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.
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Holds one 1.0” Diameter candl...
Brass
Scandinavian Modern Large Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a large Dansk staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. Scandinavian Modern. Dimensions: 6" H x 16.5" D...
Teak
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Salt / Pepper Mill Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural teak wood salt and pepper mill designed by the iconic Danish Mid Century artist designer Jens Quistgaard. A unique and beautiful...
Teak
Stainless Flatware Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk 72 Pieces
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fulton, CA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk stainless " Odin" steel flatware set made in Germany. circa. 1960's. Set consists of 72 pieces, service for 12 with salad fork and spoon and extra pieces. I...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Fjord Flatware 72 Pieces Dansk Danish Modern Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern "Fjord" Modernist Flatware Set, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark and produced in Germany, circa 1960s. The set contains a 5 piece set for 12 people with...
Stainless Steel
1970s Jens Quistgaard Cube Nesting Tables for Richard Nissen- A Pair
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An iconic and desirable pair of tables designed by Jens Quistgaard for Richard Nissen. Wonderful exposed joinery on the sides of the tables, playful circular openings, and tables tha...
Teak
Stokkestol Chair, Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Rosewood, Sheepskin, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by Jens Quistgaard (the genius behind Dansk) for Nissen Langaa, this ultra-sculptural 1960s Stokkestol (Stick chair) or simple Stokke Chair is the kind of piece that stops c...
Aluminum
$76Sale Price / item|43% Off
Amazing Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard For Paro
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Søborg, DK
Amazing Danish cast iron candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard for Pato. Comes with a box of 12 hand dipped tappers candles NOS new old stock in t...
Iron
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cordova, SC
Mid-Century Modern footed cutting board tray in teak designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This versatile piece is the perfect tool for carving and serving featuring a h...
Teak
Dansk Variation V Flatware Set Service for 8 with Box
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk Variation V Stainless Steel Flatware Set. Service for 8 with the box. Another great design from Quistgaard! This set dates the 196...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Nissen Danish Modern Lot of Ten Pepper Mills
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lot of 10 Danish modern teak pepper mills by Dansk and one by Nissen with the black iron ring on top. Varying in size and most with Puegeot grinders. Tallest being 8". All signed. ...
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Wenge Board
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A very rare platter - presentation/cutting or cheese board by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Beautifully turned Wenge timber with circular raised centre in squared end grain and concave bas...
Wenge
Danish Mid Century Modern Stokke Lounge Chair in Rosewood Suede & Aliminum
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Uncommon lounge chair designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa in Denmark circa 1960's. Features a rosewood & aluminum frame with original olive suede cushions. All in all in gr...
Aluminum
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Danish Chrome 12 Candle Holder Candleholder by Jen H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Søborg, DK
A beautiful vintage Danish chrome 12 candleholder designed by Jens Quistgaard. Included are 2 boxes of 12 original vintage taper candles? Quistgaard lth...
Chrome
$15,000 / item
Pair of "Stokke" Chairs by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Denmark. 1960s. A pair of "Stokke" chairs with rosewood rails and original suede upholstery. Signed to the canvas. Excellent vintage condition.
Rosewood
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$1,300Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard. Danish cast iron candlesticks, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist and Space Age style candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Dansk Design in Denmark, 1960s. Both pieces are made of solid cast iron with a centr...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Fjord Flatware 72 Pieces Dansk Danish Modern Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish modern "Fjord" pattern modernist flatware set, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A six piece service for twelve guests, 72 pieces total, including 12 dinner ...
Stainless Steel
Large Jens Quistgaard Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Denmark with early duck stamp
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
One of the many bowls designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark . Beautifully proportioned Staved Teak sculptural and utilitarian . Fine condition . Minor evidence of any use ...
Wood
Jens H. Quistgaard Dual Pepper - Salt Mill & Shaker in Teak, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Jens Harald Quistgaard design for his own company International Designs of Denmark. This stylish yet versatile dual combination salt & pepper shaker is made from solid teak. Makers...
Teak
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful vintage 1950s teak tray with clear edges, attributed to famous Danish Designer Jens Quistgaard. A charming and useful object in very good condition.
Wood, Teak
1960's Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Large Teak Salad Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
1960's Mid-Century Modern Jens Quistgaard designed for Dansk large teak salad bowl, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Teak
Modernist "Odin" Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 72 Pieces
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large set of "Odin" pattern stainless steel flatware, designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark and produced in Germany for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a complete six-piece set for 12 p...
