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.
Palisander & Rosewood Box / Humidor by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very hard-to-find concave square lidded container, box or humidor designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The box is made of palisander or rosewood (same family of wood...
Palisander, Rosewood
Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Danish Modern Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron Swivel 7 Arm Candle Holder. Featuring a enameled black cast iron tree form with adjustable an...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Teak Serving Bowl by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Teak Sculpted Serving Bowl by Dansk. Very nice Dansk Teak Serving Bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Danish Modern, Mid Century M...
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
Rare Jens H. Quistgaard Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket Dansk Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket designed by the Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark in the 1960's. From his 'Rare Woods’ Limited Edition collection. Scandinavi...
Wenge
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
$250Sale Price / item|28% Off
Danish Teak Ice Bucket Collection by Jens Quistgaard JHQ Individually Priced
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Collection of six Danish teak ice buckets by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and Nissan. Measures: Tallest 19.25" x 9.75" diameter Square: 8" wide x 8" deep x 9" tall.
Teak
Small Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Small staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 6.5"D x 3.75"H. #3650
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Candleholders, 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of five cast iron candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, black patina with brass accents, one candleholder stamped.
Brass, Iron
Dansk Wine Carafe by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Miami, FL
Made in Denmark. Vintage glass decanter designed by Gunnar Cyrén, circa 1980. Tall, beaker shaped pitcher with a sculpted teak stopper is the st...
Glass, Teak
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Cheese Cutting Board with Built in Knife, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Teak Cheese Board Mid-Century Modern Dansk IHQ designer Jens Quistgaard teak cheese cutting board with built in knife 1960s Made in Denmark. Beautiful piece that is emblematic of Dan...
Teak
Sculptural Staved Teak Salad Bowl and Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural staved teak salad bowl and servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 12"D x 4.5"H. The teak and stainle...
Stainless Steel
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
$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
Vintage Set Of Brown Smooth Flamestone Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION One of the first sets of tableware designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark in 1957. The tableware was named Fluted Flamestone. The set offered has 5 pie...
Ceramic
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salt and Pepper Shakers with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of MCM teak salt and pepper shakers with original box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The set are in very good vintage co...
Teak
Large Staved Teak 'Congo' Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Surface scratch along with one 7" crack to the orange plastic lining (crack does not affect the presentation of the bucket, remains solely an interior flaw). Exterior wear is minor and consistent with age/use. Listing is for the large bucket alone- image with this bucket and the standard size Dansk bucket...
Plastic, Teak
Danish Hand-Tufted Wool Rug by C. Olesen, Graphic Design, 1990s
By Dansk
Located in Praha, CZ
A bold and visually striking Danish wool rug designed and produced by C. Olesen in the 1990s. This hand-tufted piece features a deep black field contrasted by a central geometric ban...
Other
Daish Modern solid Teak Dansk Butcher Block Candle Holder by Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare design solid teak butcher block large candle holder with brass insert designed by Quistgaard circa 1980's.
Brass
Set of 20 Dansk JHQ Quistgaard Gustav French Wine Glasses
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 20 Jens Quistgaard wine glasses. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
Large Wenge & Butcher Block Cheese Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large wenge and butcher block cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods collection, circa 1960s. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line represented the finest designs and...
Wenge
Pair Of Vintage Iron / Brass Candlesticks By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Pair of brown coated cast iron with brass accents candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in 1961. The candlesticks are from Dansk "Designs With Lights" colle...
Brass, Iron
Fine Original Early Dansk Large Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
The best and possibly largest two handle Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark . Very clean original no cracks or bruise . Little evidence of previous use . Stamp...
Wood
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk MCM Teak set of 6 Graduated Sizes - Candle Holders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice set of six sold teak wood & brass Jens Quistgaard for Dansk mid-century modern graduated in size candle holders or candlesticks. In fine original condition, one owner set, show...
Brass
Tjorn by Dansk Sterling Silver Flatware Set for 8 Service 35 Pieces Modern
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 design with specially designed blades and handles on the knives are turned 90 degrees. Dansk began operations in 1954 with Quistgaard as founding designer. His designs can be found in museums all over the world. Mi-Century Modern "Tjorn" by Dansk Sterling silver Flatware...
Sterling Silver
$195Sale Price|29% Off
Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard Design Stainless Steel Salt Pepper Shakers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Jens Quistgaard design for Dansk. Salt and pepper shakers in stainless steel. Pinhead dings light scratches throughout evident only on close inspection .
Stainless Steel
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
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". Good vintage c...
Silver Plate
Hand Painted Dansk Candle Holder by A. F. Rasmussen, Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, A. F. Rasmussen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Dansk Hand Painted Wood Candle Holder by A. F. Rasmussen Denmark 1960s Wood painted Orange original Metal Base. Stamped with...
Metal
Michael Bang rare glass vase Dansk
By Michael Bang, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare glass vase by the worldwide designer /artist Michael Bang, marked Holmegaard and MB.
