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 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
Jens Quistgaard Rare Woods Palisander Tray For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
Beautiful palisander tray with “butterfly” inlay, a piece from Jen Quistgaards Rare Woods Line for Dansk, designed in 1961. Jens Quistgaard ...
Palisander
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Rectangular Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard rectangular tray for Dansk.
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
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
Jens Quistgaard Design Teak Box for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Jens Quistgaard design teak table top card or accessories box for Dansk, Denmark. Simple yet sophisticated design by Quistgaard an early example with the three duck stamp, Denmark. I...
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes. Each dish has feet that fits into the lattice on the tray. Length 46.5 cm. Marked JHQ Dansk Designs...
Glass, Teak
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
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Ice Bucket with Vintage Bird Claw Tongs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional mid-century barware offering, featuring an iconic staved teak ice bucket designed by master Danish designer Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, paired with a classic...
Chrome
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Wenge Wood Serving Tray Made in Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
1970s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1970s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, tall form with raised rings. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice ori...
Teak
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
Jens Quistgaard JHQ copper ice bucket with porcelain insert for Dansk Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk design Denmark . Copper lidded ice bucket with porcelain insert . Appropriate for hot dishes as well . Nice patina finish .
Brass, Copper
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
Slim Tapered Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Delft, NL
Slim Tapered Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
Metal
$220Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare XLarge Tray Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
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 stamp at the b...
Teak
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The bowl is 11.5" in diameter and 4.5" high and in very good condition.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern 2
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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 Dansk Aqua "Festivaal" Cutting Board Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens Qu...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in the mid-20th century. Scandinavian Modern style...
Teak
Danish Modern White Enamel Købenstyle Fondue Pot by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk Form
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Købenstyle fondue pot with white enamel finish and solid teak handle supported by a cast iron base with sculptural teak feet designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk (ca. 1950s, Denmark...
Enamel, Iron
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cube Circle Teak Ice Bucket, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk, Digsmed Design
Located in Decatur, GA
Rare and highly sculptural “Cube” ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed in richly grained teak, the ice bucket takes the...
Teak
Vintage Midcentury Pair of Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form. Price per pair. Three pairs available.
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Modern Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
Cast Iron
Rare Pre-Dansk Teak "Bowtie" Salt & Pepper Mill by Jens Quistgaard - Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cast Iron & Brass Eight Candlestick Candelabra
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Jens Harald Quistgaard Cast Iron & Brass 8 Arm Candle Holder, Circa 1960. Featuring a balanced, curved enameled black cast iron open candlestick form base, with varied height can...
Brass, Iron
Mid-Century Danish Brass Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard, 1960s. Set of 2.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Mid-Century Danish Brass Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard, 1960s. Set of 2. Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holders in solid cast brass designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk...
Brass
Dansk Rare Woods Monumental Palisander Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Large and rare ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for the Dansk rare woods line. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line was the finest designs and materials. Dansk described...
Palisander
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Metal Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additional information:...
Metal
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. Solid teak with stainless steel flintlock pistol inlay. Denmar...
Teak
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Two-piece cast iron candleholder or vessel designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A sculptural and scarce form from Quistgaard's ce...
Iron
Vintage Dansk Fjord Pattern Serving Spoon Jens Quistgaard Ihq Danish Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Lattice Serving Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Slatted Rosewood Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully constructed Brazilian rosewood serving tray, comprised of ten radius backed slats with fingered tenons mortised through the oval formed sid...
Rosewood
Unusual Danish Mutenye Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large Mutenye (African hardwood) salad bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina. From the the "Rare Woods Collection". Note butterfly joints. Also Danish teak spoons...
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk Denmark reverse top teak occasional side table
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Classic Dansk woodwork creates a beautifully shaped, removable and reverse able tray top . The sculptor Jens Harald Quistgaard worked with solid wood, bonding three layers of teak...
Teak
Early and Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and pare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak ice bucket or wine cooler. Solid staved steak construction with brass elements. Water tight white p...
Plastic, Teak
$396Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Congo" Teak Ice Bucket, Model 810, Danish Modern IHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Carlos, CA
An outstanding example of the Dansk Congo ice bucket — Model 810 — designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced in Denmark during the 1960s. The Congo stands as one of the most ce...
Plastic, Teak
Dansk Mixed Woods Series Bamboo and Teak Ice Bucket, Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New Windsor, NY
Dansk Designs Mixed Woods Series bamboo and teak ice bucket. Circa 1970. Black plastic liner. Burn in stamp mark on the bottom, Dansk Designs, Denmark, IHQ. Good overall condition wi...
Bamboo, Plastic, Teak
Danish Modern Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern staved teak tapered bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is 11.5"D x 4.5"H and in very good condition. Signed on the underside. #3875
Teak
Pair of Cast Iron Candlesticks 'Triangle' by Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s
By Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Illum Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of decorative and sculptural cast iron candlesticks with amazing patina. Designed 1961 by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Ltd. Model name: Triangle (for ca 2,5 cm ca...
Metal, Iron
Lacquered Serving Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A turquoise lacquered wood tray with broad, indented handles.
Wood
Sculptural Staved Teak Salad Bowl and Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural staved teak salad bowl and servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 12"D x 4.5"H. The teak and stainle...
Stainless Steel
ens Harald Quistgaard Vintage Danish Butter Knives, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 6 Butter or dinner Knives designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Raadvad in Denmark during the 1950s or early 60s. Materials: stainless steel and faux bone h...
Stainless Steel
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
Danish Mid-Century Modern Staved Teak Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
By Jens Quistgaard, Nissen
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Danish mid-century modern staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen. Designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Richard Nissen in De...
Teak
Danish Scandinavian Candelabras Candlesticks Holders Jen Quistgaard, Pair
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A substantial pair of Danish Modern Scandinavian Modern candelabras / candlestick holder by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, mid-20th century, 1960s, Mid Century Modern period. A great set ...
Iron
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salt and Pepper Shakers with Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Pawn" Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk JHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Rare and Very Early Relief Teapot by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaad Ihq, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden
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
Dansk Sculptural Double-Form White Ceramic Vase, Danish Modern Minimalist Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A striking sculptural ceramic vase by Dansk, executed in a clean white glazed finish with an architectural double-column form. The design features two vertically fused cylindrical bo...
Ceramic
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of Danish Modern brass candle holders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Solid br...
Brass