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.
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Danish Oval Teak Bowl for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A darker toned teak wood oval shaped bowl designed by Jens H. Quistgaard who is known for his earthy sculptural pepper mills, bowls, serving pieces and furniture. This earlier piece ...
Teak
Large Wenge & Butcher Block Cheese Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large wenge and butcher block cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods collection, circa 1960s. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line represented the finest designs and...
Wenge
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Staved Teak Magazine Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find Danish modern staved teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is 18" W x 17.25" D x ...
Teak
Vintage Rare Woods Dansk Pao Rosa Cutting Board Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern charcuterie cutting board designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This stunning piece is part of the rare woods col...
Wood
Jens Quistgaard Desgn for Digsmed, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sharon, CT
Early and important Jens Quistgaard designed Carving Board for Digsmed, Denmark. Signed and dated 1964. Appears to have been never used.
Wood
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Scandinavian Modern Staved Teak Lidded Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Danish modern staved teak lidded ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. The interior is lined with orange plastic and the lid sits firmly on it. Branded with the e...
Plastic, Teak
$340Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Boards by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of Danish modern teak butcher block cutting board / tray for cheese with edge by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The rectangle cutting board measures 17.25" x 11.75" x 1...
Teak
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Lattice Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted vintage tray by Dansk, this piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of Scandinavian-inspired design that defined the Mid-Century Modern era. Constructed from rich...
Teak
$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
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$250Sale Price|36% Off
Mid-century Jens Quistgaard for Danks Cube Ice Bucket c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Francisco, CA
ABOUT An original mid-century Jens Quistgaard Teak cube ice bucket with black, plastic insert. Impressed stamp on the bottom with maker's mark. CREATOR Dansk, Denmark. DATE...
Plastic, Teak
Palisander & Rosewood Box / Humidor by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very hard-to-find concave square lidded container, box or humidor designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The box is made of palisander or rosewood (same family of wood...
Palisander, Rosewood
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
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Rare Rosewood & Silver Plate Peppermill by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare Jens Quistgaard pepper mill of extraordinary design, part of Dansk's "Rare Woods" collection is made of rosewood with a silver plated band. There is a hole in the band to load...
Silver Plate, Brass
1950s Fjord Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in teak and stainless steel
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
The Fjord flatware pattern was designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954 and produced by Dansk Designs. This early version, marked Germany, represents the initial production period and reflects the material and construction standards associated with Dansk’s early output. Each piece combines stainless steel with hand-fitted teak handles. The design is defined by its clear contrast between materials and its balanced proportions. The teak handles introduce warmth and texture, while the steel elements maintain a precise and functional profile. The transition between materials is handled with a simple joint, allowing each component to remain visually distinct. This set includes 30 pieces, arranged for table service. The pieces show consistent construction and alignment, with the teak handles maintaining a uniform tone across the set. The design is associated with early Danish modern tableware...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Bowl for Dansk Design, Denmark, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oakland, CA
Solid teak ice bucket with black plastic liner designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design, circa 1960 Denmark.
Plastic, 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
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Teak Jewelry or Trinket Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and hard to find solid teak jewelry or trinket box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The box has a removable lid and measures: 14.5" W x 2.75" D x 1.5" H. The pi...
Teak
Small Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Small staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 6.5"D x 3.75"H. #3650
Teak
Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood & Steel Frame by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Chromium Plated Steel Frame, Seat Cushion and Back Upholstered with Brown Suede by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960's Additional Information: Materia...
Rosewood, Suede
$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
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, 1950s, Set of...
Brass, Iron
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 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 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
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
Danish Ceramic Ice Bucket by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden Nissen, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a handsome and highly collectible Danish modern ceramic ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden Nissen, Denmark. This sculptural piece exemplifies Quistga...
Ceramic, Cane
Round Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s Mid-Century - Decoration - Candleholders Measures : 12cmx12cm H:17cm Materials : Cast Iron - Brass A mi...
Brass, Iron
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
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
Teak
Danish Vintage Teak Plates and Bowl 1960s, Set of 6
By Wiggers, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage teak plates and bowl 1960s, set of 6. Mid-Century Modern Danish tableware in teak. This set consists of: Four teak serving plates b...
Teak
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Mutenye Tray for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Danish Modern Solid Teak Large Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic Large solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
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
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
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
Mid-20th Century Modern Scandinavian Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Beirut, LB
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of midcentury table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after an...
Wood, 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: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H): 57 x 32 ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Solid Teak Danish Congo Ice Bucket Model 810
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Model 810 Congo ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. The solid teak, Danish made ice bucket was designed in 1958. Distinguished for its elegant Scandinavian design and expert cra...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Mid Century Danish Teak Nesting Tables - Set of 3
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Jens Quistgaard Mid Century Danish Teak Nesting Tables - Set of 3 The top table measures: 20 wide x 14.5 deep x 17.75 inches high The middle table measures: 18 wide x 14.5 deep x 14...
Teak
Large Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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...
Enamel
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
Rare and Very Early Relief Teapot by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaad Ihq, 1960s
By Kronjyden, Jens Quistgaard
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
Scandinavian Teak Tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Montreal, QC
Scandinavian teak tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design Marked under base: Staved teak dansk design danmark JHQ.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Magazine Holder by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Highland, IN
This teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard is both very beautiful, and impeccably crafted. The sculptural form is elegant and highly functional ...
Teak
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
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 End Grain Teak Paddle Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage paddle shaped serving/cutting board with a built-in stainless steel serrated knife hidden in the handle. Constructed of solid end-grain teak. ...
Stainless Steel
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
Vintage Large Teak Tray Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in the 1960's. The tray is signed on the back and measures 24.75 inches long, 12.75 inches wide and 2.75 inches high.
Teak
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
JHQ Dansk Denmark Modernist Acrylic Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard acrylic plastic salad servers. Marked Dansk Designs Denmark.
1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk MCM
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and beautiful design on this large solid teak, a tray designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, circa the 1950s, great condition with raised edges, incredible craftsmanship. early...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Dansk International Designs Teak Wood & Brass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard Midcentury Danish modern teak and brass candleholder by Dansk. Mi...
Brass
Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
Teak
$200Sale Price / set|69% Off
Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray and Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
A truly hard-to-find matched set of Dansk Danish modern teak bowl and tray serveware designed by Jens Quistgaard. A very large handled serving tray is accompanied by a shallow servin...
Teak