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.
Gunnar Cyren White Porcelain Polar Bear Coin Bank for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Miami, FL
White porcelain polar bear coin bank designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk.
Porcelain
$180Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Glass Hurricane Lamp in Box by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM glass hurricane lamp in original box by Dansk, circa 1970s. The lamp is in excellent condition with chips or cracks and measures 6"D x 10"H. ...
Glass
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM sculpted glass ring holder with box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measure as follows: Box 5" x 4.5" x 3.5...
Glass
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM sculpted glass ring holder with box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. Sculptural and unique, this piece transcends its purpose to add style and design to your decor. T...
Glass
Yngve Ekström for Dansk Oak Reversible 'Catch All' Table, Denmark 1960s
By Dansk, Yngve Ekström
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Mid-Century side or coffee table by Swedish designer Yngve Ekström for Dansk Designs is a prime example of thoughtful Scandinavian Modernism. Manufactured in Denmark during the ...
Wood
$1,790 / set
Set of Dansk Stainless Flatware
By Dansk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a nice set of Dansk flatware. The set consist of (8) teaspoons (8) tablespoons (8) ...
Metal
Sculptural Silver Plated Candle Holder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk
Located in Charleston, SC
Dansk silver plated Wave candle centerpiece. Gunnar Cyren designed candle holder makes a statement on any table. Holds total of 12 thin .25 inch wide taper candles. Slight discolorat...
Metal
Jens Quistgaard Modernist Tripod Iron Candle Incense Holder Dansk Original Box
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Jens Quistgaard tripod cast iron candle or incense holder by Dansk with original box. The modernist design looks great as just an object. 1950s. Made in Denmark.
Metal
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Solid Teak Danish Congo Ice Bucket Model 810
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Model 810 Congo ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. The solid teak, Danish made ice bucket was designed in 1958. Distinguished for its elegant Scandinavian design and expert cra...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Salad Servers, A Pair
By Dansk, Richard Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Round Top, TX
Teak Servers by famed maker Dansk with original stickers. Attributed to the designer Jens Quistgaard, and in the style of Danish designer Richard Nissen, these elegantly formed piece...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Dansk "Kongo" Flatware 30 Piece Set for Six Mid Century Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid century modernist "Kongo" flatware set designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany, 1960s. It is constructed of low maintenance stainless steel with black nylon handles, makin...
Stainless Steel
Silver-Plated Candle Holder Crown Model Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of three (3) silver-plated candle holder is a vintage "Crown" model designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely originating from the 1960s or ...
Silver Plate
Classique by Dansk Stainless Steel Flatware Set for 12 Service 60 pc New Dinner
By Dansk
Located in Big Bend, WI
Classique by Dansk estate Stainless Steel Flatware set, 60 pieces. This set includes: 12 Dinner Knives, 8 5/8" 12 Forks, 7 3/8" 12 Salad Forks, 6 3/4" 12 Teaspoons, 6 1/2" 12 Place ...
Stainless Steel
Mutenye Cheese Board by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon, well-scaled and finely crafted circular mutenye serving board having an end grain cutting surface and a sculptural recessed well.
Wood
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
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in the mid-20th century. Scandinavian Modern style...
Teak
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
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
$240Sale Price / set|39% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Dansk Mid-Century Candle Holders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a timeless classic - the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard. Crafted with utmost craftsmanship and attention to detail, this iconic salad bowl exemplifies the epitome of mid-century modern design. Its exquisite teak staved construction showcases the natural beauty of the wood, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements any table setting. Jens Quistgaard's ingenious design marries form and function seamlessly, with the bowl's unique staved structure providing both durability and visual appeal. The elegantly curved silhouette and smooth finish offer a comfortable grip and elevate the dining experience to new heights. As a part of the iconic Dansk Viking line, this salad bowl has become a design classic cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance and timeless design have stood the test of time, making it a coveted piece for any mid-century design aficionado. Whether you use it as a stunning salad centerpiece or a display of artistic craftsmanship, the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl is sure to be a conversation starter and a cherished addition to your home. Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Jens Quistgaard creation and celebrate the legacy of mid-century design. Pictured with iPhone 13...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Designed Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard Made by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in London, GB
A Mid-Century Modern (Scandinavian Modern) Danish teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk of the USA. A Teak tray designed by the highly regarded and very collected Jens H...
