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.
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
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
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
Danish Mid-Century Modern Staved Teak Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
By Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
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
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
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
$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
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holdersJens Harald Quistgaard JHQe
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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 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
$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
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s. Nice original patina. Each signed with makers mark to the bottom.
Brass
Large Danish Brass Candlesticks by Jens Harald Quistgaard, IHQ, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of large candlesticks in engine turned solid brass. Designed in the late 1950s by Danish Industrial design icon Jens Harald Quistgaard (IHQ). They are to be used with regular ...
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
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
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 Harald Quistgaard Dansk Teak Salad Bowl and 4 Serving Bowls 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Midcentury Jens Quistgaard for DANSK iron S-shaped Sculptural Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
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
$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
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
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 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
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. produced by Dansk designs in Denmark during the 1950s. Made from solid polished brass. Good vintage condition with light age related ...
Brass
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
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
$375Sale Price / set|21% Off
Early Danish Modern "S" Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Box for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Lidded Rosewood Box for the Dansk Rare Wood Collection, Denmark, c.1960.
Wood
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
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
Small Jens Qiuistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Pair of Danish Mid-Century Modern Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Genarp, SE
Danish mid-century candleholders in silver plated bras by Jens Quistgaard. The candleholders are a rare model not often found and a beautiful examples of midcentury design. The c...
Silver, 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
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
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
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
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 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
$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
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
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