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.
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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 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
Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$945Sale Price|30% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Tray Manufactured By Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A lacquered wood tray with a flat rim in the form of an eye.
Lacquer
$301Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Curved design with tapering handles and running mouldings to the side and base. Branding to the base. Tray...
Teak
$377Sale Price / set|20% Off
Danish Teak Ice Bucket and Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Ice Bucket and Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Ice Bucket of flairing form with round lid, tapering lugs joined by a curved handle and contrasting ...
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
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs 1960s, Set of 2. Set of two small silver plated onion or tear drop...
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard Viking Wine Cooler
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large Dansk cooler
Teak
Early Danish Teak Centerpiece Serving Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Mid-Century Modern Teak Bar Cart Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Totally fabulous teak bar cart by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Fixed trays are 19.5 x 27.5 and 15.5 x 28. Teak so it can withstand the elements outdoors. Large wheels roll effortlessly...
Iron
$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
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
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 Waste Can
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A teak waste can designed by Jens Quistgaard For Dansk.
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
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 Dansk Danish Teak Ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Square lidded Danish Teak ice bucket . Designed by Jens Quistgaard JHQ for Dansk Designs . Clean original stamped Dansk International Designs LTD JHQ Denmark .
Plastic, Teak
Vintage Dansk Extra Large Solid Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Quistgaard Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Danish Modern Mid-Size Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Mod...
Teak
Round 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. Recessed, grooved edges serve well for cutting roasts or other cooked m...
Teak
Midcentury Catch All Watch or Key Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Catch all by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Great for a watch holder or keys. Solid teak with early Dansk mark, Denmark, 1950s.
Teak
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
Danish Modern Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Round, teak ice bucket with black plastic interior insulation designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk (1960s, Denmark). Elegant form with vivid teak grain a...
Plastic, Teak
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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk Teak Salad Bowl and 4 Serving Bowls 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Model 145 Teak Mirror by Aksel Kjersgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Arne Basse
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
Rare Pre-Dansk Teak "Bowtie" Salt & Pepper Mill by Jens Quistgaard - Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, highly coveted, and collector-grade vintage mid-century modern sculptural combination salt shaker and pepper mill, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard, circa ea...
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
Jens Quistgaard for Peter Lovig Rosewood Sideboard
By Lovig Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous Jens Quistgaard for Peter Lovig rosewood sideboard with tambour fronted doors, opening to a central bank of drawers, flanked on either side by ...
Rosewood
$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
Pair of Stokke Lounge Chairs by Jens H. Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
'Stokke' lounge chair by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Denmark, designed and produced in the 1960s. The 'Stokke' chair features Rosewood rails held together with chrome p...
Steel, Chrome
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
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
Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Rosewood Serving Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Palisander Rosewood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this ...
Palisander, Rosewood
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
$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
JHQ Dansk Denmark Modernist Acrylic Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard acrylic plastic salad servers. Marked Dansk Designs Denmark.
Jens Quistgaard Danish Design Teak Tabletop Lazy Susan Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Danish design staved teak swivelling lazy Susan tabletop serving centerpiece. Beautiful natural grain to teak. Hand crafted in Malaysia, c. 1970's. Signed ...
Teak
Seldom seen Jens Quistgaard Dansk tall JHQ ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
1960s Surfboard Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in teak
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark during the 1960s, this extra-large surfboard tray represents one of the most recognized and celebrated serving objects...
Teak
Teak 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
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
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
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
Teak
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
Jens Quistgaard pair of cast iron and brass candlesticks for Dansk .Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great design in this pair of cast iron candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard , by Dansk, marked JHQ plus Denmark .
Iron
Jens Quistgaard Serving Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving tray in teak designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak
Assortment of 5 Vintage Salt Pepper Mills Grinder Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Assortment of 5 vintage salt pepper mills grinder Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard 1 Mill made in England. Not certain who designed this one. The ot...
Wood
Jens Quistgaard Teak Tray Table, Denmark 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Utrecht, NL
Danish sculptor and industrial designer Jens Quistgaard (1919–2008) had a distinguished career in Denmark and the United States, and was especially active during the 1950s and '60s. ...
Teak
Danish Mid-Century Modern Silver Plated Candlesticks, Set of Twenty Four.
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
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Bowl for Dansk Design, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Utrecht, NL
Jens H. Quistgaard set out to design beautiful things for everyday use, which is an essentially Scandinavian approach to design in general. Over the course of his prolific and varied design career, Jens Quistgaard created objects that are a meditation on the possibilities of shape for a common household object. Intriguing and fantastical, the variety of forms the sculptor manifested expand the vocabulary of functional design, calling on an array of familiar references including natural shapes. This solid wood bowl is a beautiful example of this, with an organic shape and an immediately visible level of craftsmanship. This rare model is an early iteration of the teak Viking...
Wood
Silvered Metal CandleHolder by Jens Quistgaard, 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brussels, BE
Silvered Metal CandleHolder by Jens Quistgaard, 1970s
Metal
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
Teak Salad Serving Bowls 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
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
Teak
Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ Quistgaard stainless stir spoon olive fork
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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