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.
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
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
Small Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Mid-Century Modern Teak Bar Cart Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
Danish Wrought Iron Adjustable Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Weesp, NL
Step into the timeless elegance of mid-century design with this exquisite 1960s Wrought Iron Tabletop Candleholder, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denma...
Brass, Wrought Iron
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Kronjyden, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of 4 coaster plates by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Manufactured for Kronjyden by Nissen ca 1960s. The plates are made from solid Wengé, a rare wood with a beautiful...
Wood, Wenge
Set of Three Staved Teak Cutting Boards / Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak carving boards with checkerboard cutting surfaces (Denmark, circa 1965). Includes three boards in total: one large round board, one smaller board, and one round, asymmetrical board, which is elevated to one side. All boards have a recessed cavity for bread / crackers. Nice collection of these early examples in good, vintage condition with knife impressions, as shown. All are branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ." We have one larger board in the same pattern listed separately. Measures: Large round: 14" diameter x 1" height Small round: 10" diameter x .75" height Elevated tray...
Teak
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Rare Danish Ovenproof Pottery Dish by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Kronjyden, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This decorative tray features the rarest series/pattern by IHQ/Quistgaard and does not have a name. It was launched in the mid-late 1950s as a probationary run by the manufacturer Kr...
Pottery
Rare Jens H. Quistgaard Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket Dansk Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket designed by the Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark in the 1960's. From his 'Rare Woods’ Limited Edition collection. Scandinavi...
Wenge
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Rare Woods Wenge Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk rare woods tray by Jens Quistgaard. Finely crafted of solid exoctic woods, including Wenge. Stamped JHQ Denark.
Wenge
$450Sale Price / set|62% Off
Set of Sixteen Dansk France JHQ faceted stemmed Gustav Water Glasses Goblets
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 16 Dansk JHQ Qistgaard "Gustav" water goblets. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
Daish Modern solid Teak Dansk Butcher Block Candle Holder by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare design solid teak butcher block large candle holder with brass insert designed by Quistgaard circa 1980's.
Brass
Dansk Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Wonderful Danish designed multi-head candleholder. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Candleholder heads can be adjusted horizontally in a spiral.
Iron
Set of Twenty Four Silver Plated Pilar Candlesticks by Dansk
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
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Staved Teak Chip and Dip Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Staved teak chip and dip tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The tray has a removable glass dip bowl.
Teak, Glass
Coffe Table by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stokke coffee table designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, Denmark, circa 1960. Rosewood and polished metal. Excellent vintage condition.
Rosewood
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Serving Dish three sections Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Malaysia stamped Dansk 8.75 d x 2 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to listed images
Teak
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Capped Carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak capped carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s.
Teak
$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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk MCM Teak set of 6 Graduated Sizes - Candle Holders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
Nice set of six sold teak wood & brass Jens Quistgaard for Dansk mid-century modern graduated in size candle holders or candlesticks. In fine original condition, one owner set, show...
Brass
Set of 2 NOS, 1960s Candleholder Jens Harald Quistgaard, Dansk Designs, Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Set of two candleholder elements new old stock. Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1960s Original Danish cand...
Iron
$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
Jens Quistgaard Viking Wine Cooler
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large Dansk cooler
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes...
Glass, 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
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Staved Teak Banded Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Very nice, freshly oiled, lidded, staved teak ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is in excellent condition and retains its original black plastic ice liner...
Teak
Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Danish Modern Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron Swivel 7 Arm Candle Holder. Featuring a enameled black cast iron tree form with adjustable an...
Brass, Iron
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury 1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk
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
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
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark, circa 1960 Branded on Bottom: Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade miner...
Hardwood
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Coaster Set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$250Sale Price|23% Off
Danish Modern Oval Shaped Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern oval shaped staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 14"W x 9.5"D x 4.5"H. Early ...
Teak
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
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
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teakwood salad bowl made by Dansk and designed by Jens Quistgaard great for a center piece or making that yummy salad . Manufactured in the manner of Danish wood wood working .
Teak
Set of 20 Dansk JHQ Quistgaard Gustav French Wine Glasses
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 20 Jens Quistgaard wine glasses. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
MCM Teak & Stainless Steel Carving Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish MCM teak and stainless steel carving set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The set includes a 14" carving knife and a 11" double pronged serving fork. Both pieces ar...
Stainless Steel
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
$160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salad Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM teak salad servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The servers are made of solid teak and they measure 13.25" long x 2"...
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
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Design Denmark, 1960's three pairs available - sold separately some small imperfections in the finish "Stylish ...
Stainless Steel
$350Sale Price|46% Off
Pair of early and rare Dansk Danmark JHQ salad servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
I have handled and seen a lot of Dansk salad servers . This pair is one of the more scarce designs . Stamped Danmark with the JHQ signature initia...
Teak
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
$215 / item
Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak large salad bowl design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens ...
Teak
$195Sale Price|29% Off
Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard Design Stainless Steel Salt Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Jens Quistgaard design for Dansk. Salt and pepper shakers in stainless steel. Pinhead dings light scratches throughout evident only on close inspection .
Stainless Steel
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice, symmetric, staved teak bowl by renowned Mid-Century designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Copper and Brass Lidded Pot for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lidded pot by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This piece produced in Denmark in the 1960s, features a copper pot and lid with brass handle details. Dimensions 10" diameter x 4" height. ...
Brass, Copper
Danish Teak Trays 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
$945Sale Price|30% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Tray Manufactured By Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A lacquered wood tray with a flat rim in the form of an eye.
Lacquer
$740Sale Price|20% Off
Early Danish Teak Centerpiece Serving Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plate Crown Candle Centerpiece by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Original Jens Quistgaard silver plate crown candle centerpiece by Dansk. Comes in the original box. Shows a warm aged patina which can be polished to perfection. Dimension centerpiec...
Silver Plate
JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Danish teak salad servers. Part of a recently acquired large collection.
Teak
Staved Teak Bowl by the Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Goteborg, SE
Staved bowl in massive teak by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Quistgaard designed the bowl for his own company Dansk Designs and was inspired by traditional Scand...
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