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 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
Dansk Sculptural Double-Form White Ceramic Vase, Danish Modern Minimalist Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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 Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk Teak Salad Bowl and 4 Serving Bowls 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely Danish Teak Salad Bowl with 4 serving bowls. A very clean and popular design - all functional and stylish in Danish Design by Jens Quistgaard Four bowls measure 7" in dia...
Teak
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's "some scratches, etc. and an imperfection / repair on the interior of the bowl - see images" "beautif...
Teak
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Pair of Teardrop Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of Dansk tilting silver-plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and is true to ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk Design
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Designs France Silver-Plated Spiral Tapered Candlesticks, Candle Holder. Sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a ...
Silver Plate
Zinc Plated Elephant Paperweight in Box by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice zinc plated elephant paperweight by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. . The piece is in very good condition and signed on the underside. #4989
Zinc
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holdersJens Harald Quistgaard JHQe
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holders. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically made of...
Silver Plate
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
Silver Plate
$148Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk France Jens Quistgaard Teardrop Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Interesting pair of Dansk tilting silver plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and are true ...
Metal
$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
$920Sale Price|40% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard “Bow Tie” Palisander Rosewood Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish tray designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark circa 1960s. Impeccably crafted in palisander rosewood, this sculptural serving tray features a bow tie shape with th...
Rosewood
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Two-piece cast iron candleholder or vessel designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A sculptural and scarce form from Quistgaard's ce...
Iron
Postmodern Dansk Space Age Serving Tray & Cutting Board By Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare serving platter designed by Gunnar Cyren for dansk circa 1980's great design with removable cutting board in the middle made of solid birch wood grea striking red color.
Plastic, Birch
Set of 2 NOS, 1960s Candleholder Jens Harald Quistgaard, Dansk Designs, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of two candleholder elements new old stock. Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1960s Original Danish cand...
Iron
Midcentury Jens Quistgaard for DANSK iron S-shaped Sculptural Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of 6, highly sculptural, cast iron S-shaped candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK. Fully marked JHQ DENMARK on the base. Candles not included. Each candleholder accepts a .5...
Brass, Iron
Danish Modern Rare Pair of Iron Dansk Candle Holders by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of iron candle holders designed by Quistgaard in cast iron take the tappered long candles comes with its original box very nice set and rare to find a pair.
Iron
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
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
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
Pair Of Vintage Iron / Brass Candlesticks By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk MCM Teak set of 6 Graduated Sizes - Candle Holders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
$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
$375Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early Danish Modern "S" Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Michael Bang rare glass vase Dansk
By Dansk, Michael Bang
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare glass vase by the worldwide designer /artist Michael Bang, marked Holmegaard and MB.
Glass
Mid-Century Danish Brass Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard, 1960s. Set of 2.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Box for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 Dansk, Bertil Vallien
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
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
Vintage Danish Cast Iron Adjustable Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Iron & Brass Candlesticks
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Denton, TX
Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Iron & Brass Danish modern Candlesticks.
Iron, Brass
Small Jens Qiuistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Set of Nine Candle Holders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of nine silver-plated 'saucer' candle holders. The set can work in both, causal and formal settings. Designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Dansk Designs Copenhagen.
Metal
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s Mid-Century - Decoration - Candleholders Measures : 12cmx12cm H:17cm Materials : Cast Iron - Brass A mi...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plate Crown Candle Centerpiece by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Original Jens Quistgaard silver plate crown candle centerpiece by Dansk. Comes in the original box. Shows a warm aged patina which can be polished to perfection. Dimension centerpiec...
Silver Plate
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. M...
Ceramic, Pottery