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.
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Cast Iron Square Grid Candle Holder Candelabra ...
Iron
Candelabra or Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Vlimmeren, BE
This iconic candleholder was designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1960s. Quistgaard was a Danish designer best known for his work with ‘Dansk’, a manufacturer for which he worked from...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ Candleholders, 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sculptural pair of cast iron “Flower” candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ, 12 candle pods per item, stamped
Iron
Danish Modern Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Pair of Teardrop Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of Dansk tilting silver-plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and is true to ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Set of 2 Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, designer rec...
Metal
$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
ens Harald Quistgaard Candleholders in Green Enamel, Brass & Cast Iron, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare set of candlestick holders for tapered/ small candles. Designed by the Industrial Danish design icon Jens Harald Quistgaard during the 1960s. Fashioned from green enamel over ...
Brass, Enamel, Iron
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
Vintage Midentury Brass Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form.
Brass
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Cheese Board Jens Quistgaard Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Danish Mid-century modern teak wood cheese board set with an integrated slicer, likely designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Staved teak wood boar...
Brass, Stainless Steel
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
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
Set of 2 Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s, Set of 2, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 official proof of authenticity such as vintage catalogs, desig...
Metal
A Pair of Jens Harald Quistgaard 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
Jens Quistgaard Fireplace Tool Set for Dansk, Iron and Brass Denmark 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Troy, MI
Rare set of fireplace tools designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard Model 1400 for Dansk Denmark circa 1960 Newly restored iron shovel, broom and poker with looped handles and brass fitt...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fulton, CA
Round teak Danish Modern ice bucket with lid. Plastic insert. Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Denmark. 1970's.
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Minimalist Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Stylish torpedo shaped salt and pepper shakers in stainless steel. Designed by IHQ - Jens Harald Quistgaard for his own company Dansk Design during the 1960s. Measurements: H: 12...
Stainless Steel
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
Monumental Dansk Staved Teak Bucket Style Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and iconic staved teak ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This is the monumental 19.25-inch-tall example. It is in outstanding vintage condition, circa 1950s-1960s. N...
Plastic, Teak
Rare Jens H. Quistgaard Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket Dansk Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Large Dansk Jens Quistgaard Paella / Oven Pan Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A larger sized bright blue enameled paella / oven Kobenstyled pan manufactured by Dansk known for their quality and simple functionally. Made in Denmark and designed by Jens Quistga...
Enamel, Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk MCM Teak set of 6 Graduated Sizes - Candle Holders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
$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 Teak Serving Bowl by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Teak Sculpted Serving Bowl by Dansk. Very nice Dansk Teak Serving Bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Danish Modern, Mid Century M...
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
Bowl Made In Teak By Jens Harald Quistgaard From 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak bowl, designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in the 1960s, is a stunning example of mid-century Danish design. Crafted from rich teak wood, the bowl exudes warmth and natur...
Teak
$233Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Ceramic Candle Holders, Relief Series, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bochum, NRW
Danish stoneware candle holder from the Relief series, designed in 1959 by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden. Original manufacturer label to the back. Excellent condition. Pieces ...
Ceramic
Mid-Century Modern Casserole Dish and Stand From the Anker-Line Range
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern casserole dish and stand from the Anker-Line range. It was designed in 1954 by the renowned Danish sculptor and industrial designer Jens ...
Iron
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Pair of Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960. Stamped Denmark.
Iron
Pair Of Vintage Iron / Brass Candlesticks By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Pair of brown coated cast iron with brass accents candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in 1961. The candlesticks are from Dansk "Designs With Lights" colle...
Brass, Iron
$1,200 / set
Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Francisco, CA
Candlesticks made of brass and stamped accordingly. Priced per pair and two pairs are available.
Brass
Four Early Brass Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Candlesticks Made In Finland
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Four heavy brass candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard, made in Finland and produced for Dansk. The candlesticks measure approximate 4 3/8 inches tall and the base is...
Brass
Vintage Set Of Brown Smooth Flamestone Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION One of the first sets of tableware designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark in 1957. The tableware was named Fluted Flamestone. The set offered has 11 pi...
Ceramic
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
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
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
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$184Sale Price / item|29% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. C 1970s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
$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
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Dansk
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Dansk
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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Large Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A large divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The tray is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in ...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block cutting board / cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 18" W x 12" D x 1" H.
Teak
Set of 20 Dansk JHQ Quistgaard Gustav French Wine Glasses
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 20 Jens Quistgaard wine glasses. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
Danish Modern Tall Teak Bar Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
This iconic Danish modern ice bucket, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in the 1970s, is a perfect blend of form and function. Crafted from rich teak wood, it exemplifies Quistga...
Teak
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Coffee Pot with Mugs and Demitasses
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Quistgaard for Dansk Black Iron & Brass Swivel Candelabra, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Danish Modern Rare Pair of Iron Dansk Candle Holders by Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of iron candle holders designed by Quistgaard in cast iron take the tappered long candles comes with its original box very nice set and rare to find a pair.
Iron
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Candleholders, 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of five cast iron candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, black patina with brass accents, one candleholder stamped.
Brass, Iron
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$695Sale Price|24% 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
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
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 Rosewood Lidded Ashtray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Jens Quistgaard designed ceramic ashtray with removable rosewood lid. From his collection for Kronjyden Nissen. Denmark, 1960s
Ceramic, Rosewood