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.
Pair of Silver Plate Coil Snake Candle Holders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Silver Plate
Silver Plate
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
Brass, Iron
$196Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Design Candleholder
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Original midcentury Dansk Design candleholder.
Iron
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in ox by Dansk Designs, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition. it measures 4.25"D x 1.5"H. #3707
Iron
Pair of Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The cat and pig are made of plated zinc and are signed on the underside. Please see my other Gunnar Cyren ...
Zinc
Scandinavian Modern Large Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 in Box by Dansk Designs with Candles
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in original box by Dansk Designs of Denmark, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition; it measures 4.75"D x 1.25"H....
Iron
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholder 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 candlehold...
Silver Plate
$60Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Dansk Star Shaped Glass Candle Holder Pair
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of Dansk star shaped glass votive candle holders, Set of two, Denmark, circa 1970s. Unmarked Dimensions: 2.25 H x 3.75 diameter- candle 1.25 diameter....
Art Glass
$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
$612Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$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
$1,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard. Danish cast iron candlesticks, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Gunnar Cyren White Porcelain Polar Bear Coin Bank for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
White porcelain polar bear coin bank designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk.
Porcelain
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
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Cast IronTall Candlestick Holders Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of 1960s cast iron candlestick holders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. Cast iron, often described as having a grainy texture...
Iron
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
$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
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Tear Drop Candleholders in Box 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 1990s. They are made of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the holder has ...
Metal, Silver Plate
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 Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$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
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
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
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
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
$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
Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Early Danish Teak Centerpiece Serving Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern decorative staved salad serving bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This unique piece displays quality solid teak craftsmanship and makes f...
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
Jens Quistgaard assortment of 11 tableware/ sculptures salt/Pepper Mills Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of paper mills, These are tableware but now are view as small sculptures in Teak Wood , but some were made in rare rosewood and other fancy woods, in this selection the...
Teak
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs 1960s, Set of 2. Set of two small silver plated onion or tear drop...
Silver Plate
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
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
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
DANSK - Bertil Vallien - Sculptural Candle Holder - Denmark - Circa 1960's
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
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
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Bowl for Dansk Design, Denmark, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Pair of Cast Iron Candlesticks 'Triangle' by Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Bolighus, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Torben Orskov, Illums 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
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
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
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
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 Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
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
Vintage Midentury Brass Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form.
Brass
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM six candle iron holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 4"D x 5"H and holds .125"D tapered candles....
Iron
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
Dansk Sculptural Double-Form White Ceramic Vase, Danish Modern Minimalist Design
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking sculptural ceramic vase by Dansk, executed in a clean white glazed finish with an architectural double-column form. The design features two vertically fused cylindrical bo...
Ceramic
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holder Jens Harald Quistgaard JHQ Brass
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holder in brass. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically...
Brass
Danish Modern Whimsical Hand Painted Rare Ceramid Bottle by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Whimsical hand painted porcelain bottle by Dansk can be used for liquor , oil vinegar etc. you can put a cork or spout.
Porcelain
$180Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Candleholders Birds Design by Gunnar Cyren For Dansk Silverplate
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful, elegant pair of silver-plated love birds designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk circa 1980's it takes a thin tapered candle 1/4" diameter.
Silver Plate