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 Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 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
Jens Quistgaard Iron "Candelabrums" for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Iron "Candelabrums" for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's. Stamped Denmark & IHQ.
Iron
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
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plated Candle Holder for Dansk, France, 1970's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plated Candle Holder for Dansk, France, 1970's. Signed " DANSK DESIGNS FANCE IHQ. " Beautiful natural patina.
Silver Plate
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
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
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 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
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 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
$631Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Bring a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home with this iconic Jens Quistgaard candelabra, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from cast iron and brass, this sculptural piec...
Brass, Iron
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
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak large tray for cheese with edge for placing the crackers, nice condition early production made in Denmark.
Teak
$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
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. Each coaster is stamped, JHQ Denmark. Solid teak. Denmark, 1950s.
Teak
$240Sale Price / set|39% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Dansk Mid-Century Candle Holders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
An array of incredible Scandinavian classic candle holders from Dansk. This set includes a spider candle holder, an Iron and Brass candle holder ...
Iron
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
$76Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970.
Metal
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Wenge Wood Serving Tray Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Dansk exotic teak and wenge wood round serving tray with beautiful counterbalanced design, by renowned Danish designer, Jens Quistgaard. Engraved hallmark on bottom of tray. Denmark
Teak, Wenge
MCM Stoneware Covered Casserole Dish by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice MCM stoneware covered ceramic fluted casserole dish from Dansk Designs, Denmark, circa 1970s. The piece features a matted dark brown glaze, fluted walls, domed steam-holed li...
Stoneware
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of five 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. Super cool set ! Please see my other Danish pepper mills...
Teak
$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
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
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
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
$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
Teak Tambour Door Credenza by Jens Quistgard for Lovig Dansk
By Lovig Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A stunning example of Danish modern design, this vintage teak credenza by Jens Quistgaard for Lovig Dansk features beautifully crafted tambour doors that glide smoothly behind the ca...
Wood, Teak
$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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Kobenstyle Cooking / Fondue Set
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A three piece set of cookware or fondue pieces in a bright stunning blue with pot and lid , iron and teak holder all sitting on a teak tray . Manufactured by Dansk known for their hi...
Enamel, Steel, Iron
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Pawn" Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk JHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Pawn" Salt & Peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original co...
Teak
Coffee table decorated with brown tiles by Jens Harald Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Coffee table in patinated oak decorated with brown tiles. Stamped by manufacturer Nissen Langaa. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard.
Stoneware, Oak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$1,321Sale 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
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Double Cube Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Jens Quistgaard Fireplace Tool Set for Dansk, Iron and Brass Denmark 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Troy, MI
Rare set of fireplace tools designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard Model 1400 for Dansk Denmark circa 1960 Newly restored iron shovel, broom and poker with looped handles and brass fitt...
Brass, Iron
$60Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Danish Brass Candleholder by Jen H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Danish brass candleholder designed by Jens Quistgaard. Holds 5 taper candles. Included is one box of 12 original vintage taper candles Meas...
Brass
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
Nest of Three Staved Teak Serving Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Complete set of three staved teak serving trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Designed with a slight size disparity (small, medium, and large) to allow the trays to nest together whe...
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
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
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Odin Flatware for Dansk, 59 Pieces
By Løvig Design, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Amarillo, TX
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 59 pieces. Germany, circa 1958. Stainless steel. Labeled "Dansk Design Germany."
Stainless Steel
Large Dansk Jens Quistgaard Paella / Oven Pan Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A larger sized bright blue enameled paella / oven Kobenstyled pan manufactured by Dansk known for their quality and simple functionally. Made in Denmark and designed by Jens Quistga...
Enamel, Steel
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 Quistgaard Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare tray designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak, Wenge
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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage sculptural teak candle holder with brass rim designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. 9.5 inches tall
Brass
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 Quistgaard Star Shaped Candle Holder Yellow Green Iron, Danish Modern 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Internationals Ltd, USA. Made 1960s. This is rare version with yellow green lacquer. It's made...
Iron
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
Vintage 1950s Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design Bowl, Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk during the 1950s. Made from solid staved teak. Good vintage condition. Aside from its utilitarian duty, th...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Rosewood Serving Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Palisander, Rosewood
$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