The postwar-era work of Danish sculptor and designer Jens Harald Quistgaard 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. Having created serving pieces and barware for Dansk Designs for 30 years, Quistgaard produced striking Scandinavian modernist designs that married function with sophisticated form.
After demonstrating artistic talent at a young age, Quistgaard was gifted a forge and anvil so that he could work in his mother’s kitchen. He 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.
By 1954, Quistgaard had become known for his designs in Denmark when American entrepreneur and businessman, Ted Nierenberg, discovered his work. The two formed a partnership to mass-produce Quistgaard’s wares in New York while the designer remained in Copenhagen.
The long-distance relationship flourished for three decades, during which millions of Quistgaard pieces were manufactured in the factories of Dansk Designs, Nierenberg’s company. Owing primarily to the partnership between Dansk Designs and Quistgaard, many Americans became familiar with Scandinavian modernism. In the postwar era, American tastemakers sold the citizenry on the “Scandinavian dream,” suggesting that, like us, the inhabitants of the Nordic nations valued home, hearth, family and good craftsmanship and design, as well as democracy.
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 utilized exceptional materials in the creation of his coveted cookware and serving pieces, opting for warm teak and exotic woods and reintroducing steel as a go-to option for kitchen wares.
Quistgaard’s designs won numerous awards and are held in the collections of museums all over the world. His work can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Louvre, the Museum of Modern Art and elsewhere.
Find vintage Jens Harald Quistgaard decorative objects, serveware and other furniture on 1stDibs.
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Salt / Pepper Mill Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural teak wood salt and pepper mill designed by the iconic Danish Mid Century artist designer Jens Quistgaard. A unique and beautiful...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Fjord Flatware 72 Pieces Dansk Danish Modern Mid Century
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern "Fjord" Modernist Flatware Set, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark and produced in Germany, circa 1960s. The set contains a 5 piece set for 12 people with...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Cordova, SC
Mid-Century Modern footed cutting board tray in teak designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This versatile piece is the perfect tool for carving and serving featuring a h...
Teak
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 Harald Quistgaard Wenge Board
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A very rare platter - presentation/cutting or cheese board by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Beautifully turned Wenge timber with circular raised centre in squared end grain and concave bas...
Wenge
Jens H. Quistgaard Dual Pepper - Salt Mill & Shaker in Teak, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Jens Harald Quistgaard design for his own company International Designs of Denmark. This stylish yet versatile dual combination salt & pepper shaker is made from solid teak. Makers...
Teak
Large Jens Quistgaard Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Denmark with early duck stamp
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
One of the many bowls designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark . Beautifully proportioned Staved Teak sculptural and utilitarian . Fine condition . Minor evidence of any use ...
Wood
Jens Quistgaard Fjord Flatware 72 Pieces Dansk Danish Modern Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish modern "Fjord" pattern modernist flatware set, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A six piece service for twelve guests, 72 pieces total, including 12 dinner ...
Stainless Steel
Large MCM Stoneware Platter / Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A large MCM stoneware platter / serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa 19780s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 16.75"W 14"D ...
Stoneware
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Pepper Mills Set Trio Danish Mid Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set of three pepper mills designed by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK. Constructed with teak wood. Highly collectible. Dimensions: 1- (Mushroom shape) 7...
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice o...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Nissen Danish Modern Lot of Ten Pepper Mills
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lot of 10 Danish modern teak pepper mills by Dansk and one by Nissen with the black iron ring on top. Varying in size and most with Puegeot grinders. Tallest being 8". All signed. ...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Danish Modern 'Rare Woods' Cocobolo Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Danish Modern wooden ice bucket. By Dansk. Designed by Jens Quistgaard. From Dansk's "Rare Woods" series. In cocobolo with straight sides and curved top, circular lid, and...
Plastic, Cocobolo
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
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Modernist "Odin" Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 72 Pieces
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Large Teakwood Serving Bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Odense, DK
Large teakwood bowl by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard / IHQ. Produced by Quistgaards own company "Dansk" in the 1960s. Made in best quality solid...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM sculpted glass ring holder with box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. Sculptural and unique, this piece transcends its purpose to add style and design to your decor. T...
Glass
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of six Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Included is a copy of the book "Danish Pepper" by Mark Perlson which chronicles the history of the Danish pepper mill...
Teak
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard Dansk Cheese Board + Cutting Knife 8.75 long x 5.25 d x 1 Preowned original vintage Refer to l...
Teak
Danish Modern Kobenstyle Enamel and Cane Pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique Danish modern "Kobenstyle" enamel and cane pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The pitcher is in very good vintage condition with the exception of...
