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.
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Jens H. Quistgaard Dual Pepper - Salt Mill & Shaker in Teak, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Jens Harald Quistgaard design for his own company International Designs of Denmark. This stylish yet versatile dual combination salt & pepper shaker is made from solid teak. Makers...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block round cutting board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The board is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.75"D x 2"H and has a juice...
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Wenge Board
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A very rare platter - presentation/cutting or cheese board by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Beautifully turned Wenge timber with circular raised centre in squared end grain and concave bas...
Wenge
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peugeot Frères Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, c.1965.
Teak
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard Dansk Cheese Board + Cutting Knife 8.75 long x 5.25 d x 1 Preowned original vintage Refer to l...
Teak
$180Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak large tray for cheese with edge for placing the crackers, nice condition early production made in Denmark.
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice o...
Teak
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Kobenstyle Cooking / Fondue Set
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A three piece set of cookware or fondue pieces in a bright stunning blue with pot and lid , iron and teak holder all sitting on a teak tray . Manufactured by Dansk known for their hi...
Enamel, Steel, Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Nissen Danish Modern Lot of Ten Pepper Mills
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Lot of 10 Danish modern teak pepper mills by Dansk and one by Nissen with the black iron ring on top. Varying in size and most with Puegeot grinders. Tallest being 8". All signed. ...
Teak
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Early teak combination salt shaker and pepper mill by Jens Quistgaard. Metal grinding mechanisms produced by Peugeot Freres. The mill was produced by Dansk in Denmark. The top is for...
Teak
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful vintage 1950s teak tray with clear edges, attributed to famous Danish Designer Jens Quistgaard. A charming and useful object in very good condition.
Wood, Teak
Modernist "Odin" Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 72 Pieces
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large set of "Odin" pattern stainless steel flatware, designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark and produced in Germany for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a complete six-piece set for 12 p...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Odin" Service for Eight
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 40 pieces creating service for 8. This service was manufactured in three different countries, Germany, Kore...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Rare Wenge Wood Serving Tray Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Dansk exotic teak and wenge wood round serving tray with beautiful counterbalanced design, by renowned Danish designer, Jens Quistgaard. Engraved hallmark on bottom of tray. Denmark
Teak, Wenge
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Salt / Pepper Mill Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural teak wood salt and pepper mill designed by the iconic Danish Mid Century artist designer Jens Quistgaard. A unique and beautiful...
Teak
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Double Cube Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Double Cube" Salt & Peppermill made of teak Marked Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original condition, could use a cleaing w...
Teak
$76Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Sculptural Metal Trivet for Dansk, c.1970.
Metal
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Rare Rosewood & Silver Plate Peppermill by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A rare Jens Quistgaard pepper mill of extraordinary design, part of Dansk's "Rare Woods" collection is made of rosewood with a silver plated band. There is a hole in the band to load...
Silver Plate, Brass
Dansk Teak "SPHERE" Pepper Mill Peppermill Quistgaard JHQ IHQ Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Collectible and highly sought-after Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk teak pepper miil / salt shaker from the 1960's. Model # 855. Made in Denmark. This p...
Teak
Large MCM Stoneware Platter / Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A large MCM stoneware platter / serving tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa 19780s. The piece is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 16.75"W 14"D ...
Stoneware
Nest of Three Staved Teak Serving Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Complete set of three staved teak serving trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Designed with a slight size disparity (small, medium, and large) to allow the trays to nest together whe...
Teak
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Cordova, SC
Mid-Century Modern footed cutting board tray in teak designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This versatile piece is the perfect tool for carving and serving featuring a h...
Teak
Danish Teak Ice Bucket and Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Ice Bucket and Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Ice Bucket of flairing form with round lid, tapering lugs joined by a curved handle and contrasting ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare tray designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak, Wenge
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a teak pepper mill designed by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK, Mushroom shape. Scandinavian Modern design. Made in Denmark circa the 1960s. Tested and currently w...
Teak
MCM Stoneware Covered Casserole Dish by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice MCM stoneware covered ceramic fluted casserole dish from Dansk Designs, Denmark, circa 1970s. The piece features a matted dark brown glaze, fluted walls, domed steam-holed li...
