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.
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
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
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
$2,586Sale 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
Unusual Danish Mutenye Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large Mutenye (African hardwood) salad bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina. From the the "Rare Woods Collection". Note butterfly joints. Also Danish teak spoons...
Teak
Rare Pair of "Stick" Chairs by Jens H. Quistgaard, Nissen Langaa, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Deland, FL
Rare and timeless, these ‘Stick’ easy chairs, designed in 1966 by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Richard Nissen Langaa, showcase masterful Scandinavian minimalism. The chairs...
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
1960s Scandinavian Modern Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Scandinavian Modern staved teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have ...
Plastic, Teak
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Digsmed
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
Midcentury Danish Stoneware Candlestick Set by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Dinner set consisting of an oblong serving tray or dish, a butter storage unit with a teak lid, and two candleholders (one for a small candle and one fo...
Stoneware
Model 145 Teak Mirror by Aksel Kjersgaard
By Arne Basse, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Berkeley, CA
Origin: Denmark Designer: Axsel Kjersgaard Manufacturer: Axsel Kjersgaard Era: 1960s Materials: Teak, Glass Measurements: 16? wide x 40? tall Condition: In excellent origina...
Ceramic, Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk MCM Teak set of 6 Graduated Sizes - Candle Holders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice set of six sold teak wood & brass Jens Quistgaard for Dansk mid-century modern graduated in size candle holders or candlesticks. In fine original condition, one owner set, show...
Brass
Jens Harald Quistgaard Minimalist Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Stylish torpedo shaped salt and pepper shakers in stainless steel. Designed by IHQ - Jens Harald Quistgaard for his own company Dansk Design during the 1960s. Measurements: H: 12...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cast Iron & Brass Eight Candlestick Candelabra
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Jens Harald Quistgaard Cast Iron & Brass 8 Arm Candle Holder, Circa 1960. Featuring a balanced, curved enameled black cast iron open candlestick form base, with varied height can...
Brass, Iron
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
Set of 2 NOS, 1960s Candleholder Jens Harald Quistgaard, Dansk Designs, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of two candleholder elements new old stock. Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1960s Original Danish cand...
Iron
Mid Century Danish Modern Dansk Quistgaard Congo Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Dansk Congo model teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard, for Dansk, c. 1950's. This is the hard to find large model ( 19 in. H ) with the early orange plastic liner...
Plastic, Teak
$160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salad Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM teak salad servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The servers are made of solid teak and they measure 13.25" long x 2"...
Teak
$300Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark teak salad servers. Recently purchased with large collection of modernist servers.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ Candleholders, 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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 Teak Trays 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
$235Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Ceramic Candle Holders, Relief Series, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bochum, NRW
Danish stoneware candle holder from the Relief series, designed in 1959 by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden. Original manufacturer label to the back. Excellent condition. Pieces ...
Ceramic
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa, 1960 "marked on the underside" "nice wood grain and finish" "felt pads added to bottom" "oiled with food grade miner...
Teak
Three Dansk Polished Brass Candle Holders by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Mateo, CA
Set of three brass candle holders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. These have a very elegant modern design. The top portion of the candle holder can be removed and then with th...
Brass
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
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
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cheese Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very hard to find light wood Danish modern butcher block cutting board / cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures ...
Ash
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
Quistgaar Jhq Dansk Denmark Wenge Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Excellent overall condition age crack to body.
Wenge
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Rare Woods Wenge Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk rare woods tray by Jens Quistgaard. Finely crafted of solid exoctic woods, including Wenge. Stamped JHQ Denark.
Wenge
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
Jens H. Quitsgaard for Dansk Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
1960s Mid-Century Modern teak bowl designed by Jens H. Quitsgaard for Dansk Denmark.
Teak
Rare Jens H. Quistgaard Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket Dansk Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket designed by the Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark in the 1960's. From his 'Rare Woods’ Limited Edition collection. Scandinavi...
Wenge
Staved Teak Bowl by the Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Goteborg, SE
Staved bowl in massive teak by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Quistgaard designed the bowl for his own company Dansk Designs and was inspired by traditional Scand...
