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.
$250Sale Price / item|28% Off
Danish Teak Ice Bucket Collection by Jens Quistgaard JHQ Individually Priced
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Collection of six Danish teak ice buckets by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and Nissan. Measures: Tallest 19.25" x 9.75" diameter Square: 8" wide x 8" deep x 9" tall.
Teak
$450Sale Price / set|62% Off
Set of Sixteen Dansk France JHQ faceted stemmed Gustav Water Glasses Goblets
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 16 Dansk JHQ Qistgaard "Gustav" water goblets. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
$250Sale Price|23% Off
Danish Modern Oval Shaped Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern oval shaped staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 14"W x 9.5"D x 4.5"H. Early ...
Teak
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Capped Carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak capped carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s.
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk Teak Salad Bowl and 4 Serving Bowls 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely Danish Teak Salad Bowl with 4 serving bowls. A very clean and popular design - all functional and stylish in Danish Design by Jens Quistgaard Four bowls measure 7" in dia...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Cast Metal Candleholders for Dansk, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of sculptural candleholders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s. Executed in cast metal, the design reflects Quistgaard’s signature ability t...
Metal
$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
Four Early Brass Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Candlesticks Made In Finland
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Four heavy brass candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard, made in Finland and produced for Dansk. The candlesticks measure approximate 4 3/8 inches tall and the base is...
Brass
Rosewood, Palisander Tall, Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Stamped
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great ice buacket designed, by Quistgaard, made for Dansk.
Rosewood
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
Set of 20 Dansk JHQ Quistgaard Gustav French Wine Glasses
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 20 Jens Quistgaard wine glasses. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice, symmetric, staved teak bowl by renowned Mid-Century designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark.
Teak
Danish Wrought Iron Adjustable Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Weesp, NL
Step into the timeless elegance of mid-century design with this exquisite 1960s Wrought Iron Tabletop Candleholder, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denma...
Brass, Wrought Iron
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Divided Bowl in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique divided bowl in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The bowl is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in excellen...
Teak
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions: (W x D x H): 68 x 32...
Teak
Silvered Metal CandleHolder by Jens Quistgaard, 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brussels, BE
Silvered Metal CandleHolder by Jens Quistgaard, 1970s
Metal
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Iron & Brass Candlesticks
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Denton, TX
Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Iron & Brass Danish modern Candlesticks.
Iron, Brass
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
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plate Crown Candle Centerpiece by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Original Jens Quistgaard silver plate crown candle centerpiece by Dansk. Comes in the original box. Shows a warm aged patina which can be polished to perfection. Dimension centerpiec...
Silver Plate
Early Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large teak bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina.
Teak
Set of Three Staved Teak Cutting Boards / Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak carving boards with checkerboard cutting surfaces (Denmark, circa 1965). Includes three boards in total: one large round board, one smaller board, and one round, asymmetrical board, which is elevated to one side. All boards have a recessed cavity for bread / crackers. Nice collection of these early examples in good, vintage condition with knife impressions, as shown. All are branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ." We have one larger board in the same pattern listed separately. Measures: Large round: 14" diameter x 1" height Small round: 10" diameter x .75" height Elevated tray...
Teak
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Mutenye Tray for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural mutenye tray with cutting board insert designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark as part of his "Rare Woods Collection" (circa 1960). This example is among the rarest manufactured of the series with under 100...
Wood
J H Quistgaard for Lovig Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk
By Lovig Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Franklin Park, IL
J H Quistgaard for Lovig Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk This desk measures: 63.25 wide x 31.25 deep x 33.25 high, with a chair clearance of 27 inches The height to the work surfac...
Chrome
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. H: 44 cm Diameter: 55.5 cm
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
$2,585Sale 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
Midcentury Serving Tray in Rosewood By Quistgaard, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Nissen
Located in Lejre, DK
Rosewood serving tray, designed by Jens Harrald Quistggard and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Aqua "Festivaal" Cutting Board Serving Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Seldom seen Jens Quistgaard Dansk tall JHQ ice bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large and rare tall ice bucket with fitted lid designed by Jens Quistgaard for the Dansk rare woods line. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line was the finest designs and exotic wo...
