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.
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
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
Massive Oval Orange Lacquer Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Early Production
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Large oval shaped orange lacquer tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s (early production). with ducks logo Original condition with raised edges and elegant lines; the tray m...
Maple
Dansk Sculptural Double-Form White Ceramic Vase, Danish Modern Minimalist Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candle Holder Dansk Moon Crater
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard cast iron candle holder designed for Dansk in the 1960s. Often referred to as a "Moon Crater" dish or candelabra, it features a scu...
Iron
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holder Jens Harald Quistgaard JHQ Brass
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holder in brass. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Casserole Stand Anker Line Rattan Teak
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs casserole stand, constructed from wood and rattan in the 1950s or 1960s.This piece is part of the "Anker-Line" collection....
Iron
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
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Scandinavian Modern Teak ‘Congo’ Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A fine example of a Scandinavian Modern teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard, a master of the sculptural paired back and simplistic form. This teak ice bucket has had its wood...
Teak
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
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
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
1960s Danish Teak Bowl by Dansk Design Denmark Design by Jens Harald Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Teak bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Producer Dansk design, Denmark, 1960s. Original 1960s teak bowl made in Denmark. Desigend by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in high qua...
Teak
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
$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
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
Rare Solid Mahogany Quistgaard Flatware/Desk top Box with Removable Shelves
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very unusual and very rare piece designed by Quistgaard in solid mahogany with removable shelves, stamped Denmark IHQ. Never seen one like it. with beveled edge sides. can be used ...
Mahogany
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
Butter Knives Mid-Century Fjord Jens Quistgaard Dansk Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of butter knives mid-century "Fjord" pattern originally designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954 for Dansk Designs. Stamped , made in Germany, Early ducks lo...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Teak Serving Bowl by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Teak Sculpted Serving Bowl by Dansk. Very nice Dansk Teak Serving Bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Danish Modern, Mid Century M...
Teak
$937Sale Price|25% Off
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
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard, Dansk, 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
$466Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Bar Cart Carrello portavivande Danish Design 1970’s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Taranto, IT
Vi presentiamo un carrello porta vivande in faggio dal design danese degli anni ‘70, un tocco perfetto per donare uno stile retrò ai vostri ambienti . Larghezza 51 cm Profondità ...
Wood
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holdersJens Harald Quistgaard JHQe
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holders. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically made of...
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard Design Teak Box for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Quistgaard design teak table top card or accessories box for Dansk, Denmark. Simple yet sophisticated design by Quistgaard an early example with the three duck stamp, Denmark. I...
Teak
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
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
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
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
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
Rare and Very Early Relief Teapot by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaad Ihq, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden
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
$375Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early Danish Modern "S" Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of three early cast iron "S" candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. Nice black patina with polished brass accents. All stamped "Denmark". #313
Brass, Iron
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Cast Iron Square Grid Candle Holder Candelabra ...
Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ Candleholders, 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sculptural pair of cast iron “Flower” candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ, 12 candle pods per item, stamped
Iron
Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool and very hard-to-find Danish modern teak desk organizer box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The box has a removable lid and three compartments for storage. G...
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes...
Glass, Teak
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
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
$920Sale Price|40% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard “Bow Tie” Palisander Rosewood Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Daish Modern solid Teak Dansk Butcher Block Candle Holder by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare design solid teak butcher block large candle holder with brass insert designed by Quistgaard circa 1980's.
Brass
ens Harald Quistgaard Candleholders in Green Enamel, Brass & Cast Iron, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare set of candlestick holders for tapered/ small candles. Designed by the Industrial Danish design icon Jens Harald Quistgaard during the 1960s. Fashioned from green enamel over ...
Brass, Enamel, Iron
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark Solid Palisander Rosewood Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1950s by Jens Quistgaard, this box is one of many designs he came up with for Dansk. This is one of the most special though. One of the largest available, it features...
Plastic, Palisander, Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Digsmed, 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
Danish Modern 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 4.5"H and in very good condition. Signed on the underside. #3875
Teak
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
Vintage Set Of Brown Smooth Flamestone Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION One of the first sets of tableware designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark in 1957. The tableware was named Fluted Flamestone. The set offered has 11 pi...
Ceramic
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Pair Of Vintage Iron / Brass Candlesticks By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Pair of brown coated cast iron with brass accents candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in 1961. The candlesticks are from Dansk "Designs With Lights" colle...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Slatted Rosewood Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and highly desirable slatted tray crafted from rich Brazilian rosewood by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard, part of his celebrated Rare Woods series. This exceptio...
Rosewood
Large Dansk Staved Teak Centerpiece / Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A large Mid Century staved teak center piece or serving bowl with rounded edges and beveled top rim . Early production with the three duck mark and branded Dansk manufactures mark , ...
Teak
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
Dansk Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Wonderful Danish designed multi-head candleholder. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Candleholder heads can be adjusted horizontally in a spiral.
Iron
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teakwood salad bowl made by Dansk and designed by Jens Quistgaard great for a center piece or making that yummy salad . Manufactured in the manner of Danish wood wood working .
Teak
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
$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
Jen's Quistgaard x base end tables, Teak. / Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Jens Quistgaard design x-base side tables with brass metal mounts. sUPERIOR quality construction and attention to detail, rare to find a matched pair. Tops have been Newly refinishe...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Lidded Ashtray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Jens Quistgaard designed ceramic ashtray with removable rosewood lid. From his collection for Kronjyden Nissen. Denmark, 1960s
Ceramic, Rosewood
Rare Danish Ovenproof Pottery Dish by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Kronjyden, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This decorative tray features the rarest series/pattern by IHQ/Quistgaard and does not have a name. It was launched in the mid-late 1950s as a probationary run by the manufacturer Kr...
Pottery