Stoneware
Dansk Variation V Flatware Set Service for 8 with Box
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk Variation V Stainless Steel Flatware Set. Service for 8 with the box. Another great design from Quistgaard! This set dates the 196...
Stainless Steel
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary works continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk embodies this appreciation...
Stainless Steel
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of five Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Super cool set ! Please see my other Danish pepper mills...
Teak
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark Solid Palisander Rosewood Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed in the 1950s by Jens Quistgaard, this box is one of many designs he came up with for Dansk. This is one of the most special though. One of the largest available, it features...
Plastic, Palisander, Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Teak Pepper Mill for Dansk, Denmark, 20th Century.
Teak
Large Teakwood Serving Bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Odense, DK
Large teakwood bowl by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard / IHQ. Produced by Quistgaards own company "Dansk" in the 1960s. Made in best quality solid...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Odin Flatware for Dansk, 59 Pieces
By Jens Quistgaard, Løvig Design
Located in Amarillo, TX
Jens Quistgaard Odin for Dansk Silverware, 59 pieces. Germany, circa 1958. Stainless steel. Labeled "Dansk Design Germany."
Stainless Steel
Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of six Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Included is a copy of the book "Danish Pepper" by Mark Perlson which chronicles the history of the Danish pepper mill...
Teak
Early and Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Early and pare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak ice bucket or wine cooler. Solid staved steak construction with brass elements. Water tight white p...
Plastic, Teak
Sculptural Staved Teak Salad Bowl and Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Sculptural staved teak salad bowl and servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 12"D x 4.5"H. The teak and stainle...
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Pawn" Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk JHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard , Known as the "Pawn" Salt & Peppermill made of teak, in the style of a chess piece. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice original co...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Rosewood Serving Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this journey with passion and precis...
Palisander, Rosewood
Vintage Dansk Danish Modern 'Rare Woods' Cocobolo Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Danish Modern wooden ice bucket. By Dansk. Designed by Jens Quistgaard. From Dansk's "Rare Woods" series. In cocobolo with straight sides and curved top, circular lid, and...
Plastic, Cocobolo
Large Dansk Jens Quistgaard Paella / Oven Pan Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A larger sized bright blue enameled paella / oven Kobenstyled pan manufactured by Dansk known for their quality and simple functionally. Made in Denmark and designed by Jens Quistga...
Enamel, Steel
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
Teak
Dansk Designs Denmark JHQ Quistgaard stainless stir spoon olive fork
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Festivaal 'Eyeball' Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark, 1970
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Festivaal 'Eyeball' Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk, Denmark, 1970 Great Color - In as found vintage condition. Some knick, splits, and lose to color surface. (see images) "Bright...
Enamel
Vintage Dansk Large Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's.
Bamboo, Teak
Danish Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Curved design with tapering handles and running mouldings to the side and base. Branding to the base. Tray...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Wenge Tray by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$220Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare XLarge Tray Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful design on this large solid teak, a tray designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, circa the 1950s, great condition with raised edges, incredible craftsmanship. early stamp at the b...
Teak
Teak Salad Serving Bowls by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Pair
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary pieces continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk exemplifies this lasting ...
Teak
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes. Each dish has feet that fits into the lattice on the tray. Length 46.5 cm. Marked JHQ Dansk Designs...
Glass, Teak
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Mid Century Danish Modern tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Constructed of solid staved teak, this iconic example is in excellent, original, clean and ready to u...
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
Monumental Dansk Staved Teak Bucket Style Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and iconic staved teak ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This is the monumental 19.25-inch-tall example. It is in outstanding vintage condition, circa 1950s-1960s. N...
Plastic, Teak
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
Danish Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Bucket of flairing form with round lid, tapering lugs joined by a curved handle and contrasting red plastc in...
Teak
Danish Modern Staved Teak "Congo" Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk Form, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Light scuffs to the oran...
Plastic, Teak
Danish Modern Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern staved teak tapered bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is 11.5"D x 4.5"H and in very good condition. Signed on the underside. #3875
Teak
Fine Original Early Dansk Large Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
The best and possibly largest two handle Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark . Very clean original no cracks or bruise . Little evidence of previous use . Stamp...
Wood