This striking work of Swedish Modernist design is Hound figure designed by the celebrated Swedish ceramicist and designer Gunnar Nylund (b.1904 - d.1997) for Rörstrand. The series of figures includes a Rooster and Fish and is characterised by the monochromatic palette that has been applied in a stylised technique that highlights the hand painted and 'hand drawn' manner. The aesthetic style is like that of a sketched drawing that has been 'brought to life' into a 3D figure.
The angular rise-and-fall form and décor makes this a touch-inviting tactile piece. Stylistically timeless and contemporary, this work is a outstanding example of Scandinavian mid-century Modern design and the combination of design, form and condition makes this a rare find.
CONDITION
Excellent. There is light wear in the form of movement marks to the underside of the base athat is commensurable with the age of the piece. The underside is stamped with Rorstrand's logo and Nylund's 'GN' initials.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 5.7" / 14.5 cm (from base to rim). Width: c. 3.9" / 10 cm (across widest point). Depth: c. 1.9" / 4.8 cm. Base measurements: c. 1.9" / 4.8 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.3cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.3 kg / 285 g
NOTES
Figure will be securely packaged and shipping insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.
A BIT OF HISTORY
Gunnar Nylund (b. 1904 – d.1997) Nylund was a Swedish ceramic designer since the 1930s and is perhaps best known as the artistic director of Rörstrand and was already a well-established ceramic artist in Denmark - first at the Bing & Grøndahl Porcelain factory in Copenhagen and later at Saxbo.
Nylund was resident at Rörstrand from 1931–1955 and for the majority of this time, as artistic director. He became well known for his new matte feldspar glazed stoneware in hare’s fur and crystal glazes and for his stoneware animal sculptures. Over five decades, Nylund crafted some 30 reliefs and sculptures commissioned for public spaces, including Europe’s largest stoneware fountain the “Scanisarius” in Bromölla, Sweden.
Most of Nylund’s original sculptures in stoneware chamotte ended up in museums, as did much of his other work. Sculptures such as the “Lion Head” is found at the National Museum in Stockholm, “Blue Bird” is at the Sèvres museum in Paris, his antelope head “Abyssinian mountain nyala”, is at the Röhsska museet in Gothenburg and the “Hamadryas Baboon” is at the Malmö Museum.
His piece “Bulls head in oxblood” was bought by the Ateneum museum in Helsinki. And a lot of his other work can be found at other museums around the world.
