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.
Midcentury Danish small teak table, 1960's, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, signed
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A tiny mid century folding side teak table, Denmark 1960's, by Jens Quistgaard. Lovely details, solid wood, can be packed flat. Signed / impressed marks. Please note that we often ha...
Brass
Large Dansk Staved Teak Centerpiece / Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A large Mid Century staved teak center piece or serving bowl with rounded edges and beveled top rim . Early production with the three duck mark and branded Dansk manufactures mark , ...
Teak
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teak serving bowl designed by the iconic designer Jens H. Quistgaard who's organic pieces including pepper mills, serving pieces and furniture were both practical and beautiful . T...
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 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
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
1970's Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Bar Card w/ Removable Teak Tray
By Johannes Andersen, Nissen, Jens Quistgaard, Poul Hundevad
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern bar cart for sale. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, and is all original. It's made of teak, and has a removable teak butcher block cutting b...
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
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches...
Brass
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
Early Dansk Koben Style Sauté Pan by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very early production Koben style sauté pan in a sky blue turquoise tone with wrapped handle . The finely woven wrap to the handle and the enameled steel p...
Enamel, Steel
MCM Sculpted Glass Ring Holder with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM sculpted glass ring holder with box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in very good vintage condition and measure as follows: Box 5" x 4.5" x 3.5...
Glass
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's "some scratches, etc. and an imperfection / repair on the interior of the bowl - see images" "beautif...
Teak
$320Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Blue & White Enamel Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice pair of Danish modern blue & white enamel bowls by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowls are in very good vintage condition with no chips to the enamel and me...
Enamel
$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
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Coffee Pot with Mugs and Demitasses
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Denmark 'Flamestone' coffee or tea pot, four demitasses, four mugs, and eight saucers (four small / four larger) by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1958-1964. Features the Flamestone signature slate, almost brown glazed-earthenware with striated pattern and white porcelain interior (pitcher has a green tinge to the porcelain interior). Elegant, attractive set with only one fleck to the rim of one of the mugs (very minor and easy to miss -- see photos 15 and 16 for closeups). Early, Danish production, as indicated by the markings and rough exterior (a smooth version was introduced in 1964). Measures: Pitcher H 13.5" x L 7.5" x D 5" Coffee mugs H 3.75" x L 4" x D 3.13" Coffee saucers...
Earthenware, Porcelain
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
$2,350 / item
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8 plus 3 Serving Pieces. Elegant 1960's Design named after one of his daughters! Elongated Beautiful Design, will make the worst meal t...
Stainless Steel
Large Early Stamp Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Serving Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Dansk teak tray with duck logo marked JHQ , staved teak, Danmark . Very nice condition.
Teak
Midcentury Jens Quistgaard for DANSK iron S-shaped Sculptural Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of 6, highly sculptural, cast iron S-shaped candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK. Fully marked JHQ DENMARK on the base. Candles not included. Each candleholder accepts a .5...
Brass, Iron
$184Sale Price / item|29% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. C 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scand...
Teak
1960s Dansk Designs Teak Bamboo Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
AMBIANIC presents 1960s Dansk Teak and Bamboo Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard Dansk Design IHQ Denmark 5 x 11.75 Maker stamped. Preowned Original vintage unrestored condition See all i...
Bamboo, Teak
Small Jens Qiuistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Smaller size Dansk bowl. One I have never seen. Turned teak wood. Fine condition possibly never used. Marked JHQ Dansk Denmark.
Teak
$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
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
Set of Six Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Dinner Plates
By Dansk Form, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Danish 'Flamestone' dinner plates by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk designs, circa early 1960s (the largest dinner plates Quistgaard designed for this line). Features the Flame...
Earthenware, Porcelain
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Salt and Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish 'Flamestone' earthenware salt and pepper shakers by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk designs, circa 1958-1964. Features the Flamestone signature slate glaze with striated pattern ...
Porcelain, Stoneware
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salt and Pepper Shakers with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of MCM teak salt and pepper shakers with original box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The set are in very good vintage co...
Teak
$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
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
$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
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
1960s Danish Teak Bowl by Dansk Design Denmark Design by Jens Harald Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Teak bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Producer Dansk design, Denmark, 1960s. Original 1960s teak bowl made in Denmark. Desigend by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in high qua...
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 H. Quistgaard Teak Serving Tray by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A divided teak wood tray with an end-grain teak cutting surface and a recessed section, designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. Branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ...
Wood, 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
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
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Box for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Lidded Rosewood Box for the Dansk Rare Wood Collection, Denmark, c.1960.
Wood
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's "beautiful color and wood grain" "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade mineral oil" Small Tray: 20....
Teak
Nesting Tables in Rosewood by Jens Quistgaard, 1964
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Nesting Tables in Rosewood by Jens Quistgaard, 1964 Additional Information: Material: Rosewood Style: midcentury, Scandinavian Produced by Nissen in Denmark Dimensions (W x D ...
Rosewood
Serving Tray in Teak and Bamboo by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak and Bamboo by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak and bamboo Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions...
Teak
Unique Desk or Table Made by Jens Harald Quistgaard in 1953, Solid Teak and Oak
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Odense, DK
A stunning Scandinavian solid unique teak & oak table or desk with continuous drawer and slightly sloping legs and two crossed iron bars. The desk was drawn and executed as a special...
Iron
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
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
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
Rare Dansk Oval Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Rare Dansk Oval Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
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 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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Candlesticks in Patinated Brass, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles...
Brass
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 for Dansk Solid Teak Danish Congo Ice Bucket Model 810
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Large Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
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...
Enamel
Stokke Rosewood & Suede Lounge Chair by Jens H. Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Deland, FL
The iconic 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...
Rosewood
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
Solid 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. Exquisite woodwork and a beautifully shaped, removable tray surface that can function as a bowl characterise this Danis...
Teak
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
Staved Teak "Viking Bowl" by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Serving Bowl by Dansk. Beautiful Teak serving bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ, Danish Modern, Mid Century Modern. In very good original condition....
Teak
Teak Side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark. 1950s, circular, wood
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark. 1950s Teak.
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cheese Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very hard to find light wood Danish modern butcher block cutting board / cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures ...
Ash
Jens Quistgaard Teak Magazine Holder by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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