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.
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
$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
$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
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
$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
$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
$611Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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". The candle hol...
Silver Plate
$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
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
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 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
$683Sale Price / set|29% Off
Jens Quistgaard "Onion" Candleholders, Set of 12
By Dansk
Located in Dallas, TX
Set of 12 Jens Quistgaard "Onion" candleholders. 1960s Manufactured of brass by Dansk, Denmark; each bearing the impression: "DANSK/DESIGNS/DENMARK/IHQ."
Brass
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
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
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
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Pair of Teardrop Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
$196Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Design Candleholder
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Original midcentury Dansk Design candleholder.
Iron
$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
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Brass Candlesticks, Scandinavian Modern, 1964
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard Solid Brass Candlesticks with fitted rings to allow for 2 sizes of candles. Nice Original condition, signed on bottom.
Brass
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM eight candle iron holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 8.5"D x 5"H and holds .25"D tapered candl...
Iron
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
$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
$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
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
$120Sale Price|20% Off
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". Good vintage c...
Silver Plate
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
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
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
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
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 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 1950s Jens Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1950s Jens Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk. Executed in solid brass, these candlesticks are one of Quistgaard's most no...
Brass
Pair Dansk onion shaped candlesticks stamped Dansk Denmark
By Dansk
Located in London, GB
Pair of original 1960’s Dansk design small heavy pivoting onion shaped candlesticks. Stamped Dansk Denmark.
Steel
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Pair of Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960. Stamped Denmark.
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
Pair of Silver Plate Coil Snake Candle Holders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Silver Plate
Silver Plate
$148Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk France Jens Quistgaard Teardrop Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
$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
$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
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
Danish Modern Rare Pair of Iron Dansk Candle Holders by Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
1960s A. F. Rasmussen Orange Candle Holder Dansk Denmark
By Dansk, A. F. Rasmussen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Hand Painted Wood Candle Holder by A. F. Rasmussen Denmark 1960s Wood painted Orange original Metal Base. Stamped with makers label underneath...
Metal
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
Daish Modern solid Teak Dansk Butcher Block Candle Holder by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 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
Set of 2 NOS, 1960s Candleholder Jens Harald Quistgaard, Dansk Designs, Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plate Crown Candle Centerpiece by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholder 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". The candlehold...
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
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