Description:

Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, pitcher.

Elegant ceramic pitcher by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, featuring a slender organic form, rounded body and a long, narrow neck with a pouring spout. The curved handle in warm brownish tones creates a beautiful contrast with the variegated blue glaze, displaying subtle variations in colour and texture. The sculptural silhouette and harmonious proportions are characteristic of Nylunds ceramic design language. Marked with a single incised line through the factory stamp, indicating second quality.

Origin: Sweden.
Designer: Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997).
Manufacturer: Rörstrand.
Material: Glazed stoneware.
Dimensions: H. 25.5 cm, W. 10 cm.
Period: Mid-20th century.
Quality: Second quality.
Condition: Excellent condition with minor signs of wear.

Sometimes, porcelain is classified as second or third quality for no immediately apparent reason. To the everyday observer, these pieces may appear completely flawless. Luxury manufacturers, however, apply exceptionally strict quality standards, meaning that a piece may be downgraded due to a minimal weight discrepancy, a microscopic bubble in the glaze, or a structural variation that is invisible to the naked eye.

Bio:
Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was a Finnish-born Swedish ceramic artist, sculptor and designer who played a significant role in the development of Scandinavian stoneware during the 20th century. In 1928, he co-founded the Saxbo ceramic workshop in Denmark with Nathalie Krebs and later became artistic director at Rörstrand in Sweden. Nylund was particularly celebrated for his elegant organic forms and sophisticated glazes in muted natural tones. His vases, pitchers and sculptural works combine functionalist simplicity with a strong artistic sensibility and remain highly sought after by collectors of Scandinavian ceramics.