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.
$1,296Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard. Danish cast iron candlesticks, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist and Space Age style candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Dansk Design in Denmark, 1960s. Both pieces are made of solid cast iron with a centr...
Brass, Iron
$622Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Bring a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home with this iconic Jens Quistgaard candelabra, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from cast iron and brass, this sculptural piec...
Brass, Iron
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
Brutalist cast iron and brass candelabra by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This iconic candelabra or candle holder was designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1960s. A brutalist design that is made out of cast iron and brass. It has 7 adjustable arms that can ro...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Candelabra, Cast Iron
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oakland, CA
Danish sculptural candelabra designed Jens Quistgaard circa 1960 Denmark. Measurements W 4.35'' x D 4.35'' x H 7''.
Iron
$240Sale Price / set|39% Off
Vintage Set of 4 Dansk Mid-Century Candle Holders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
An array of incredible Scandinavian classic candle holders from Dansk. This set includes a spider candle holder, an Iron and Brass candle holder ...
Iron
Silver-Plated Candle Holder Crown Model Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of three (3) silver-plated candle holder is a vintage "Crown" model designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely originating from the 1960s or ...
Silver Plate
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
Silver Plate
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
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
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
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cast Iron & Brass Eight Candlestick Candelabra
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Jens Harald Quistgaard Cast Iron & Brass 8 Arm Candle Holder, Circa 1960. Featuring a balanced, curved enameled black cast iron open candlestick form base, with varied height can...
Brass, Iron
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Pair of Teardrop Candleholders
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
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
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
$3,368Sale Price / set|24% Off
H 6.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Set of Nine Candle Holders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of nine candle holders by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark.
Metal
$280
H 2.25 in Dm 7.5 in
Jens Quistgaard Modernist Tripod Iron Candle Incense Holder Dansk Original Box
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Jens Quistgaard tripod cast iron candle or incense holder by Dansk with original box. The modernist design looks great as just an object. 1950s. Made in Denmark.
Metal
1970s Dansk Star Shaped Glass Candle Holder Pair
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of Dansk star shaped glass votive candle holders, Set of two, Denmark, circa 1970s. Unmarked Dimensions: 2.25 H x 3.75 diameter- candle 1.25 diameter....
Art Glass
Pair of 1950s Jens Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Glendale, CA
Pair of 1950s Jens Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk. Executed in solid brass, these candlesticks are one of Quistgaard's most no...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Holds one 1.0” Diameter candl...
Brass
Large Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Candle Holder, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Delft, NL
Large Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs candle holder, 1960s.
Metal
$345
H 6.75 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
Vintage Mid Century Modern Candle Holders by Jens H. Quistgaar for Dansk Design.
Located in Seattle, WA
Eight Arm Candle Holder. Brutalist Design. Possibly Cast Iron . Vintage Condition Consistent with Age as Pictured. Dimensions. 5 1/2 W ; 5 1/2 D ; 6 3/4 D
Steel
$425
H 4.25 in W 4.88 in D 2 in
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
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 Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs (2)
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
Vintage DANSK 16" Purple Tiny Taper Candles Set of 11 in Box
By Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk 16" Purple Color Tiny Taper Candles Set of 11 in Original Box. These hard to find Dansk tiny taper candles are in great shape. "DANSK design with light". Mid Century Da...
Earthenware
$79
H 9.5 in W 2.625 in D 2.625 in
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage sculptural teak candle holder with brass rim designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. 9.5 inches tall
Brass
Sold
H 2.56 in W 3.55 in D 3.55 in
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Candle Holder, Midcentury Danish Sculptural metal
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in London, GB
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Candleholder, circa 1960 Black cast metal. A lovely midcentury item. Some surface rust, adds nicely to the vintage feel. Dimensions approx.: W 9 cm, H 6.5...
Metal
Sold
H 9.06 in W 11.42 in D 4.34 in
Jens Harald Quistgaard Black Brutalist Cast Iron Candelabra, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare black cast iron candelabra for 5 ball or block candles. Designed by the Industrial Danish design icon Jens Harald Quistgaard during the 1960s. Measurements: H: 23 cm, W: 29 cm...
Iron
Sold
H 10.5 in W 3.25 in D 3.25 in
Jens Quistgaard Silver and Brass Candlestick Holders by Dansk - A Pair
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of silver and brass plated candlestick holders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Japan.
Silver, Brass
Sold
H 7.09 in W 4.53 in D 4.53 in
1950 Pair of cast iron and brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard .Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Pair of black cast-iron candleholders with gold-plated brass discs designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950. suitable for 0.45” diameter candles. Jens Quistgaard ...
Brass, Iron
Brass Candle Holders by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in London, GB
Two circular brass candle holders by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s. Their elegant shape is tapered. The small one holds 5 and the large one 9 taper candles Dimensions; diameter 9 a...
Brass
Vintage Dansk Iron Candelabra by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage cast iron candleabra. made in Denmark. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. the sprial pattern can be adjusted.
Iron
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plated Candle Holder for Dansk, France, 1970's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plated Candle Holder for Dansk, France, 1970's. Signed " DANSK DESIGNS FANCE IHQ. " Beautiful natural patina.
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Candle Holder, Denmark 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Candle Holder, Denmark 1960s
Iron
Sold
H 18.51 in Dm 7.09 in
Brutalist cast iron and brass candelabra by J.H. Quistgaard, Denmark 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Steenwijk, NL
This iconic candelabra or candle holder was designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1960s. A brutalist design that is made out of cast iron and brass. It has 7 adjustable arms that can ro...
Brass, Iron
Jens H. Quistgaard, Scandinavian Cast Iron Candelabra by Dansk Design
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Norwalk, CT
Illuminate your space with a touch of Scandinavian mastery with our singular Sphere-Shaped Candelabra, crafted by the inimitable Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design. A celebration of...
Iron
Sculptural Silver Plated Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver-plated round candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". Good vintage c...
Silver Plate
Sold
H 2.37 in Dm 1.38 in
Set of 7 candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard produced by Dansk, Denmark in the 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Set of 7 candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard produced by Dansk, Denmark in 1970. The candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard are an object with a strong aesthetic impact, which allows you to cr...
Aluminum