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.
Vintage DANSK 16" Purple Tiny Taper Candles Set of 11 in Box
By Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk 16" Purple Color Tiny Taper Candles Set of 11 in Original Box. These hard to find Dansk tiny taper candles are in great shape. "DANSK design with light". Mid Century Da...
Earthenware
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
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
$196Sale Price / set|20% Off
Staved Teak Cheese Board with Cutter by Vivianna Torun for Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A pristine solid teak cheese board with the cutter designed by Vivianna Torun for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is in great condition with what appears to be minimal use and has been...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Woods Palisander Rosewood Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Very hard to find "Rare Woods" palisander rosewood ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The line was introduced in 1961, and "Rare Woods" products were made with the...
Palisander
$200Sale Price / set|69% Off
Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray and Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
A truly hard-to-find matched set of Dansk Danish modern teak bowl and tray serveware designed by Jens Quistgaard. A very large handled serving tray is accompanied by a shallow servin...
Teak
Large Vintage Danish Modern Teak Serving Tray by Silva, Denmark, Model No. 73152
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully proportioned Danish Modern serving tray by Silva, Denmark, bearing the original underside manufacturer's stamp with Patent No. 73152. Crafted from richly grained teak, the tray features gently raised molded edges with sculpted finger grips on each side, combining elegant Scandinavian form with practical function. #5529RM Its warm honey-brown patina and minimalist silhouette embody the timeless aesthetic of mid-century Danish design. Large enough for entertaining yet refined enough for permanent display on a coffee table, bar, or credenza, it works equally well as a serving tray or decorative centerpiece. Silva trays...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Dansk International Designs Teak Wood & Brass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard Midcentury Danish modern teak and brass candleholder by Dansk. Mi...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Large Oval Teak Salad Bowl & Tong Servers - 1960s
By Digsmed Design, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs large oval salad bowl with matching sculptural serving utensils, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed from richly figured staved teak, t...
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Salad Bowl Serving Set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern decorative staved salad serving bowls designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark circa 1960's. This set showcases sol...
Teak
DANSK - Bertil Vallien - Sculptural Candle Holder - Denmark - Circa 1960's
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in Chatham, ON
DANSK DESIGNS (Manufacturer) - BERTIL VALLIEN (Designer) - Mid Century Danish silver plate sculptural candle holder - featuring an elegant modern design - fits twelve quarter inch ta...
Metal, Silver Plate
$3,286Sale Price|20% Off
Teak and brass sideboard with bookcase, 1963, by Peter Løvig Nielsen
By Peter Løvig Nielsen, Dansk
Located in LYON, FR
Maison Lecan presents a teak and brass sideboard with bookcase, designed in 1963 by Danish designer Peter Løvig Nielsen (1915–1989) and produced by Dansk Designs. A key figure of Sc...
Teak
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Cast Iron Square Grid Candle Holder Candelabra ...
Iron
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Mutenye Tray for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural mutenye tray with cutting board insert designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark as part of his "Rare Woods Collection" (circa 1960). This example is among the rarest manufactured of the series with under 100...
Wood
Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ Quistgaard stainless stir spoon olive fork
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Dansk production cocktail pieces . Long stir spoon and olive fork . Both marked Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ and copyright "c" . The pair does show signs of minimal use .
Stainless Steel
JHQ Dansk Denmark Modernist Acrylic Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard acrylic plastic salad servers. Marked Dansk Designs Denmark.
Mid-20th C. Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket with Lid and Swing Handle
By Dansk
Located in Morristown, NJ
Mid-20th Century Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket with Lid and Swing Handle Description: A sculptural Danish Modern teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. T...
Plastic, Teak
Dansk Festivaal Black Lacquer Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Dansk “Festivaal” Black Lacquer Tray with inset wood butcher block top. Designed by Jens Quisgaard. Signed. Denmark, circa 1960. Dimensions: 18.5” ...
Wood, Lacquer
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern 2
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
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Bowl for Dansk Design, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Utrecht, NL
Jens H. Quistgaard set out to design beautiful things for everyday use, which is an essentially Scandinavian approach to design in general. Over the course of his prolific and varied design career, Jens Quistgaard created objects that are a meditation on the possibilities of shape for a common household object. Intriguing and fantastical, the variety of forms the sculptor manifested expand the vocabulary of functional design, calling on an array of familiar references including natural shapes. This solid wood bowl is a beautiful example of this, with an organic shape and an immediately visible level of craftsmanship. This rare model is an early iteration of the teak Viking...
Wood
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
Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens Qu...
Teak
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of Danish Modern brass candle holders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Solid br...
Brass
Vintage Rare Woods Dansk Pao Rosa Cutting Board Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern charcuterie cutting board designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This stunning piece is part of the rare woods col...
Wood
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cube Circle Teak Ice Bucket, Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, Digsmed Design, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Decatur, GA
Rare and highly sculptural “Cube” ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed in richly grained teak, the ice bucket takes the...
Teak
Round Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage round cutting board in end-grain teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Recessed, grooved edges serve well for cutting roasts or other cooked m...
Teak
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Lattice Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted vintage tray by Dansk, this piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of Scandinavian-inspired design that defined the Mid-Century Modern era. Constructed from rich...
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Pawn" Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk JHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Pawn" Salt & Peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original co...
Teak
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Magazine Holder by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Highland, IN
This teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard is both very beautiful, and impeccably crafted. The sculptural form is elegant and highly functional ...
Teak
Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Staved Teak Jens Quistgaard Ice Bucket Dansk
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Mid Century Danish Modern Staved Teak Jens Quistgaard Ice Bucket by Dansk. Circa Mid 20th Century. Measurements: " 19" H x 9" W x 9"...
