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 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
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
Italian Design Ghidini 1961 Brass Rabbit Paperweight
By Ghidini 1961
Located in Brescia, IT
This is the latest iconic object designed by Stefano Giovannoni, for Ghidini 1961. An Italian contemporary design factory. Its designers: Campana Brothers, Mendini, Studio Job and mo...
Brass
1980s Silver Plated Metal Partridge Paperweight By Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage Gucci Italian Metal Bird Desk Ornament or Paperweight This charming desk accessory is a vintage piece of home décor or paperweight by the renowned Italian luxury house, Gucci...
Silver Plate
1960 Lino Sabattini Christofle Design Silver Metal Paperweight
By Christofle, Lino Sabattini
Located in Brescia, IT
Paperweight Lino Sabattini for Christofle France 1960 Silver Metal Mark manufacture impressed Very good condiction
Metal
Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool modernist silver plated pear paperweight / sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is well crafted with a nice weight and in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Silver Plate
Vintage Viking Glass Hippopotamus Figure Paperweight
By Viking Glass Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful clear glass hippopotamus paperweight by the Viking Glass Company. The glass figurine is flat on the back side, this allows the figure to s...
Glass
$1,791Sale Price|20% Off
H 0.6 in W 2.09 in D 10.44 in
Vintage Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather Desk Accessory 1970's
By Hermès
Located in Lausanne, CH
Vintage Hermès, Paris, an elegant desk accessory. The paperweight is in the shape of a decimal ruler, silver-plate with detachable black leather tab. Made circa 1975, signed.
Silver Plate
Pair of Bronze Paperweights, circa 1970, France.
By Monique Gerber
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of paperweights in the shape of pebbles, circa 1970, France. Gilded bronze. Dimensions: pebble one: 9 x 8 x 3 cm, pebble two: 8 x 7 x 3 cm. All purchases are covered by our Buye...
Bronze
Gourmet Round Wood Trivet, by Gunnar Cyren from Warm Nordic
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful walnut and oak trivets with delicate carvings. Trivets were originally designed in the 1970s by the highly acclaimed Swedish designer, Gunnar Cyren as part of the Gourmet Wood range, and are now being manufactured again by Warm Nordic. Their harmonious design and consummate quality make these wooden trivets perfect for both everyday meals and more festive occasions. The carvings lend the trivets a touch of character and have a life of their own in the form of swaying trees, sprouting hearts and abstract animals, depending on which way you look at them. Gunnar Cyren's Trivets also look attractive on the kitchen worktop...
Wood
$145
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 1.75 in
1970s Gunnar Cyrén for Dansk Silver Plate Elephant Figurine Paperweight
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Dansk Mid-Century Silver Plate Animal Elephant Figurine Paperweight. Vintage Dansk silver plate elephant figurine paper weight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan. Dimensions: 1.75ʺW × 2.25ʺ...
Silver Plate
From $35 / item
H 0.42 in W 7.11 in D 7.11 in
Gourmet Square Wood Trivet, by Gunnar Cyren from Warm Nordic
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful walnut and oak trivets with delicate carvings. Trivets were originally designed in the 1970s by the highly acclaimed Swedish designer, Gunnar Cyren as part of the Gourmet Wood range, and are now being manufactured again by Warm Nordic. Their harmonious design and consummate quality make these wooden trivets perfect for both everyday meals and more festive occasions. The carvings lend the trivets a touch of character and have a life of their own in the form of swaying trees, sprouting hearts and abstract animals, depending on which way you look at them. Gunnar Cyren's Trivets also look attractive on the kitchen worktop...
Wood
Arctic Opal Blown Glass Vase by Gunnar Cyrén for Warm Nordic
By Gunnar Cyren
Located in Viby J, DK
Beautiful oval vase in mouth-blown opal opaque glass. The arctic vase was originally designed in the 1960s by the acclaimed Swedish glass artist and silversmith, Gunnar Cyrén and is now being manufactured for the first time by Warm Nordic. The Arctic vase is made in clear mouth-blown glass with fine grooves on the side and bobbles in the bottom, which lend a touch of exclusiveness and extra weight to the vase. Its high quality and timeless elegance make the arctic vase a stylish companion for Classic bouquets, beautiful together with wild field...
Blown Glass
Silver Panther Paperweight on a Black Marble Ball by Mary Jurek Design
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A Silver Panther Paperweight on a Black Marble Ball By: Mary Jurek Design Inc. Mary Jurek Panther Paperweight Marble Ball and Chrome. Designed as a p...
Marble, Metal
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.5 in D 2.5 in
1970s Rare Shooting Star Dansk Silver Plated Paperweight by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
1970s Rare Shooting Star Dansk Silver Plated Paperweight by Gunnar Cyren. Vintage silver-plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s and measures appr...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Elephant Figure. Vintage silver-plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan G...
Silver Plate
Pair of Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The giraffe and elephant are made of plated zinc and are signed on the...
Zinc
Sold
H 2.25 in W 2.25 in D 2.25 in
1970s Rare Elephant Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Elephant Figure. Vintage silver plated paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan G...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 1.5 in W 2.63 in D 0.75 in
1970s Dansk Polar Bear Silver Plated Paperweight Animal Sculpture Scandinavian
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Dansk silver-plated polar bear paperweight. Marked Dansk Designs Japan on the underside. Great collectors' piece and a Gift idea for the Holiday Season...
Metal, Silver Plate
Sold
H 2 in W 1.38 in D 1.38 in
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design Silver Plate Cat Paperweight Denmark
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Scandinavian Modern Original Dansk Design silver-plated cat paperweight, Animal Sculpture. Marked on the underside. Great collectors' piece. A-607-335
Silver Plate, Metal
Dansk Silverplate Elephant Figurine
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage silver-plate elephant figurine/paperweight by Dansk. Manufacturer: Dansk Origin: Japan Year: 1970s Dimensions: 2.25" wide x 2.25" tall x 1.5" deep.
Silver
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.75 in D 0.75 in
DANSK Modernist Camel Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk Modernist Camel Animal Figure Paperweight Silver Plated designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk designed in circa 1970s. Wonderful modernist silver plated camel made by Dan...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 4.25 in W 2.25 in D 0.75 in
1970s Rare Giraffe Dansk Animal Paperweight Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Modern Signed Dansk Silverplated Giraffe Figure. Vintage silver plated giraffe paperweight figurine designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk in the 1970s. Signed Dansk Designs Japan...
Zinc
Set of Four Plated Animal Paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice set of four plated animal paperweights by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk, circa 1970s. The set include an elephant, giraffe, hippo and gazelle. They ...
Zinc
Six-Piece Gunnar Cyren for Dansk Silver Plate Paperweight Collection
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Six-piece collection of Gunnar Cyeren Dansk paper weights. Silver plated marked Dansk Japan CR. Included are giraffe, elephant, goat, polar bear, cat, and ...
Silver Plate, Metal
Sold
H 2.5 in W 2.5 in D 1.75 in
1970s Dansk Modernist Animals Paperweights Silver Plated by Gunnar Cyren
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Wonderful modernist set of three silver plated set made by Dansk of a cat, bird, and peacock silver animal figurine that can serve as a paperweight or decorative object. These decorative modernist objects animal figurines were created exclusively for Dansk in the early 1970s by world renowned Scandinavian designer Gunnar Cyren. A Swedish glass artist, silversmith, and industrial designer (1931-2013). He worked for Dansk during the 1970s and created a series of these silver-plated animals that became highly collectible because of their attractive minimalist stylized forms. Hallmark - DANSK DESIGNS...
Silver, Silver Plate