Teak
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
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
Vintage Dansk Fjord Pattern Serving Spoon Jens Quistgaard Ihq Danish Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Fjord pattern serving spoon, designed by Jens Quistgaard with a signature teak handle and stainless steel head. (IHQ) Made in Germany. Mid-Ce...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Modern Teak Bar Cart Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Totally fabulous teak bar cart by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Fixed trays are 19.5 x 27.5 and 15.5 x 28. Teak so it can withstand the elements outdoors. Large wheels roll effortlessly...
Iron
$945Sale Price|30% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Tray Manufactured By Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A lacquered wood tray with a flat rim in the form of an eye.
Lacquer
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Tear Drop Candleholders in Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1990s. They are made of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the holder has ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Danish Teak Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Pair
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary pieces continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk exemplifies this lasting ...
Teak
Monumental Dansk Staved Teak Bucket Style Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and iconic staved teak ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This is the monumental 19.25-inch-tall example. It is in outstanding vintage condition, circa 1950s-1960s. N...
Plastic, Teak
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
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
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Scandinavian Modern Dansk International Pair of Lead Crystal Glass Candle Holder
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Dansk Designs round Lead Crystal glass candle holders. Marked underneath Dansk International Designs LTD IH...
Crystal
$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
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
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Star Shaped Candle Holder Yellow Green Iron, Danish Modern 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Internationals Ltd, USA. Made 1960s. This is rare version with yellow green lacquer. It's made...
Iron
Vintage Midcentury Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form. Price per pair. Three pairs available.
Brass
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Danish Modern Mid-Size Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Mod...
Teak
Seldom seen Jens Quistgaard Dansk tall JHQ ice bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large and rare tall ice bucket with fitted lid designed by Jens Quistgaard for the Dansk rare woods line. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line was the finest designs and exotic wo...
Wood
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Divided Bowl in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique divided bowl in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The bowl is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in excellen...
Teak
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Serving Dish three sections Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Malaysia stamped Dansk 8.75 d x 2 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to listed images
Teak
MCM Stoneware Covered Casserole Dish by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Large Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A large divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The tray is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in ...
Teak
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - set of 4 Mid Century Danish - Decoration Vintage candle holders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in silver metal. Designed by Jens H. ...
Silver Plate
Large Early Stamp Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Dansk teak tray with duck logo marked JHQ , staved teak, Danmark . Very nice condition.
Teak
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Staved Teak Magazine Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find Danish modern staved teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is 18" W x 17.25" D x ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Teak Ice bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Rare Woods Wenge Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk rare woods tray by Jens Quistgaard. Finely crafted of solid exoctic woods, including Wenge. Stamped JHQ Denark.
Wenge
Mid Century Danish Modern Dansk Quistgaard Congo Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Dansk Congo model teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard, for Dansk, c. 1950's. This is the hard to find large model ( 19 in. H ) with the early orange plastic liner...
Plastic, Teak
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage sculptural teak candle holder with brass rim designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. 9.5 inches tall
Brass
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
Pair of Stokke Lounge Chairs by Jens H. Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
'Stokke' lounge chair by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Denmark, designed and produced in the 1960s. The 'Stokke' chair features Rosewood rails held together with chrome p...
Steel, Chrome
$3,368Sale Price / set|24% Off
Set of Nine Candle Holders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of nine candle holders by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark.
Metal
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
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Capped Carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak capped carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s.
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool and very hard-to-find Danish modern teak desk organizer box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The box has a removable lid and three compartments for storage. G...
Teak
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa, 1960 "marked on the underside" "nice wood grain and finish" "felt pads added to bottom" "oiled with food grade miner...
Teak
Vintage DANSK 16" White Tiny Taper Candles Set of 12 in Box
By Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk 16" White Color Tiny Taper Candles Set of 12 in Original Box. These hard to find Dansk tiny taper candles are in great shape. "DANSK design with light". Mid Century Dan...
Earthenware