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.
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
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
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Brass midcentury Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 6
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A group of 6 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 cand...
Brass
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 pair of cast iron and brass candlesticks for Dansk .Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great design in this pair of cast iron candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard , by Dansk, marked JHQ plus Denmark .
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 Star Shaped Candle Holder Yellow Green Iron, Danish Modern 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Internationals Ltd, USA. Made 1960s. This is rare version with yellow green lacquer. It's made...
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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage sculptural teak candle holder with brass rim designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. 9.5 inches tall
Brass
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Brass Candlesticks, Scandinavian Modern, 1964
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard Solid Brass Candlesticks with fitted rings to allow for 2 sizes of candles. Nice Original condition, signed on bottom.
Brass
$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
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
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Tear Drop Candleholders in Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1990s. They are made of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the holder has ...
Metal, Silver Plate
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
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A set of six brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches...
Brass
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 Harald Quistgaard Danish 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
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Pair of Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960. Stamped Denmark.
Iron
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
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
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - set of 4 Mid Century Danish - Decoration Vintage candle holders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in silver metal. Designed by Jens H. ...
Silver Plate
Three Dansk Polished Brass Candle Holders by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Mateo, CA
Set of three brass candle holders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. These have a very elegant modern design. The top portion of the candle holder can be removed and then with th...
Brass
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
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
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs 1960s, Set of 2. Set of two small silver plated onion or tear drop...
Silver Plate
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
Jens Quistgaard Cast Metal Candleholders for Dansk, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of sculptural candleholders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s. Executed in cast metal, the design reflects Quistgaard’s signature ability t...
Metal
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
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
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
Set of 2 NOS, 1960s Candleholder Jens Harald Quistgaard, Dansk Designs, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
$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
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
Vintage Danish Cast Iron Adjustable Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Brass Candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Set of 6
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A set of six brass candle sticks by the Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for the renowned manufacturer Dansk. The candlesticks have a rich patina consistent with age and use. Stamp of...
Brass
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Dansk International Designs Teak Wood & Brass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard Midcentury Danish modern teak and brass candleholder by Dansk. Mi...
Brass
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
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
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