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.
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
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
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
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard for Paro, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additio...
Metal
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
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. They are made in France of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the h...
Metal, Silver Plate
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
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
Rare Solid Mahogany Quistgaard Flatware/Desk top Box with Removable Shelves
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very unusual and very rare piece designed by Quistgaard in solid mahogany with removable shelves, stamped Denmark IHQ. Never seen one like it. with beveled edge sides. can be used ...
Mahogany
Jens Quistgaard, Candelabra, Cast Iron, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A cast iron and brass candelabra designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. fits 0.45” diameter candles
Brass, Iron
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holder Jens Harald Quistgaard JHQ Brass
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holder in brass. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically...
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
Mid-Century Danish Brass Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard, 1960s. Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 Saucer Spray Candle holdersJens Harald Quistgaard JHQe
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holders. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically made of...
Silver Plate
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
Silver Plate
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
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
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
Very Large Teak Decorative Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$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
$148Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk France Jens Quistgaard Teardrop Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, 1950s, Set of...
Brass, Iron
Midcentury Jens Quistgaard for DANSK iron S-shaped Sculptural Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Original Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Vintage Midentury Brass Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form.
Brass
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
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
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
Midcentury Catch All Watch or Key Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Catch all by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Great for a watch holder or keys. Solid teak with early Dansk mark, Denmark, 1950s.
Teak
Daish Modern solid Teak Dansk Butcher Block Candle Holder by Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$375Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early Danish Modern "S" Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Rare set of three early cast iron "S" candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. Nice black patina with polished brass accents. All stamped "Denmark". #313
Brass, Iron
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
Pair Of Vintage Iron / Brass Candlesticks By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Early Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large teak bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Iron & Brass Candlesticks
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Denton, TX
Jens Quistgaard For Dansk Iron & Brass Danish modern Candlesticks.
Iron, Brass
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
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
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s Mid-Century - Decoration - Candleholders Measures : 12cmx12cm H:17cm Materials : Cast Iron - Brass A mi...
Brass, Iron
Pair of Mid Century Modern brass candle holders by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a pair of beautiful Mid Century Modern candle holders done in solid brass, designed by Jens Quistgaard. They feature gorgeous design with 5 candle holde...
Brass
Jens H Quistgaard set of 4 candlesticks in silver metal
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Grenoble, FR
Silver metal candle holder by j. H. Quistgaard for dansk designs (American firm which published Scandinavian design . Denmark around 1960. Marked on the reverse dansk designs denmar...
Silver, Brass
Rare Hot Chocolate Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
Very rare flame stone hot chocolate pot designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. No chips or cracks. Some light scuffing on the surface.
Stone