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.
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Tjorn by Dansk Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 50 Pieces Mid-Century Mod
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 des...
Sterling Silver
Dansk Variation V Flatware Set Service for 8 with Box
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk Variation V Stainless Steel Flatware Set. Service for 8 with the box. Another great design from Quistgaard! This set dates the 196...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 40 pieces creating service for 8. This service was manufactured in three different countries, Germany, Kore...
Stainless Steel
Modernist "Odin" Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 72 Pieces
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large set of "Odin" pattern stainless steel flatware, designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark and produced in Germany for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a complete six-piece set for 12 p...
Stainless Steel
$2,350 / item
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8 plus 3 Serving Pieces. Elegant 1960's Design named after one of his daughters! Elongated Beautiful Design, will make the worst meal t...
Stainless Steel
$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
Fine Original Early Dansk Large Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Staved Teak Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk during the 1950s. Made from solid staved teak. Good vintage condition with signs of usage and patina.
Teak
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salt and Pepper Shakers with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury 1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and 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...
Teak
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
MCM Teak & Stainless Steel Carving Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish MCM teak and stainless steel carving set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The set includes a 14" carving knife and a 11" double pronged serving fork. Both pieces ar...
Stainless Steel
Pair Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Modern Swirl Candle Holder Stick 3 Pairs Avail
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and elegant pair of early cast iron candle holders with brass accents designed by Jens Quistgaard and made in Denmark by Dansk. These candle holders have an S shaped base t...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Dansk Knives Modern Stainless Flatware Korea
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of stainless Dansk Knives a modern flatware, stamped Dansk Korea. Dimensions: 6" L x .5" W x .5" D Please visit take a look at our listings, we have ...
Stainless Steel
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design Denmark, 1960's three pairs available - sold separately some small imperfections in the finish "Stylish ...
Stainless Steel
$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
$300Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark teak salad servers. Recently purchased with large collection of modernist servers.
Teak
Lacquered Serving Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A turquoise lacquered wood tray with broad, indented handles.
Wood
$375 / set
H 0.5 in W 8.75 in D 3 in
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary works continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk embodies this appreciation...
Stainless Steel
$2,386 / set
H 7.29 in W 1.38 in D 0.99 in
19th Century French Silver Vermeil Flatware Dessert Set for Six, 18 Pieces
Located in Madrid, ES
This charming 19th century French 18-piece cased dessert silverware / flatware set, with its unique, slightly grotesque satyr mask motif and warm ve...
Vermeil, Silver
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Salt and Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish 'Flamestone' earthenware salt and pepper shakers by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk designs, circa 1958-1964. Features the Flamestone signature slate glaze with striated pattern ...
Porcelain, Stoneware
$885 / set
H 7 in W 0.5 in D 0.5 in
Unusual Modernist 63 Piece Stainless Flatware Set, "Night & Day" Japan
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Unusual Modernist 63 piece Stainless Flatware Set. "night & day" JAPAN. Classic Mid-Century Modern. Place setting for 8. missing 3 dinner spoon...
Stainless Steel, Other
Victorian Sterling Silver Fish Service for Eighteen Persons
By John Gilbert & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver Lily pattern fish cutlery set for eighteen persons - boxed; an addition to our dining silverware collection This exceptional antique Victorian sterling silver flatware...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Mutenye Cheese Board by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon, well-scaled and finely crafted circular mutenye serving board having an end grain cutting surface and a sculptural recessed well.
Wood
Round Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage round cutting board in end-grain teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Recessed, grooved edges serve well for cutting roasts or other cooked m...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Odin Flatware for Dansk, 59 Pieces
By Jens Quistgaard, Løvig Design
Located in Amarillo, TX
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 59 pieces. Germany, circa 1958. Stainless steel. Labeled "Dansk Design Germany."
Stainless Steel
$4,445
H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Cypres by Tias Eckhoff Cutlery Set for 8 Persons
By Georg Jensen, Tias Eckhoff
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Georg Jensen silver Denmark Cypres cutlery set for 8 persons in sterling silver designed by Tias Eckhoff in 1952. The set includes: 8 dining knives, length 22.3 cm 8 dining fork...
Sterling Silver
$16,397 / set
H 1 in W 1 in D 1 in
1810 Italian 800 Silver Flatware Set for 12 Service 77 pieces fitted box Dinner
Located in Big Bend, WI
Very Heavy .800 Italian Silver Flatware set in the pattern 1810 (Fiddle shape) in its original vintage fitted chest - 77 pieces. This set includes: ...
Silver
$76Sale Price|20% Off
H 11.13 in W 9.63 in D 0.75 in
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970.
Metal
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Early teak combination salt shaker and pepper mill by Jens Quistgaard. Metal grinding mechanisms produced by Peugeot Freres. The mill was produced by Dansk in Denmark. The top is for...
Teak
Sold
H 12 in W 18 in D 18 in
Tjorn by Dansk Sterling Silver Flatware Set 8 Service 51 Pieces Mid-Century Mod
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 des...
Sterling Silver
Set of 53 Bamboo And Stainless Steel Toke Cutlery For 8
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Mexico City, MX
A 1950's bamboo and stainless steel "Toke" set of cutlery for 8 by Jens Quistgaard for IHQ Denmark (Dansk). The modernist style set has bamboo handles with notorious grain. The set i...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Teak Dansk Salt and Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a cute mid-century modern sculptural salt and pepper mill in teak designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk. This piece features a mushroom-shaped top with a removable peg...
Teak
Mid Century Teak Dansk Salt and Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
This is a mid-century modern sculptural salt and pepper mill in teak designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. This piece features a mushroom-shaped top with a removable peg for filling salt. Includes a pepper grinding...
Teak
30 pieces set of Dansk Odin modernist flatware A service for six
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Very clean original 30 piece set of modernist flatware . Most with the original plastic Dansk wrappers . Designed by the master designer for Dansk Designs Jens Quistgaard . Manufact...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 8.5 in Dm 2.5 in
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Chess King Model 891 Danish Teak Salt and Pepper Mill
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chattanooga, TN
One of Jen Quistgaard’s most iconic mill’s for Dansk. The “Chess King” mill can be used for pepper and salt. This is a salt and pepper mill. Salt loads and dispenses from the top. Pe...
Teak
1960s Dansk Teak Eyelet Salt Pepper Mill Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Eyelet Salt Pepper Shaker Mill Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Teak wood 7 h x 3.5 diameter x 4.5 w Original unrestored vintage condition Refer to images
Teak
15 pc. Set of Dansk Stainless Steel Flatware
By Dansk
Located in Pasadena, TX
This is nice set of flatware by Dansk. The flatware is made in the mid century style. Dansk flatware is made in Denmark. The set includes 7 forks, 4 sou...
Stainless Steel
Pair of MCM Teak Salt and Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of MCM teak salt and pepper shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The set are in very good vintage condition and measure as fol...
Teak
Dansk "Thebe" Stainless Flatware Set 41 piece
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk "Thebe" Stainless Steel Flatware Set. 41 pieces which is service for 8 plus one butter knife. 1970's design, but this set dates to the 80's for production. Very nice solid s...
Stainless Steel
Steak Knives by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A set of 6 teak and stainless Fjord steak knives, designed in the 1950s by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. They look barely used. Comes with the box and original plastic sleeves. This des...
Stainless Steel
Steak Knives by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A set of 6 teak and stainless Fjord steak knives, designed in the 1950s by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. They look barely used. Comes with the box and original plastic sleeves. This des...
Stainless Steel