Ironically, Dansk Designs, the tableware company practically synonymous with Danish design (“Dansk,” in fact, translates to “Danish”), was the brainchild of an American couple, Ted and Martha Nierenberg.
The Nierenbergs, who founded the business in 1954, initially worked out of the garage of their Great Neck, Long Island, home and marketed their serveware, tables, decorative objects and other products largely in the United States. But they had a secret weapon: Jens Quistgaard.
After demonstrating artistic talent at a young age, the Copenhagen native was gifted a forge and anvil so that he could work in his mother’s kitchen. Quistgaard built toys, jewelry and hunting knives under his father’s tutelage. Later, he spent years learning from local artisans how to produce wood, metal, ceramic and glass models. Quistgaard’s career path solidified during his apprenticeship as a silversmith with legendary Danish silver firm Georg Jensen.
The Nierenbergs discovered the sculptor and designer on their honeymoon, which they’d spent traveling through Europe searching for top-quality goods that might form the basis of a business.
After they hired Quistgaard and launched Dansk, their products swiftly came to epitomize the best of accessible Scandinavian design for mid-century American consumers, who fell for the firm’s staved-teak salad bowls, colorful casseroles and stainless-steel flatware, all of which managed to look handmade despite being mass-produced.
The long-distance relationship flourished for 30 years, during which millions of Quistgaard pieces were manufactured in the company's factories.
The designs for Quistgaard’s Købenstyle line and other collections during the mid-1950s were revolutionary, with bowls built like barrels and charming, lightweight monochrome tableware in enameled steel. Quistgaard’s work married function with striking, sophisticated form. He utilized exceptional materials in the creation of his coveted cookware, barware and serving pieces, opting for warm teak and exotic woods and reintroducing steel as a go-to option for kitchen wares.
Quistgaard’s postwar-era Scandinavian modernist work is still exceedingly popular in living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens in the United States, Europe and Japan, particularly in the homes of mid-century design enthusiasts.
Find vintage Dansk Designs furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Dansk Hexagon Vase “Brown Mist” by Niels Refsgaard
By Dansk
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage pottery vase designed by Niels Refsgaard for Dansk. Hexagonal shape in the "Brown Mist" pattern. Pale gray speckled glaze with brown trim and an unfinished edge at the base...
Pottery
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cordova, SC
Mid-Century Modern footed cutting board tray in teak designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This versatile piece is the perfect tool for carving and serving featuring a h...
Teak
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Early teak combination salt shaker and pepper mill by Jens Quistgaard. Metal grinding mechanisms produced by Peugeot Freres. The mill was produced by Dansk in Denmark. The top is for...
Teak
Mid century Danish Modern Dansk Lovig Teak Tambour Door Long Credenza
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This beautiful mid century Peter Løvig Nielsen teak long credenza with Tambour doors which open smoothly. This is a long beautiful credenza is made in Denmark by Dansk in 1969. Amazi...
Aluminum
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965.
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Large Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a large Dansk staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. Scandinavian Modern. Dimensions: 6" H x 16.5" D...
Teak
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM iron candle holder by Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 6"D x 4.75"H and holds 2.5"D candle. Super nice piece! #3363
Iron
1960s Dansk International Teak Salad Bowl Malaysia
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Teak Wood Bowl Malaysia maker stamp 4.75 h x 10.5 Preowned unrestored vintage Review all images
Wood, Teak
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful vintage 1950s teak tray with clear edges, attributed to famous Danish Designer Jens Quistgaard. A charming and useful object in very good condition.
Wood, Teak
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard Dansk Cheese Board + Cutting Knife 8.75 long x 5.25 d x 1 Preowned original vintage Refer to l...
Teak
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak large tray for cheese with edge for placing the crackers, nice condition early production made in Denmark.
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Double Cube Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Double Cube" Salt & Peppermill made of teak Marked Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original condition, could use a cleaing w...
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes. Each dish has feet that fits into the lattice on the tray. Length 46.5 cm. Marked JHQ Dansk Designs...
Glass, Teak
Tjorn by Dansk Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 50 Pieces Mid-Century Mod
By Dansk
Located in Big Bend, WI
The innovative and highly desirable flatware pattern "Tjorn" by Dansk was designed by Danish artist and designer Jens Quistgaard in 1959. It features striking Scandinavian modern des...
Sterling Silver
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice o...
Teak
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. They are made in France of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the h...
Metal, Silver Plate
$240Sale Price / set|39% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Dansk Mid-Century Candle Holders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
An array of incredible Scandinavian classic candle holders from Dansk. This set includes a spider candle holder, an Iron and Brass candle holder ...
Iron
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. produced by Dansk designs in Denmark during the 1950s. Made from solid polished brass. Good vintage condition with light age related ...
Brass
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Rare White Porcelain Coffee Pot by Dansk Designs, Denmark
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this elegant water pitcher in white porcelain, by dank design excellent condition, no chips or cracks, circa 1960s.
Porcelain
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a teak pepper mill designed by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK, Mushroom shape. Scandinavian Modern design. Made in Denmark circa the 1960s. Tested and currently w...
Teak
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of five Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Super cool set ! Please see my other Danish pepper mills...
Teak
$1,500Sale Price|46% Off
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Wenge Wood Serving Tray Made in Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Dansk exotic teak and wenge wood round serving tray with beautiful counterbalanced design, by renowned Danish designer, Jens Quistgaard. Engraved hallmark on bottom of tray. Denmark
Teak, Wenge
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s. Nice original patina. Each signed with makers mark to the bottom.
