms and delicate glazes, Gunnar Nylund made a significant impression on the aesthetic of mid-century Scandinavian ceramics.  From the Neoclassical-influenced 'Swedish Grace' movement to the sleek naturalistic designs of 1950's, Nylund applied an innovative approach to design that combined cutting-edge style & elegance with functionality.

This extra-large green Gunnar Nylund vase is an incredible example of Swedish design. With a naturalistic shape reminiscent of a gourd, the piece is characteristic of Postwar Scandinavian ceramics, yet the sleek handle evokes earlier designs from the Art Deco period. Nylund's seamless merging of these art-styles in this 1940's piece demonstrates early developments in the Postwar Modern aesthetic, and bridges the gap between two distinct eras. 

Nylund's choice of glaze for this gigantic vase is beautiful & naturalistic; a bright-green, softly nuanced glaze with ferric delicate dapples of brown. The attractive glaze, paired with the objects glorious form & imposing scale, allow this piece to make a bold &  impactful impression in any interior setting.