Stainless Steel
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. produced by Dansk designs in Denmark during the 1950s. Made from solid polished brass. Good vintage condition with light age related ...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard for Peter Løvig Nielsen Tambour Door Teak Credenza 1973 'Signed'
By Jens Quistgaard, Peter Løvig Nielsen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This is one stunning tambour door teak Danish Mid-Century Modern credenza with glass door hutch by Jens Quistgaard for Peter Løvig Nielsen...
Glass, Teak
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 "Stylish ...
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice o...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern
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
Large MCM Stoneware Platter / Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A large MCM stoneware platter / serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa 19780s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 16.75"W 14"D ...
Stoneware
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Scandinavian Cabinmodern Teak Sculptural Canoe Long Bowl Danish
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Denmark, c.1950. A long and large staved teak centerpiece fruit bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard, faint impressed marks to bottom.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 40 pieces creating service for 8. This service was manufactured in three different countries, Germany, Kore...
Stainless Steel
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard Dansk Cheese Board + Cutting Knife 8.75 long x 5.25 d x 1 Preowned original vintage Refer to l...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Pepper Mills Set Trio Danish Mid Century Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Dansk "Kongo" Flatware 30 Piece Set for Six Mid Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mid century modernist "Kongo" flatware set designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany, 1960s. It is constructed of low maintenance stainless steel with black nylon handles, makin...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965.
Teak
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
Vintage Dansk Fjord Pattern Serving Spoon Jens Quistgaard Ihq Danish Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Fjord pattern serving spoon, designed by Jens Quistgaard with a signature teak handle and stainless steel head. (IHQ) Made in Germany. Mid-Ce...
Stainless Steel
Bar Knife Bottle Opener Dansk Jens Quistgaard.Scandinavian Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage bar knife bottle opener by Dansk, Design by Jens Quistgaard. Stainless steel and teak wood. Easy ducks, made in Germany. Dimensions: 9.38" Long x...
Stainless Steel
Danish Modern Staved Teak "Congo" Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk Form, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Light scuffs to the oran...
Plastic, Teak
Large Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Candle Holder, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Delft, NL
Large Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs candle holder, 1960s.
Metal
Large Teakwood Serving Bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Odense, DK
Large teakwood bowl by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard / IHQ. Produced by Quistgaards own company "Dansk" in the 1960s. Made in best quality solid...
Teak
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Early teak combination salt shaker and pepper mill by Jens Quistgaard. Metal grinding mechanisms produced by Peugeot Freres. The mill was produced by Dansk in Denmark. The top is for...
Teak
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Designs blue enamelware Kobenstyle casserole pot and cover lid with trivet top IHQ France Designed by Jens Herald Quistgaard made in France, Kobenstyle Line introduced in 1956...
Metal, Enamel
Danish Modern Kobenstyle Enamel and Cane Pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique Danish modern "Kobenstyle" enamel and cane pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The pitcher is in very good vintage condition with the exception of...
Enamel, Iron
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Serving Dish three sections Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Malaysia stamped Dansk 8.75 d x 2 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to listed images
Teak
$100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Servers Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on these set of solid teak salad servers designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, great condition stamped.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Waste Can
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A teak waste can designed by Jens Quistgaard For Dansk.
Teak
Vintage Dansk Danish Modern 'Rare Woods' Cocobolo Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Danish Modern wooden ice bucket. By Dansk. Designed by Jens Quistgaard. From Dansk's "Rare Woods" series. In cocobolo with straight sides and curved top, circular lid, and...
Plastic, Cocobolo
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary works continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk embodies this appreciation...
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Double Cube Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Double Cube" Salt & Peppermill made of teak Marked Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original condition, could use a cleaing w...
Teak
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Rare Woods Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage rosewood ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Part of the exclusive "Rare Woods" collection produced around the 1960s and 1970s, it fe...
Wood
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of six Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Included is a copy of the book "Danish Pepper" by Mark Perlson which chronicles the history of the Danish pepper mill...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Extra Large Solid Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Quistgaard Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
Rare Jens H Quistgaard for Dansk Palisander Wood Bow Tie Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Bow tie tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark circa 1960's. Tray measures 27.5" by 8.25" by 2" and is signed on verso JHQ, Dansk Designs, Denmark, Palisander. ...
Palisander
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
MCM Teak & Stainless Steel Carving Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish MCM teak and stainless steel carving set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The set includes a 14" carving knife and a 11" double pronged serving fork. Both pieces ar...
Stainless Steel
Coffe Table by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stokke coffee table designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, Denmark, circa 1960. Rosewood and polished metal. Excellent vintage condition.
Rosewood
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block round cutting board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The board is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.75"D x 2"H and has a juice...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century.
Teak