Brass
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Designs blue enamelware Kobenstyle casserole pot and cover lid with trivet top IHQ France Designed by Jens Herald Quistgaard made in France, Kobenstyle Line introduced in 1956...
Metal, Enamel
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Blue & White Enamel Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of Danish modern blue & white enamel bowls by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowls are in very good vintage condition with no chips to the enamel and me...
Enamel
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Danish Modern Sterling Silver Plate Candelabra Made in France
By Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A Midcentury Modern or Danish/Scandinavian Modern Dansk Designs sterling silver plate twelve (12) candle holder/candelabra, circa mid-20th century, made in France. Piece also makes a...
Metal, Silver Plate
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block round cutting board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The board is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.75"D x 2"H and has a juice...
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare XLarge Tray Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful design on this large solid teak, a tray designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, circa the 1950s, great condition with raised edges, incredible craftsmanship. early stamp at the b...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 40 pieces creating service for 8. This service was manufactured in three different countries, Germany, Kore...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Dansk Extra Large Solid Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Quistgaard Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury 1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and beautiful design on this large solid teak, a tray designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, circa the 1950s, great condition with raised edges, incredible craftsmanship. early...
Teak
Dansk Variation V Flatware Set Service for 8 with Box
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk Variation V Stainless Steel Flatware Set. Service for 8 with the box. Another great design from Quistgaard! This set dates the 196...
Stainless Steel
Vintage 1950s Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design Bowl, Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk during the 1950s. Made from solid staved teak. Good vintage condition. Aside from its utilitarian duty, th...
Teak
Dansk Teak "SPHERE" Pepper Mill Peppermill Quistgaard JHQ IHQ Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Collectible and highly sought-after Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk teak pepper miil / salt shaker from the 1960's. Model # 855. Made in Denmark. This p...
Teak
Midcentury Catch All Watch or Key Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Catch all by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Great for a watch holder or keys. Solid teak with early Dansk mark, Denmark, 1950s.
Teak
Large MCM Stoneware Platter / Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A large MCM stoneware platter / serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa 19780s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 16.75"W 14"D ...
Stoneware
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary works continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk embodies this appreciation...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Teak Ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Square lidded Danish Teak ice bucket . Designed by Jens Quistgaard JHQ for Dansk Designs . Clean original stamped Dansk International Designs LTD JHQ Denmark .
Plastic, Teak
$609Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Bring a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home with this iconic Jens Quistgaard candelabra, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from cast iron and brass, this sculptural piec...
Brass, Iron
Vintage MCM Teak Serving Tray with Rails by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM teak serving tray with rails by Dansk, circa 1980s. This piece is well crafted in solid teak wood and built in rail styled handles. The piece has pegged detail construct...
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's.
Bamboo, Teak
Dansk Mezza Filigrana Glass Vase
By Dansk
Located in Fairfield, CA
A vintage blown glass vase in the "Mezza Filigrana" design by Dansk. Beautiful design of orange and blue swirls. Original sticker is still attached.
Blown Glass
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Boards by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Danish modern teak butcher block cutting board / tray for cheese with edge by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The rectangle cutting board measures 17.25" x 11.75" x 1...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard pair of cast iron and brass candlesticks for Dansk .Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great design in this pair of cast iron candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard , by Dansk, marked JHQ plus Denmark .
Iron
$76Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970.
Metal
Jens Harald Quistgaard Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oakland, CA
Solid teak ice bucket with black plastic liner designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design, circa 1960 Denmark.
Plastic, Teak
$250Sale Price|36% Off
Mid-century Jens Quistgaard for Danks Cube Ice Bucket c.1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original mid-century Jens Quistgaard Teak cube ice bucket with black, plastic insert. Impressed stamp on the bottom with maker's mark. CREATOR Dansk, Denmark. DATE...
Plastic, Teak
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of six Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Included is a copy of the book "Danish Pepper" by Mark Perlson which chronicles the history of the Danish pepper mill...
Teak
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". The candle hol...
Silver Plate
Festivaal 'Eyeball' Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1970
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Festivaal 'Eyeball' Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk, Denmark, 1970 Great Color - In as found vintage condition. Some knick, splits, and lose to color surface. (see images) "Bright...
Enamel
Vintage Dansk Large Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
Early and Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and pare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak ice bucket or wine cooler. Solid staved steak construction with brass elements. Water tight white p...
Plastic, Teak
Dansk Spectra Cordials Set W/Tray Crystal Colorful Art Glass Shot Glasses
By Dansk
Located in Clifton Forge, VA
What a great looking modern shot glass and serving tray set in the wonderful Dansk style. The mottled textured tray has purple colored handles and the shot glasses each have two colo...
Art Glass
$1,275Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard. Danish cast iron candlesticks, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist and Space Age style candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Dansk Design in Denmark, 1960s. Both pieces are made of solid cast iron with a centr...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Fireplace Tool Set for Dansk, Iron and Brass Denmark 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Troy, MI
Rare set of fireplace tools designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard Model 1400 for Dansk Denmark circa 1960 Newly restored iron shovel, broom and poker with looped handles and brass fitt...
Brass, Iron
Dansk Teak Serving Tray
By Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful teak serving tray by Dansk, made in Denmark.
Teak
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Rare Rosewood & Silver Plate Peppermill by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare Jens Quistgaard pepper mill of extraordinary design, part of Dansk's "Rare Woods" collection is made of rosewood with a silver plated band. There is a hole in the band to load...
Silver Plate, Brass
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century.
Teak
MCM Stoneware Covered Casserole Dish by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice MCM stoneware covered ceramic fluted casserole dish from Dansk Designs, Denmark, circa 1970s. The piece features a matted dark brown glaze, fluted walls, domed steam-holed li...
Stoneware