Wood
$215 / item
Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak large salad bowl design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens ...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Ice Bucket Designed by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage solid teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. The bucket has a black plastic liner. The ice bucket measures approximately 6 1/4 inches tall and 9 1/2 inches ...
Teak
Dansk Festivaal Black Lacquer Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Dansk “Festivaal” Black Lacquer Tray with inset wood butcher block top. Designed by Jens Quisgaard. Signed. Denmark, circa 1960. Dimensions: 18.5” ...
Wood, Lacquer
JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Danish teak salad servers. Part of a recently acquired large collection.
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
Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Set of 6
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of six brass candle sticks by the Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for the renowned manufacturer Dansk. The candlesticks have a rich patina consistent with age and use. Stamp of...
Brass
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
$269Sale Price|69% Off
Danish Cast Iron Tripod Moon Crater Dish Cabin Candelabra Midcentury Sculpture
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Uncommon form. Very matte grey/black, 2-piece, cast iron candelabra or dish with pierced lid. Heavy little table decor. Weighs just over 5.5 lbs.
Iron
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk Møbelproducent
Located in Detroit, MI
This vintage mid century Danish modern large teak ice bucket was designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk circa 1950. This iconic piece features classic Scandinavian modern design wi...
Plastic, Teak
$300Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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 Slatted Rosewood Tray for Dansk "Rare Woods" Collection
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tray designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansks Rare Woods collection, c.1960s, Denmark features sculpted Rosewood with dowel handles and slatted wood along the tray. Dansk is one of...
Rosewood
Wrought Iron Pineapple Candleholder by JHQ
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
JHQ - Dansk designs pineapple candelabra in darkened black metal, holds nine candles. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in 1960s. Great original condition.
Metal
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Low Profile Wenge Wood Serving or Dresser Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the JHQ Dansk rare wood series. Wenge low serving or dresser top tray.
Wenge
Jens Quistgaard Rare Woods Palisander Tray For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
Beautiful palisander tray with “butterfly” inlay, a piece from Jen Quistgaards Rare Woods Line for Dansk, designed in 1961. Jens Quistgaard ...
Palisander
Large Quistgaard Bowl Made In Teak By Jens Harald Quistgaard From 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
This large teak bowl was designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s. It is made of glued teak wood, which gives it a solid and practical construction. The bowl...
Teak
$6,400 / set
Pair of Teak Side Tables by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of teak side tables with brass hardware. Design by Jens Quistgaard.
Teak
Early Chafing Dish /Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Fondue Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk A wood stand sometimes comes with this form. It is not with this pot. Chip to wood ...
Brass
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
$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
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
Vintage Danish Cast Iron Adjustable Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Geneva, CH
vintage cast iron adjustable candlestick made in Denmark by Jens Quistgaard produced by Dansk ca. 1960 H 48 x D 20 cm Signed under the base
Iron
$747Sale 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
Round Small Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage round cutting board in end-grain teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Great for use a charcuterie or serving board. Marked "Dansk Designs Den...
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Candlestick Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Candlestick designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Brass, Steel
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Genarp, SE
Danish mid-century candleholders in silver plated bras by Jens Quistgaard. The candleholders are a rare model not often found and a beautiful examples of midcentury design. The c...
Silver, Brass
Jens Quistgaard Teak Nesting Tables
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
Manufactured by IHQ circa 1950, this amazing set of three nesting tables were created by Danish designer Jens Quistgaard. The largest of the three tables features a unique tray like ...
Teak
Congo Ice Bucket by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Barcelona, ES
Congo ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's. Teak wood and orange plastic interior for the ice cubes. A cla...
Plastic, Wood, Teak
Solid Teak Nesting Tables by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
New to our collection, we’re excited to present a rare set of solid teak nesting tables, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen around 1981. T...
Teak
Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard, Mid-Century Modern, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dansk is one of the most beloved and celebrated makers of mid-century table and kitchenware; whether its their use of teak or enamel, their designs endure even 60 years later, making...
Teak
Solid Teak Nesting Tables by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
New to our collection, we’re excited to present a rare set of solid teak nesting tables, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen around 1981. This sought-after design showcases stunni...
Teak
Rare Hot Chocolate Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
Very rare flame stone hot chocolate pot designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. No chips or cracks. Some light scuffing on the surface.
Stone