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.
Pair of Stokke Lounge Chairs by Jens H. Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
'Stokke' lounge chair by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Denmark, designed and produced in the 1960s. The 'Stokke' chair features Rosewood rails held together with chrome p...
Steel, Chrome
$6,400 / set
Jens Quistgaard End Tables
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Quistgaard design x-base side tables with brass metal mounts. High quality construction and attention to detail, rare to find a matched pair. Newly refinished and ready to insta...
Brass
Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ Quistgaard stainless stir spoon olive fork
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Assortment of 5 Vintage Salt Pepper Mills Grinder Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Assortment of 5 vintage salt pepper mills grinder Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard 1 Mill made in England. Not certain who designed this one. The ot...
Wood
Fireplace Tools by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design, circa 1960, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare set of large wall mounted fireplace tools 1400 model by Jens Quitsgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960, Denmark. Wall mounted rack with broom, shovel and poker. Brass, blackened ...
Brass, Iron
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Serving Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving tray in teak designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak
Teak Side Table Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s. Teak. Exquisite woodwork and a beautifully shaped, removable tray surface that can function as a bowl characterise th...
Teak
Pair of Cast Iron Candlesticks 'Triangle' by Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s
By Illum Bolighus, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of decorative and sculptural cast iron candlesticks with amazing patina. Designed 1961 by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Ltd. Model name: Triangle (for ca 2,5 cm ca...
Metal, Iron
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
Teak
Teak Salad Serving Bowls by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Pair
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary pieces continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk exemplifies this lasting ...
Teak
Mid-20th Century Modern Scandinavian Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Beirut, LB
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of midcentury table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after an...
Wood, Teak
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Rectangular Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard rectangular tray for Dansk.
Teak
$1,850 / set
Dansk Variation 6 Flatware Set Service for 12
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 Pre-Dansk Teak "Bowtie" Salt & Pepper Mill by Jens Quistgaard - Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, highly coveted, and collector-grade vintage mid-century modern sculptural combination salt shaker and pepper mill, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard, circa ea...
Teak
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs (2)
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of Danish Modern brass candle holders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Solid br...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Bowl for Dansk Design, Denmark, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Utrecht, NL
Jens H. Quistgaard set out to design beautiful things for everyday use, which is an essentially Scandinavian approach to design in general. Over the course of his prolific and varied design career, Jens Quistgaard created objects that are a meditation on the possibilities of shape for a common household object. Intriguing and fantastical, the variety of forms the sculptor manifested expand the vocabulary of functional design, calling on an array of familiar references including natural shapes. This solid wood bowl is a beautiful example of this, with an organic shape and an immediately visible level of craftsmanship. This rare model is an early iteration of the teak Viking...
Wood
Slim Tapered Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Delft, NL
Slim Tapered Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
Metal
ens Harald Quistgaard Vintage Danish Butter Knives, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 6 Butter or dinner Knives designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Raadvad in Denmark during the 1950s or early 60s. Materials: stainless steel and faux bone h...
Stainless Steel
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Congo" Teak Ice Bucket, Model 810, Danish Modern IHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Carlos, CA
An outstanding example of the Dansk Congo ice bucket — Model 810 — designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced in Denmark during the 1960s. The Congo stands as one of the most ce...
Plastic, Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Wenge Wood Serving Tray Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Dansk exotic teak and wenge wood round serving tray with beautiful counterbalanced design, by renowned Danish designer, Jens Quistgaard. Engraved hallmark on bottom of tray. Denmark
Teak, Wenge
Jens Quistgaard sculptural tray table in teak Denmark 1960
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
A sculptural tray table designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark during the 1960s, combining functional versatility with his characteristic approach to solid teak. Crafted in teak, th...
Teak
Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens Qu...
Teak
$728Sale Price|20% Off
Jens H Quistgaard, Fjord Carving Set in Original Box
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Klintehamn, SE
The Fjord flatware was designed in 1953 and produced in co operation with an American businessman under the label Dansk design. The flatware was originally manufactured in Germany. S...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern 2
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
Rare Dansk International Designs Ltd. Danish Modern Staved Teak Centerpiece Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Aqua "Festivaal" Cutting Board Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brightly lacquered, Danish modern, oval serving tray with a raised teak cutting surface by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk with early Dansk mark.
Teak, Lacquer
Jens Quistgaard Desgn for Digsmed, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sharon, CT
Early and important Jens Quistgaard designed Carving Board for Digsmed, Denmark. Signed and dated 1964. Appears to have been never used.
Wood
1960s Danish Modern Carved Teak Pepper Grinder Set by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 2 Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Quistgaard made in Denmark pepper grinders. Jens Quistgaard is a celebrated brand synonymous with mid-century Scandinavian design excellence...
Wood
1950s Fjord Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in teak and stainless steel
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
The Fjord flatware pattern was designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954 and produced by Dansk Designs. This early version, marked Germany, represents the initial production period and reflects the material and construction standards associated with Dansk’s early output. Each piece combines stainless steel with hand-fitted teak handles. The design is defined by its clear contrast between materials and its balanced proportions. The teak handles introduce warmth and texture, while the steel elements maintain a precise and functional profile. The transition between materials is handled with a simple joint, allowing each component to remain visually distinct. This set includes 30 pieces, arranged for table service. The pieces show consistent construction and alignment, with the teak handles maintaining a uniform tone across the set. The design is associated with early Danish modern tableware...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Lattice Serving Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted vintage tray by Dansk, this piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of Scandinavian-inspired design that defined the Mid-Century Modern era. Constructed from rich...
Teak
Pair Of Brass Candlesticks by Jens H. Quistgaard For Dansk design, Denmark, 1956
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark. Designed in 1956 by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, this elegant pair of brass candlesticks exemplif...
Brass
$168Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Cheese Board Jens Quistgaard Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Danish Mid-century modern teak wood cheese board set with an integrated slicer, likely designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Staved teak wood boar...
Brass, Stainless Steel
Rare and Very Early Relief Teapot by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaad Ihq, 1960s
By Kronjyden, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rare and very early tea pot from the well known service RELIEF launched in 1959 designed by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaard IHQ. The tea pot has a brass + rattan handle and an embos...
Brass
Vintage Midcentury Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form. Price per pair. Three pairs available.
Brass
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders 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 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
$125Sale Price / set|32% Off
Danish Modern Pair Dansk Designs Brown Koben Style Enameled Bowls IHQ 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid-Century Modern pair of enameled Koben style bowls. Barrel shaped with brown enamel over iron bowls from the early 1970s. Koben Style pieces we...
Enamel, Iron
Slatted Rosewood Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully constructed Brazilian rosewood serving tray, comprised of ten radius backed slats with fingered tenons mortised through the oval formed sid...
Rosewood
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in the mid-20th century. Scandinavian Modern style...
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk Denmark reverse top teak occasional side table
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Classic Dansk woodwork creates a beautifully shaped, removable and reverse able tray top . The sculptor Jens Harald Quistgaard worked with solid wood, bonding three layers of teak...
Teak
Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
Teak
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Metal Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information:...
Metal
Sculptural Staved Teak Salad Bowl and Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Mid-Century Modern Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
Cast Iron
Candelabra or Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This iconic candleholder was designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1960s. Quistgaard was a Danish designer best known for his work with ‘Dansk’, a manufacturer for which he worked from...
Brass, Iron
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 "Styl...
Stainless Steel
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Coffee table by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langå, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Torino, IT
The tabletop is the true star of this coffee table, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen Langå in Denmark in the 1950s. Inside the teak frame, slender bamboo elements a...
Bamboo, Teak
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Boards by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Dansk Sculptural Double-Form White Ceramic Vase, Danish Modern Minimalist Design
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking sculptural ceramic vase by Dansk, executed in a clean white glazed finish with an architectural double-column form. The design features two vertically fused cylindrical bo...
Ceramic
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM sculpted glass ring holder with box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measure as follows: Box 5" x 4.5" x 3.5...
Glass
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
Dansk Mixed Woods Series Bamboo and Teak Ice Bucket, Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New Windsor, NY
Dansk Designs Mixed Woods Series bamboo and teak ice bucket. Circa 1970. Black plastic liner. Burn in stamp mark on the bottom, Dansk Designs, Denmark, IHQ. Good overall condition wi...
Bamboo, Plastic, 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
Danish Mid-Century Modern Staved Teak Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
By Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Danish mid-century modern staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen. Designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Richard Nissen in De...
Teak
Dansk Flamestone Stoneware Coffee Pot by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sacramento, CA
Dansk Flamestone stoneware coffee pot designed by Jens Quistgaard. Originally produced in 1963, the Flamestone series was one of the first designs Qui...
Stoneware
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Blue & White Enamel Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of Danish modern blue & white enamel bowls by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowls are in very good vintage condition with no chips to the enamel and me...
Enamel
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
Nissen Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Scalloped Cutting Board Tray
By Richard Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare vintage serving tray or cutting board features a rectangular form with scalloped edge; the butcher block element in the center allows for slicing of cheeses or other foods as th...
Wood, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Tray in Wengé by Jens Quistgaard, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This rare serving tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark, exemplifies the Danish designer’s commitment to combining refined form with everyday functional...
Wenge