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.
Wrought Iron Pineapple Candleholder by JHQ
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
JHQ - Dansk designs pineapple candelabra in darkened black metal, holds nine candles. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in 1960s. Great original condition.
Metal
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Candleholders, 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
Danish Modern Rare Pair of Iron Dansk Candle Holders by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Small Portable Staved Teak Cheese Tray with Knife by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Small portable staved teak cheese tray with knife by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970's. The set is in very good vintage condition and measures 5"W x 8.5"D x 1"H; the knife hide...
Stainless Steel
Pair Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Modern Swirl Candle Holder Stick 3 Pairs Avail
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and elegant pair of early cast iron candle holders with brass accents designed by Jens Quistgaard and made in Denmark by Dansk. These candle holders have an S shaped base t...
Brass, Iron
Midcentury Serving Tray in Rosewood By Quistgaard, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Rosewood serving tray, designed by Jens Harrald Quistggard and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard Viking Wine Cooler
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large Dansk cooler
Teak
$375Sale Price|21% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice staved teak bowl by renowned Dansk designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. #35
Teak
Quistgaar Jhq Dansk Denmark Wenge Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Excellent overall condition age crack to body.
Wenge
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
Pair of Solid Teak Salad Server Tongs by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of solid teak salad servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped in the handle. Denmark, 1950s
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
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
$148Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk France Jens Quistgaard Teardrop Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Interesting pair of Dansk tilting silver plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and are true ...
Metal
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Staved Teak Banded Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Palisander & Rosewood Box / Humidor by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Woods
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Vintage Danish Cast Iron Adjustable Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Geneva, CH
vintage cast iron adjustable candlestick made in Denmark by Jens Quistgaard produced by Dansk ca. 1960 H 48 x D 20 cm Signed under the base
Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Low Profile Wenge Wood Serving or Dresser Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the JHQ Dansk rare wood series. Wenge low serving or dresser top tray.
Wenge
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
$300Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark teak salad servers. Recently purchased with large collection of modernist servers.
Teak
$140Sale Price|20% Off
Staved Teak Chip and Dip Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
Original Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark 1970s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder element Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1970s Description: Original Danish candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Dansk Designs in the 1970s in Denmark. It is made of cast iron and features eight holders for candles. This item remains in a very nice vintage condition without damage. It is marked underneath the base with the producer (Dansk Designs + Denmark) and designer print...
Metal
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cheese Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
$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
Jens Quistgaard Slatted Rosewood Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and highly desirable slatted tray crafted from rich Brazilian rosewood by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard, part of his celebrated Rare Woods series. This exceptio...
Rosewood
Pair of Dansk solid teak salad servers marked JHQ Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine pair of solid teak salad servers . Designed by Jens Harold Quistgaard (JHQ ) for Dansk . Servers Stamped JHQ Denmark .
Wood, 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
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
$250Sale Price|23% Off
Danish Modern Oval Shaped Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
$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
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
$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
Large Staved Teak 'Congo' Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Surface scratch along with one 7" crack to the orange plastic lining (crack does not affect the presentation of the bucket, remains solely an interior flaw). Exterior wear is minor and consistent with age/use. Listing is for the large bucket alone- image with this bucket and the standard size Dansk bucket...
Plastic, Teak
$1,000 / set
Group of candlesticks by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Group of 23 candlesticks in silver plated metal - Designed by Jens Quistgaard - Made in Denmark in the 1960's
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Iron & Brass Candlesticks
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Denton, TX
Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Iron & Brass Danish modern Candlesticks.
Iron, Brass
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs Scandinavian Modern Staved Teak Lidded Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Candlestick Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Candlestick designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Brass, Steel
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
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
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
Vintage Set Of Brown Smooth Flamestone Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard sculptural tray table in teak Denmark 1960
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Etten-Leur, NL
A sculptural tray table designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark during the 1960s, combining functional versatility with his characteristic approach to solid teak. Crafted in teak, th...
Teak
Vintage Rare Woods Dansk Pao Rosa Cutting Board Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$195Sale Price|29% Off
Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard Design Stainless Steel Salt Pepper Shakers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
$6,400 / set
Pair of Teak Side Tables by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Dallas, TX
A pair of teak side tables with brass hardware. Design by Jens Quistgaard.
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
Four Early Brass Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Candlesticks Made In Finland
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Dansk End Grain Teak Paddle Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 Wenge Tray by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Highland, IN
A stunningly beautiful design by Jens Quistgaard from Dansk's "Rare Woods" collection, this sculptural tray is crafted of solid wenge wood.
Wenge
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
Finely Crafted Rosewood and Teak Reversible Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Finely crafted rosewood and teak reversible serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.One side in exotic wood grain is smooth and concave to the center...
Teak
Round Small Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage round cutting board in end-grain teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Great for use a charcuterie or serving board. Marked "Dansk Designs Den...
Teak