Teak
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Two-piece cast iron candleholder or vessel designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A sculptural and scarce form from Quistgaard's ce...
Iron
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
Pair Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Modern Swirl Candle Holder Stick 3 Pairs Avail
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and elegant pair of early cast iron candle holders with brass accents designed by Jens Quistgaard and made in Denmark by Dansk. These candle holders have an S shaped base t...
Brass, Iron
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
Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a timeless classic - the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard. Crafted with utmost craftsmanship and attention to detail, this iconic salad bowl exemplifies the epitome of mid-century modern design. Its exquisite teak staved construction showcases the natural beauty of the wood, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements any table setting. Jens Quistgaard's ingenious design marries form and function seamlessly, with the bowl's unique staved structure providing both durability and visual appeal. The elegantly curved silhouette and smooth finish offer a comfortable grip and elevate the dining experience to new heights. As a part of the iconic Dansk Viking line, this salad bowl has become a design classic cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance and timeless design have stood the test of time, making it a coveted piece for any mid-century design aficionado. Whether you use it as a stunning salad centerpiece or a display of artistic craftsmanship, the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl is sure to be a conversation starter and a cherished addition to your home. Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Jens Quistgaard creation and celebrate the legacy of mid-century design. Pictured with iPhone 13...
Teak
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 Viking Wine Cooler
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large Dansk cooler
Teak
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
Original Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder element Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1970s Description: Original Danish candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Dansk Designs in the 1970s in Denmark. It is made of cast iron and features eight holders for candles. This item remains in a very nice vintage condition without damage. It is marked underneath the base with the producer (Dansk Designs + Denmark) and designer print...
Metal
Jens Quistgaard / Dansk X-base End Tables.. Classic Scandinavian Design
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Pair of Jens Quistgaard design / Dansk ,Denmark X-base side tables with brass metal mounts. High quality construction and attention to detail, rare to find a matched pair. Retain ...
Brass
Pair of Dansk solid teak salad servers marked JHQ Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine pair of solid teak salad servers . Designed by Jens Harold Quistgaard (JHQ ) for Dansk . Servers Stamped JHQ Denmark .
Wood, Teak
Jens Quistgaard JHQ copper ice bucket with porcelain insert for Dansk Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk design Denmark . Copper lidded ice bucket with porcelain insert . Appropriate for hot dishes as well . Nice patina finish .
Brass, Copper
$375Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early Danish Modern "S" Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$740Sale Price|20% Off
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
Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Woods Palisander Rosewood Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Very hard to find "Rare Woods" palisander rosewood ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The line was introduced in 1961, and "Rare Woods" products were made with the...
Palisander
$124Sale Price / set|44% Off
Scandinavian Modern Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, circa 1970's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of salt and pepper shakers by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970's. The Minimalist shakers feature a tapered cylindrical form in brushed stai...
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
Brutalist cast iron and brass candelabra by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This iconic candelabra or candle holder was designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1960s. A brutalist design that is made out of cast iron and brass. It has 7 adjustable arms that can ro...
Brass, Iron
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Large Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Large Staved Teak 'Congo' Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Surface scratch along with one 7" crack to the orange plastic lining (crack does not affect the presentation of the bucket, remains solely an interior flaw). Exterior wear is minor and consistent with age/use. Listing is for the large bucket alone- image with this bucket and the standard size Dansk bucket...
Plastic, Teak
$945Sale Price|30% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Tray Manufactured By Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A lacquered wood tray with a flat rim in the form of an eye.
Lacquer
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - set of 4 Mid Century Danish - Decoration Vintage candle holders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in silver metal. Designed by Jens H. ...
Silver Plate
$350Sale Price|46% Off
Pair of early and rare Dansk Danmark JHQ salad servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
I have handled and seen a lot of Dansk salad servers . This pair is one of the more scarce designs . Stamped Danmark with the JHQ signature initia...
Teak
Midcentury Mirror in Rosewood with Tiles by Quistgaard, Made in Denmark
By Richard Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking mirror with frame of rosewood and tiles. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Richard Nissen Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Set of Twenty Four Silver Plated Pilar Candlesticks by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of thirty eight silver plated pilar candlesticks. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Copenhagen.
Metal