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.
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Odin Pattern Stainless Steel Flatware Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fulton, CA
A 42 piece set of "Odin" stainless steel flatware designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark for Dansk. Designed in Denmark, produced in Germany, circa 1960s. Each piece is signed. The s...
Stainless Steel
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Dansk Flatware Set, "Odin" Stainless Steel, Mid-20th Century
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard "Odin" Dansk Flatware. 42 pieces of Stainless Flatware. Service for 8 plus a pair of salad servers. Shows signs of normal use and wea...
Stainless Steel
Extra Large Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful serving teak tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, ca' 1960's. This is an extra large-hard to find version at 26"long and 19.5"wide. Great Danish crafstmanship and honest and ...
Teak
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark, circa 1960 Branded on Bottom: Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade miner...
Hardwood
Jens Quistgaard Fjord Flatware 72 Pieces Dansk Danish Modern Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Set (4) Mid-Century Modern Teak Steak Knives Dansk Fjord Jens Quistgaard IHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Dansk "Fjord" Pattern: Designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954, these are characterized by their sleek stainless steel blades and teak handles with a signature "p...
Stainless Steel
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Coaster Set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Danish Modern teak coaster set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. Includes four coasters in the original box. Solid teak with stainless steel flintlock pistol inlay. Denmar...
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury 1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$720Sale Price|20% Off
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
$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
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 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
$100Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
1960s Jens Quistgaard Danish Rosewood Ice Bucket by Wenge
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Knebel, DK
Jens Quistgaard wenge rare ice bucket in conical form, flared at the base, with integrated handle and carved lid. Branded mark on base “wenge...
Rosewood
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Bar Knife Bottle Opener Dansk Jens Quistgaard.Scandinavian Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage bar knife bottle opener by Dansk, Design by Jens Quistgaard. Stainless steel and teak wood. Easy ducks, made in Germany. Dimensions: 9.38" Long x...
Stainless Steel
Danish Modern Solid Teak Large Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic Large solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Casserole Dish and Stand From the Anker-Line Range
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern casserole dish and stand from the Anker-Line range. It was designed in 1954 by the renowned Danish sculptor and industrial designer Jens ...
Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fulton, CA
Round teak Danish Modern ice bucket with lid. Plastic insert. Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Denmark. 1970's.
Teak
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
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Mid Century Danish Modern tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Constructed of solid staved teak, this iconic example is in excellent, original, clean and ready to u...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Large Oval Teak Salad Bowl & Tong Servers - 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk, Digsmed Design
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs large oval salad bowl with matching sculptural serving utensils, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed from richly figured staved teak, t...
Teak
Rare Dansk International Designs Ltd. Danish Modern Staved Teak Centerpiece Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A substantial and sculptural Danish Modern centerpiece bowl produced by Dansk International Designs Ltd., Denmark, circa 1965. Expertly crafted from solid teak using traditional stav...
Teak
Danish Ceramic Ice Bucket by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden Nissen, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a handsome and highly collectible Danish modern ceramic ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden Nissen, Denmark. This sculptural piece exemplifies Quistga...
Ceramic, Cane
Vintage Dansk Designs Teak Wood Ice Bucket Jens Quistgaard IHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Designs teak wood ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard during the mid-century modern era. Constructed from s...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This serving tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark during the 1950s, is a refined example of Danish modern utility fused with artisanal detailing. Const...
Teak, Bamboo
Jens Quistgaard Dansk "Kongo" Flatware 30 Piece Set for Six Mid Century Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Rare oversized tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard, solid teak 1950s, Dansk designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare serving tray designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk designs during the 1950s. Made from solid teak with beautiful attention the details and high crafts...
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
Large Early Stamp Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Serving Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Dansk teak tray with duck logo marked JHQ , staved teak, Danmark . Very nice condition.
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
JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Danish teak salad servers. Part of a recently acquired large collection.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Rosewood Serving Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Palisander Rosewood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this ...
Palisander, Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Dansk
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of 4 coaster plates by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Manufactured for Kronjyden by Nissen ca 1960s. The plates are made from solid Wengé, a rare wood with a beautiful...
Wood, Wenge
$1,850 / set
Dansk Variation 6 Flatware Set Service for 12
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk Variation 6 flatware set service for 12 plus a few extra pieces. Horizontal lines incised into the handles for a visual splash! Most pieces are marked Denmark, a few marked Ge...
Stainless Steel
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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Rare Woods Wenge Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk rare woods tray by Jens Quistgaard. Finely crafted of solid exoctic woods, including Wenge. Stamped JHQ Denark.
Wenge
Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The tray is quite functional with three different walled sections and is in very good vintage condition....
Teak
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's "beautiful color and wood grain" "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade mineral oil" Small Tray: 20....
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
Dansk Designs Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Viking Handles Mid Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern Dansk Designs serving tray made of teak wood, designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1950s or 1960s. Sculpted "Viking" handles, commonly use...
Teak
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
Mutenye Cheese Board by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$140Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Early Danish Teak Centerpiece Serving Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern decorative staved salad serving bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This unique piece displays quality solid teak craftsmanship and makes f...
Teak
$945Sale Price|30% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Tray Manufactured By Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A lacquered wood tray with a flat rim in the form of an eye.
Lacquer
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Large Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A large divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The tray is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in ...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Designed Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard Made by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A Mid-Century Modern (Scandinavian Modern) Danish teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk of the USA. A Teak tray designed by the highly regarded and very collected Jens H...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Dansk, Kronjyden, Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of 4 coaster plates by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Manufactured for Kronjyden by Nissen ca 1960s. The plates are made from solid Wengé, a rare wood with a beautiful...
Wood, Wenge
$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
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Danish Modern Mid-Size Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Mod...
Teak
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Capped Carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak capped carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s.
Teak
Monumental Dansk Staved Teak Bucket Style Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and iconic staved teak ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This is the monumental 19.25-inch-tall example. It is in outstanding vintage condition, circa 1950s-1960s. N...
Plastic, Teak
$2,350 / item
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Teak Ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Square lidded Danish Teak ice bucket . Designed by Jens Quistgaard JHQ for Dansk Designs . Clean original stamped Dansk International Designs LTD JHQ Denmark .
Plastic, Teak