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Rörstrand Sweden
Rörstrand AXZ Matte Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund
Rörstrand AXZ Matte Stoneware Vase by Gunnar Nylund
Regular price
€210,00 EUR
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€210,00 EUR
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An architectural stoneware vase by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand, characterised by an elliptical profile and a softly undulating, asymmetric rim.
The vase is finished in a thick matte “Hares Fur” glaze that appears very dark, almost black. Vertical variations of bronze and dark charcoal brown run across the surface. Around the upper section, the glaze becomes lighter and warmer, revealing ochre tones beneath the darker finish. A subtle vertical relief adds further definition to the surface and follows the organic volume of the vase.
The unglazed foot reveals the natural stoneware body and carries the incised Rörstrand hallmark, the AXZ model designation and Gunnar Nylund’s monogram.
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About the Series: Alphabet Vases
The Alphabet Vases are a large group of stoneware forms developed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Each model is identified by a three-letter code rather than a conventional name, making the shape itself the main point of distinction between the different vessels.
The group includes a remarkably broad range of silhouettes. Some forms are tall and narrow, others more rounded or compact, while handles, openings and changes in proportion create further variations. Despite these differences, the vessels share a clear sense of balance and a strong focus on the relationship between shape and surface.
Glaze plays an important role throughout the group. Nylund used different colours, textures and finishes to alter the character of the forms, often allowing natural variations in the ceramic surface to remain visible. The same shape could therefore have a quite different appearance depending on its glaze.
Seen together, the Alphabet Vases offer a particularly clear view of Nylund’s approach to stoneware: a structured system of forms in which material, proportion and glaze provide most of the expression.
About the Designer: Gunnar Nylund
Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was a Swedish-Danish ceramic artist and designer whose work extended across ceramics, sculpture and industrial design.
His early experience in Denmark, including his collaboration with Nathalie Krebs at the Saxbo workshop, gave him a strong foundation in ceramic form and material. He later developed an extensive career in Sweden, where Rörstrand became an important part of his professional life.
Nylund was particularly interested in the possibilities of stoneware. His vessels often have carefully controlled proportions, but their surfaces introduce a more variable element through glaze, texture and firing. This contrast between precision and material variation is one of the recurring qualities of his ceramic work.
At Rörstrand, he worked both as a designer and in an artistic leadership role, contributing to the development of the company’s ceramic production during an important period of Swedish modern design.
His work is now regarded as an important part of the history of 20th-century Swedish ceramics, particularly for the way he combined industrial production with a strongly individual approach to form and glaze.
About the Brand: Rörstrand
Rörstrand was founded in Stockholm in 1726 and has one of the longest histories of any Swedish ceramic manufacturer. Its production has changed considerably over the centuries, reflecting the development of both ceramic technology and domestic tableware.
The company moved its manufacturing operations several times during its history. Production eventually became concentrated in Lidköping, where Rörstrand developed into an important centre for Swedish ceramic production during the 20th century.
Rörstrand’s long history is also characterised by the coexistence of practical tableware and more artistic ceramic work. This allowed the company to develop a broad vocabulary of forms, surfaces and decorative approaches rather than a single fixed style.
The Lidköping factory closed in 2005, bringing an end to Rörstrand’s own Swedish manufacturing. The brand itself continued and is now part of Fiskars Group, where Rörstrand remains an active name in Nordic tableware.
Today, Rörstrand connects a long Swedish ceramic tradition with contemporary production, while its historical pieces document several distinct periods in the development of Scandinavian and Nordic design.
The Alphabet Vases are a large group of stoneware forms developed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Each model is identified by a three-letter code rather than a conventional name, making the shape itself the main point of distinction between the different vessels.
The group includes a remarkably broad range of silhouettes. Some forms are tall and narrow, others more rounded or compact, while handles, openings and changes in proportion create further variations. Despite these differences, the vessels share a clear sense of balance and a strong focus on the relationship between shape and surface.
Glaze plays an important role throughout the group. Nylund used different colours, textures and finishes to alter the character of the forms, often allowing natural variations in the ceramic surface to remain visible. The same shape could therefore have a quite different appearance depending on its glaze.
Seen together, the Alphabet Vases offer a particularly clear view of Nylund’s approach to stoneware: a structured system of forms in which material, proportion and glaze provide most of the expression.
About the Designer: Gunnar Nylund
Gunnar Nylund (1904–1997) was a Swedish-Danish ceramic artist and designer whose work extended across ceramics, sculpture and industrial design.
His early experience in Denmark, including his collaboration with Nathalie Krebs at the Saxbo workshop, gave him a strong foundation in ceramic form and material. He later developed an extensive career in Sweden, where Rörstrand became an important part of his professional life.
Nylund was particularly interested in the possibilities of stoneware. His vessels often have carefully controlled proportions, but their surfaces introduce a more variable element through glaze, texture and firing. This contrast between precision and material variation is one of the recurring qualities of his ceramic work.
At Rörstrand, he worked both as a designer and in an artistic leadership role, contributing to the development of the company’s ceramic production during an important period of Swedish modern design.
His work is now regarded as an important part of the history of 20th-century Swedish ceramics, particularly for the way he combined industrial production with a strongly individual approach to form and glaze.
About the Brand: Rörstrand
Rörstrand was founded in Stockholm in 1726 and has one of the longest histories of any Swedish ceramic manufacturer. Its production has changed considerably over the centuries, reflecting the development of both ceramic technology and domestic tableware.
The company moved its manufacturing operations several times during its history. Production eventually became concentrated in Lidköping, where Rörstrand developed into an important centre for Swedish ceramic production during the 20th century.
Rörstrand’s long history is also characterised by the coexistence of practical tableware and more artistic ceramic work. This allowed the company to develop a broad vocabulary of forms, surfaces and decorative approaches rather than a single fixed style.
The Lidköping factory closed in 2005, bringing an end to Rörstrand’s own Swedish manufacturing. The brand itself continued and is now part of Fiskars Group, where Rörstrand remains an active name in Nordic tableware.
Today, Rörstrand connects a long Swedish ceramic tradition with contemporary production, while its historical pieces document several distinct periods in the development of Scandinavian and Nordic design.
Details
Origin: Sweden
Design Year: 1955
Production Period: 1950s–1960s
Designer: Gunnar Nylund
Manufacturer: Rörstrand Sweden
Model: AXZ
Material: Matte glazed stoneware
Components: 1 stoneware vase
Dimensions: 19 cm H × 11.5 cm Ø
Design Year: 1955
Production Period: 1950s–1960s
Designer: Gunnar Nylund
Manufacturer: Rörstrand Sweden
Model: AXZ
Material: Matte glazed stoneware
Components: 1 stoneware vase
Dimensions: 19 cm H × 11.5 cm Ø
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. First quality, with no factory seconds marks. No chips, cracks or restoration. The matte glaze is well preserved, retaining its depth and colour variation. The markings on the underside remain clearly defined.
Care
Wipe clean with damp cloth.