Enamel, Iron
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Serving Dish three sections Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Malaysia stamped Dansk 8.75 d x 2 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to listed images
Teak
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Designs blue enamelware Kobenstyle casserole pot and cover lid with trivet top IHQ France Designed by Jens Herald Quistgaard made in France, Kobenstyle Line introduced in 1956...
Metal, Enamel
Rare Woods Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage rosewood ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Part of the exclusive "Rare Woods" collection produced around the 1960s and 1970s, it fe...
Wood
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful vintage 1950s teak tray with clear edges, attributed to famous Danish Designer Jens Quistgaard. A charming and useful object in very good condition.
Wood, Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965.
Teak
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
Jens Quistgaard Dansk "Kongo" Flatware 30 Piece Set for Six Mid Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid century modernist "Kongo" flatware set designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany, 1960s. It is constructed of low maintenance stainless steel with black nylon handles, makin...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a teak pepper mill designed by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK, Mushroom shape. Scandinavian Modern design. Made in Denmark circa the 1960s. Tested and currently w...
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
60s Large Danish Teak Serving Tray Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Ducks Gondola
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Early Danish Teak Wood Serving Tray Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs stamped 20.25 w x 10 d x 1.5 h Preowned vintage unrestored Refer to images
Teak
Rare Jens H Quistgaard for Dansk Palisander Wood Bow Tie Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Bow tie tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark circa 1960's. Tray measures 27.5" by 8.25" by 2" and is signed on verso JHQ, Dansk Designs, Denmark, Palisander. ...
Palisander
Small Portable Staved Teak Cheese Tray with Knife by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Small portable staved teak cheese tray with knife by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970's. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 5"W x 8.5"D x 1"H; the knife hide...
Stainless Steel
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of five Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Super cool set ! Please see my other Danish pepper mills...
Teak
Danish Modern Staved Teak "Congo" Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk Form, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Light scuffs to the oran...
Plastic, Teak
Jens Quistgaard Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare tray designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak, Wenge
Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Rosewood Serving Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Palisander, Rosewood
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Kobenstyle Cooking / Fondue Set
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A three piece set of cookware or fondue pieces in a bright stunning blue with pot and lid , iron and teak holder all sitting on a teak tray . Manufactured by Dansk known for their hi...
Enamel, Steel, Iron
Vintage Dansk Extra Large Solid Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Quistgaard Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Double Cube Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Double Cube" Salt & Peppermill made of teak Marked Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original condition, could use a cleaing w...
Teak
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Staved Teak Chip and Dip Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Staved teak chip and dip tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The tray has a removable glass dip bowl.
Teak, Glass
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century.
Teak
Large Dansk Jens Quistgaard Paella / Oven Pan Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A larger sized bright blue enameled paella / oven Kobenstyled pan manufactured by Dansk known for their quality and simple functionally. Made in Denmark and designed by Jens Quistga...
Enamel, Steel
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block round cutting board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The board is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.75"D x 2"H and has a juice...
Teak
Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ Quistgaard stainless stir spoon olive fork
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Dansk production cocktail pieces . Long stir spoon and olive fork . Both marked Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ and copyright "c" . The pair does show signs of minimal use .
Stainless Steel
Sculptural Staved Teak Salad Bowl and Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural staved teak salad bowl and servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 12"D x 4.5"H. The teak and stainle...
Stainless Steel
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's.
Bamboo, Teak
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teak serving bowl designed by the iconic designer Jens H. Quistgaard who's organic pieces including pepper mills, serving pieces and furniture were both practical and beautiful . T...
Teak
Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
$100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Servers Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on these set of solid teak salad servers designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, great condition stamped.
Teak
Dansk Teak "SPHERE" Pepper Mill Peppermill Quistgaard JHQ IHQ Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Collectible and highly sought-after Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk teak pepper miil / salt shaker from the 1960's. Model # 855. Made in Denmark. This p...
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes. Each dish has feet that fits into the lattice on the tray. Length 46.5 cm. Marked JHQ Dansk Designs...
Glass, Teak
$76Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970.
Metal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare XLarge Tray Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Festivaal 'Eyeball' Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1970
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Festivaal 'Eyeball' Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk, Denmark, 1970 Great Color - In as found vintage condition. Some knick, splits, and lose to color surface. (see images) "Bright...
Enamel
Jens Harald Quistgaard Teak Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Oakland, CA
Solid teak ice bucket with black plastic liner designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design, circa 1960 Denmark.
Plastic, Teak
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Boards by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Danish modern teak butcher block cutting board / tray for cheese with edge by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The rectangle cutting board measures 17.25" x 11.75" x 1...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Large Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak