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.
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
Finely Crafted Rosewood and Teak Reversible Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Finely crafted rosewood and teak reversible serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.One side in exotic wood grain is smooth and concave to the center...
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
Jens Quistgaard for Peter Lovig Rosewood Sideboard
By Jens Quistgaard, Lovig Dansk
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous Jens Quistgaard for Peter Lovig rosewood sideboard with tambour fronted doors, opening to a central bank of drawers, flanked on either side by ...
Rosewood
Jens H. Quistgaard Rosewood Side Table with Tile Inlay
By Richard Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Side table by Jens H. Quistgaard for Richard Nissen, c.1960s Denmark features a hand-oiled rosewood with turquoise Azur tile inlay along the top. The tile pattern is one of Quistgaar...
Ceramic, Rosewood
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Candlesticks in Patinated Brass, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles...
Brass
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
Bowl Made In Teak By Jens Harald Quistgaard From 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak bowl, designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in the 1960s, is a stunning example of mid-century Danish design. Crafted from rich teak wood, the bowl exudes warmth and natur...
Teak
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
Staved Teak Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$148Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk France Jens Quistgaard Teardrop Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Interesting pair of Dansk tilting silver plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and are true ...
Metal
JHQ Dansk Denmark Modernist Acrylic Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard acrylic plastic salad servers. Marked Dansk Designs Denmark.
$200Sale Price / set|69% Off
Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray and Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
A truly hard-to-find matched set of Dansk Danish modern teak bowl and tray serveware designed by Jens Quistgaard. A very large handled serving tray is accompanied by a shallow servin...
Teak
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
Nesting Tables in Rosewood by Jens Quistgaard, 1964
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Nesting Tables in Rosewood by Jens Quistgaard, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood Style: midcentury, Scandinavian Produced by Nissen in Denmark Dimensions (W x D ...
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard Teak Magazine Holder by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Highland, IN
This teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard is both very beautiful, and impeccably crafted. The sculptural form is elegant and highly functional ...
Teak
Dansk Rare Woods Monumental Palisander Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large and rare ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for the Dansk rare woods line. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line was the finest designs and materials. Dansk described...
Palisander
Danish Modern Tapered Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern staved teak tapered bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is 11.5"D x 4.25"H and in very good condition. Signed on the underside. #3975
Teak
Teak Side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark. 1950s, circular, wood
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark. 1950s Teak.
Teak
Dansk End Grain Teak Lollipop Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage lollipop shaped serving/cutting board with a built-in stainless steel knife hidden in the handle. Constructed in solid end-grain teak. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufa...
Stainless Steel
Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood & Steel Frame by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Chromium Plated Steel Frame, Seat Cushion and Back Upholstered with Brown Suede by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960's Additional Information: Materia...
Rosewood, Suede
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
Teak
Oval Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard, circa 1950
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York City, NY
Oval Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Beautifully shaped and finished teak serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fulton, CA
Round teak Danish Modern ice bucket with lid. Plastic insert. Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Denmark. 1970's.
Teak
$600Sale Price|50% Off
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 be never used.
Wood
$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
Vintage Large Teak Tray Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in the 1960's. The tray is signed on the back and measures 24.75 inches long, 12.75 inches wide and 2.75 inches high.
Teak
Dansk End Grain Teak Paddle Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage paddle shaped serving/cutting board with a built-in stainless steel serrated knife hidden in the handle. Constructed of solid end-grain teak. ...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Richard Nissen Rosewood Ice Bucket, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in Round Top, TX
Staved rosewood ice bucket designed by Richard Nissen for his own company Nissen in Denmark during the 1960s. This piece is also often attributed as having been designed by Jens Quis...
Plastic, Rosewood
Midcentury Jens Quistgaard for DANSK iron S-shaped Sculptural Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of 6, highly sculptural, cast iron S-shaped candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK. Fully marked JHQ DENMARK on the base. Candles not included. Each candleholder accepts a .5...
Brass, Iron
$1,000 / set
Group of candlesticks by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Group of 23 candlesticks in silver plated metal - Designed by Jens Quistgaard - Made in Denmark in the 1960's
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Modern Danish Designed Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard Made by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches...
Brass
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Pair of Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960. Stamped Denmark.
Iron
Danish Modern Tall Teak Bar Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
This iconic Danish modern ice bucket, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in the 1970s, is a perfect blend of form and function. Crafted from rich teak wood, it exemplifies Quistga...
Teak
Solid teak side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s Teak. Exquisite woodwork and a beautifully shaped, removable tray surface that can function as a bowl characterise this Danis...
Teak
Danish Modern Coffee Table by Quistgaard and Richard Nissen
By Richard Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
This stylish coffee table was created by the famous designer, Jens Harald Quistgaard (Danish, 1919-2008). Quistgaard was the chief designer at an American company named Dansk Designs...
Metal
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
Silver Plate
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Pair of Gondola Trays for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard pair of gondola trays for Dansk Slight variation in stain. Both signed. Different branded year marks.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Danish Birch 2-Tier Round Trolley Lazy Susan, 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare pair of Danish mid-century modern 2-tier round trolleys / Lazy Susans designed by Jens Quistgaard, produced in Denmark during the 1970s. Expertly crafted from solid birch wood, ...
Plastic, Wood
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's "some scratches, etc. and an imperfection / repair on the interior of the bowl - see images" "beautif...
Teak
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Rectangular Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard rectangular tray for Dansk.
Teak
Rare Restored "Stick" Chair, Jens H. Quistgaard, Nissen Langaa, Denmark, c. 1960
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Deland, FL
Rare and timeless, this ‘Stick’ easy chair, designed in 1966 by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Richard Nissen Langaa, showcases masterful Scandinavian minimalism. The chair d...
Suede, Rosewood
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs 1960s, Set of 2. Set of two small silver plated onion or tear drop...
Silver Plate
$195Sale Price|29% Off
Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard Design Stainless Steel Salt Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
Brass, Iron
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Cheese Board Jens Quistgaard Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard for Paro, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additio...
Metal
Danish Scandinavian Candelabras Candlesticks Holders Jen Quistgaard, Pair
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of Danish Modern Scandinavian Modern candelabras / candlestick holder by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, mid-20th century, 1960s, Mid Century Modern period. A great set ...
Iron
Nissen Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Scalloped Cutting Board Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Digsmed, Kronjyden
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
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
Cast IronTall Candlestick Holders Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of 1960s cast iron candlestick holders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. Cast iron, often described as having a grainy texture...
Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Candleholders, 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of five cast iron candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, black patina with brass accents, one candleholder stamped.
Brass, Iron
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
Staved Teak "Viking Bowl" by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Serving Bowl by Dansk. Beautiful Teak serving bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ, Danish Modern, Mid Century Modern. In very good original condition....
Teak
A Pair of Jens Harald Quistgaard Candlesticks in Patinated Brass, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles...
Brass
Set of 2 Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer rec...
Metal
$2,582Sale Price / item|35% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard “Xylofon" serving tray with ten lamellae handles
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
Jens Harald Quistgaard “Xylofon" serving tray with ten lamellae and round handles. Model 1686. Made by Nissen, Langå. L. 62.5 cm. W. 37 cm.
Hardwood
Set of 2 Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, desig...
Metal