Teak
Decorative Set of Two Modern Glazed Scandinavian Vessels
By Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Decorative set of two modern glazed Scandinavian vessels. The tall pottery vase marked "Kragten," the lidded ceramic jar marked DANSK DESIGN DENMARK. Tall vase: 12 in. tall x 4 in...
Ceramic, Pottery
Vintage Stainless Steel & Teak Carving Set by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, 1970s
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage Stainless Steel & Wood Carving Set by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk Korea / Denmark, 1970s " let get ready to carve " " in good vintage as found condition with original box " Box...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Cast Iron Candlesticks 'Triangle' by Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus, Illum Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of decorative and sculptural cast iron candlesticks with amazing patina. Designed 1961 by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Ltd. Model name: Triangle (for ca 2,5 cm ca...
Metal, Iron
Dansk Flatware Set, "Odin" Stainless Steel, Mid-20th Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard "Odin" Dansk Flatware. 42 pieces of Stainless Flatware. Service for 8 plus a pair of salad servers. Shows signs of normal use and wea...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Porcelain Candle Holders by Dansk - Set of 3
By Dansk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace timeless elegance with the Mid-Century Porcelain Candle Holders by Dansk, a set of three. These sophisticated holders add a touch of classic charm to any setting, perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Elegant mid-century design. Set of three for versatile display. Add a classic touch with Dansk Porcelain...
Porcelain
Jens Quistgaard / Kronjyden Danish Rosewood and Ceramic Humidor & Ashtray Set
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking two-piece Danish Modern smoking set designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden/Nissen, Denmark, circa 1960s. #5606 The set comprises a cigarette humidor or cigarette jar...
Rosewood, Ceramic
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ Candleholders, 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sculptural pair of cast iron “Flower” candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ, 12 candle pods per item, stamped
Iron
Slatted Rosewood Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully constructed Brazilian rosewood serving tray, comprised of ten radius backed slats with fingered tenons mortised through the oval formed sid...
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Aqua "Festivaal" Cutting Board Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brightly lacquered, Danish modern, oval serving tray with a raised teak cutting surface by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk with early Dansk mark.
Teak, Lacquer
$460Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk Crystal Oval Facette Highball Glasses Set of 5
By Jonathan Adler, Tiffany & Co., Dansk, Baccarat
Located in San Diego, CA
Tall, column like, crystal clear and modernist in essence, these beautiful glasses will make a statement in your bar. Each highball glass is 6” tall and 2.75” wide. All together, t...
Crystal
Bertil Vallien for Dansk Pair of Spiral Coil Snake Candle Holders, 1960s
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage sculptural pair of candle holders or candelabras feature a spiraling, curved form in silver plated metal. The flattened curved base supports the raising, snake-like candelabr...
Metal, Silver Plate
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs (2)
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of Danish Modern brass candle holders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Solid br...
Brass
Hippopotamus Silver Plate Paperweights designed Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A delightful pair of vintage hippopotamus figurines designed by Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Designs as part of the iconic 1980s “Silver Zoo” series, produced in Japan. Crafted in silver-...
Silver Plate
Rare Dansk International Designs Ltd. Danish Modern Staved Teak Centerpiece Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A substantial and sculptural Danish Modern centerpiece bowl produced by Dansk International Designs Ltd., Denmark, circa 1965. Expertly crafted from solid teak using traditional stav...
Teak
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design Denmark, 1960's three pairs available - sold separately some small imperfections in the finish "Styl...
Stainless Steel
1970s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1970s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, tall form with raised rings. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice ori...
Teak
Four Early Brass Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Candlesticks Made In Finland
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Four heavy brass candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard, made in Finland and produced for Dansk. The candlesticks measure approximate 4 3/8 inches tall and the base is...
Brass
$160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salad Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM teak salad servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The servers are made of solid teak and they measure 13.25" long x 2"...
Teak
MCM Stoneware "Fleur de Lys" Platter by Niels Refsgaard for Dansk
By Niels Refsgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice MCM stoneware "Fleur de Lys" platter by Niels Refsgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 10.5"D x 1.25"...
Stoneware
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The bowl is 11.5" in diameter and 4.5" high and in very good condition.
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Rare White Porcelain Pitcher by Dansk Designs, Austria
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on this elegant water pitcher in white porcelain, by dank designs Austria excellent condition, no chips or cracks, circa 1960s.
Porcelain
Vintage Midcentury Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form. Price per pair. Three pairs available.
Brass
Dansk Mixed Woods Series Bamboo and Teak Ice Bucket, Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New Windsor, NY
Dansk Designs Mixed Woods Series bamboo and teak ice bucket. Circa 1970. Black plastic liner. Burn in stamp mark on the bottom, Dansk Designs, Denmark, IHQ. Good overall condition wi...
Bamboo, Plastic, Teak
Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Ice Bucket with Vintage Bird Claw Tongs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional mid-century barware offering, featuring an iconic staved teak ice bucket designed by master Danish designer Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, paired with a classic...
Chrome
Pair Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Modern Swirl Candle Holder Stick 3 Pairs Avail
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and elegant pair of early cast iron candle holders with brass accents designed by Jens Quistgaard and made in Denmark by Dansk. These candle holders have an S shaped base t...
Brass, Iron
Lacquered Serving Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A turquoise lacquered wood tray with broad, indented handles.
Wood
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Cheese Board Jens Quistgaard Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Danish Mid-century modern teak wood cheese board set with an integrated slicer, likely designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Staved teak wood boar...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Vintage Midentury Brass Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form.
Brass