Glass
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
$375Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early Danish Modern "S" Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of three early cast iron "S" candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. Nice black patina with polished brass accents. All stamped "Denmark". #313
Brass, Iron
$224Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Butcher Block with Tile Inset
By Dansk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a nice Dansk cutting board with an inset floral tile.
Ceramic, Wood
Mid-Century Danish Brass Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard, 1960s. Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-Century Danish Brass Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard, 1960s. Set of 2. Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holders in solid cast brass designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk...
Brass
Dansk Designs France Silver-Plated Spiral Tapered Candlesticks, Candle Holder
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
French Mid-Century Modern Dansk designs spiral tapered floral candle holders. Marked underneath Dansk Designs France B V. Holds 12 candles. A-90...
Metal
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Scandinavian Modern Staved Teak Lidded Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Danish modern staved teak lidded ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. The interior is lined with orange plastic and the lid sits firmly on it. Branded with the e...
Plastic, Teak
$250Sale Price|23% Off
Danish Modern Oval Shaped Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern oval shaped staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 14"W x 9.5"D x 4.5"H. Early ...
Teak
$150Sale Price / set|62% Off
Set of Sixteen Dansk France JHQ faceted stemmed Gustav Water Glasses Goblets
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 16 Dansk JHQ Qistgaard "Gustav" water goblets. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
$184Sale Price / item|29% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. C 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scand...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Box for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Lidded Rosewood Box for the Dansk Rare Wood Collection, Denmark, c.1960.
Wood
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, 1950s, Set of...
Brass, Iron
$240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, Pair
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of sculptural silver plated coiled candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. Each candleholder has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4...
Silver Plate
Pair of Dansk solid teak salad servers marked JHQ Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine pair of solid teak salad servers . Designed by Jens Harold Quistgaard (JHQ ) for Dansk . Servers Stamped JHQ Denmark .
Wood, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Sculptural Danish Teak Ice Bucket by Jen's Quistgaard
By Dansk
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Sculptural teak ice bucket with a plastic liner by Jen's Quistgaard for Dansk. In excellent vintage condition with minimal wear. Can be parcel posted.
Plastic, Teak
$375Sale Price|21% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice staved teak bowl by renowned Dansk designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. #35
Teak
Quistgaar Jhq Dansk Denmark Wenge Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Excellent overall condition age crack to body.
Wenge
Dansk End Grain Teak Lollipop Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage lollipop shaped serving/cutting board with a built-in stainless steel knife hidden in the handle. Constructed in solid end-grain teak. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufa...
Stainless Steel
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...
Ceramic, Pottery
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice, symmetric, staved teak bowl by renowned Mid-Century designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark.
Teak
Dansk Designs Rhinoceros Bank in White Porcelain, Scandinavian Style
By Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk Rhinoceros white Porcelain ceramic Coin bank. Sleek Dansk white Porcelain Rhinoceros Bank, Scandinavian style, Modernist. Unique addition t...
Porcelain
Pair of Wooden Saucer Tray Candle Holders by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of two wooden candle holders by Dansk. Saucer tray in wood and candle cap in bronze. Not stamped.
Brass
Original Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder element Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1970s Description: Original Danish candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Dansk Designs in the 1970s in Denmark. It is made of cast iron and features eight holders for candles. This item remains in a very nice vintage condition without damage. It is marked underneath the base with the producer (Dansk Designs + Denmark) and designer print...
Metal
Vintage Danish Cast Iron Adjustable Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Geneva, CH
vintage cast iron adjustable candlestick made in Denmark by Jens Quistgaard produced by Dansk ca. 1960 H 48 x D 20 cm Signed under the base
Iron
$125Sale Price / set|32% Off
Danish Modern Pair Dansk Designs Brown Koben Style Enameled Bowls IHQ 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid-Century Modern pair of enameled Koben style bowls. Barrel shaped with brown enamel over iron bowls from the early 1970s. Koben Style pieces we...
Enamel, Iron
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Iron & Brass Candlesticks
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Denton, TX
Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Iron & Brass Danish modern Candlesticks.
Iron, Brass
Small Jens Qiuistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Smaller size Dansk bowl. One I have never seen. Turned teak wood. Fine condition possibly never used. Marked JHQ Dansk Denmark.
Teak
$215 / item
Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak large salad bowl design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens ...
Teak
Large MCM Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket with Lid and Swing Handle
By Dansk
Located in Morristown, NJ
Large MCM 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. This ico...
Plastic, Teak
Set of Three Staved Teak Cutting Boards / Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak carving boards with checkerboard cutting surfaces (Denmark, circa 1965). Includes three boards in total: one large round board, one smaller board, and one round, asymmetrical board, which is elevated to one side. All boards have a recessed cavity for bread / crackers. Nice collection of these early examples in good, vintage condition with knife impressions, as shown. All are branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ." We have one larger board in the same pattern listed separately. Measures: Large round: 14" diameter x 1" height Small round: 10" diameter x .75" height Elevated tray...
Teak
$288Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Ceramic Blueberries Serving Platter
By Dansk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is a Blueberries pattern serving platter by Dansk
Ceramic