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.
Monumental Dansk Staved Teak Bucket Style Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Rare Pre-Dansk Teak "Bowtie" Salt & Pepper Mill by Jens Quistgaard - Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional, highly coveted, and collector-grade vintage mid-century modern sculptural combination salt shaker and pepper mill, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard, circa ea...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Fjord Pattern Serving Spoon Jens Quistgaard Ihq Danish Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Fjord pattern serving spoon, designed by Jens Quistgaard with a signature teak handle and stainless steel head. (IHQ) Made in Germany. Mid-Ce...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Dansk Extra Large Solid Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Quistgaard Dansk
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
Danish Ceramic Ice Bucket by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden Nissen, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a handsome and highly collectible Danish modern ceramic ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Kronjyden Nissen, Denmark. This sculptural piece exemplifies Quistga...
Ceramic, Cane
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
Dansk Divided Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage divided teak bowl by Dansk. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufacturer: Dansk Dimensions: 2" tall x 8.75: diameter.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Danish Design Teak Tabletop Lazy Susan Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Danish design staved teak swivelling lazy Susan tabletop serving centerpiece. Beautiful natural grain to teak. Hand crafted in Malaysia, c. 1970's. Signed ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Viking Wine Cooler
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A large Dansk cooler
Teak
Midcentury Danish Stoneware Candlestick Set by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Dinner set consisting of an oblong serving tray or dish, a butter storage unit with a teak lid, and two candleholders (one for a small candle and one fo...
Stoneware
Seldom seen Jens Quistgaard Dansk tall JHQ ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large and rare tall ice bucket with fitted lid designed by Jens Quistgaard for the Dansk rare woods line. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line was the finest designs and exotic wo...
Wood
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Kronjyden, Jens Quistgaard, Dansk, Digsmed
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of 4 coaster plates by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Manufactured for Kronjyden by Nissen ca 1960s. The plates are made from solid Wengé, a rare wood with a beautiful...
Wood, Wenge
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H): 57 x 32 ...
Teak
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Danish Modern Mid-Size Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Mod...
Teak
Scandinavian Teak Tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Montreal, QC
Scandinavian teak tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Design Marked under base: Staved teak dansk design danmark JHQ.
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Divided Bowl in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Unique divided bowl in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The bowl is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in excellen...
Teak
Large Early Stamp Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Early Dansk teak tray with duck logo marked JHQ , staved teak, Danmark . Very nice condition.
Teak
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Large Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A large divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The tray is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in ...
Teak
MCM Stoneware Covered Casserole Dish by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$124Sale Price / set|44% Off
Scandinavian Modern Stainless Steel Salt and Pepper Shaker Set, circa 1970's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Mid-Century Modern Danish pair of salt and pepper shakers by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970's. The Minimalist shakers feature a tapered cylindrical form in brushed stai...
Stainless Steel
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Serving Dish three sections Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Malaysia stamped Dansk 8.75 d x 2 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to listed images
Teak
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Staved Teak Magazine Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice and hard to find Danish modern staved teak magazine holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is 18" W x 17.25" D x ...
Teak
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teak serving bowl designed by the iconic designer Jens H. Quistgaard who's organic pieces including pepper mills, serving pieces and furniture were both practical and beautiful . T...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Teak Ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Square lidded Danish Teak ice bucket . Designed by Jens Quistgaard JHQ for Dansk Designs . Clean original stamped Dansk International Designs LTD JHQ Denmark .
Plastic, Teak
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Rare Woods Wenge Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Dansk rare woods tray by Jens Quistgaard. Finely crafted of solid exoctic woods, including Wenge. Stamped JHQ Denark.
Wenge
Mid Century Danish Modern Dansk Quistgaard Congo Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Dansk Congo model teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard, for Dansk, c. 1950's. This is the hard to find large model ( 19 in. H ) with the early orange plastic liner...
Plastic, Teak
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Capped Carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak capped carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s.
Teak
Early Danish Teak Centerpiece Serving Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern decorative staved salad serving bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This unique piece displays quality solid teak craftsmanship and makes f...
Teak
Danish Modern Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Round, teak ice bucket with black plastic interior insulation designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk (1960s, Denmark). Elegant form with vivid teak grain a...
Plastic, Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Designed Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard Made by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in London, GB
A Mid-Century Modern (Scandinavian Modern) Danish teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk of the USA. A Teak tray designed by the highly regarded and very collected Jens H...
Teak
Staved Teak Bowl by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hägersten, SE
Large bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk during the 1950s. Made from solid staved teak. Good vintage condition with signs of usage and patina.
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
Assortment of 5 Vintage Salt Pepper Mills Grinder Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Assortment of 5 vintage salt pepper mills grinder Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard 1 Mill made in England. Not certain who designed this one. The ot...
Wood
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Woods Palisander Rosewood Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Very hard to find "Rare Woods" palisander rosewood ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The line was introduced in 1961, and "Rare Woods" products were made with the...
Palisander
$200Sale Price / set|69% Off
Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray and Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chicago, IL
A truly hard-to-find matched set of Dansk Danish modern teak bowl and tray serveware designed by Jens Quistgaard. A very large handled serving tray is accompanied by a shallow servin...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Serving Tray Produced by Dansk in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving tray in teak designed by Jens Quistgaard. Produced by Dansk in Denmark.
Teak
$656Sale Price / set|25% Off
1960s Danish Modern Carved Teak Pepper Grinder Set by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Set of 2 Vintage Mid Century Modern Jens Quistgaard made in Denmark pepper grinders. Jens Quistgaard is a celebrated brand synonymous with mid-century Scandinavian design excellence...
Wood
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Large Oval Teak Salad Bowl & Tong Servers - 1960s
By Digsmed Design, Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs large oval salad bowl with matching sculptural serving utensils, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed from richly figured staved teak, t...
Teak
Vintage Dansk Staved Teak Ice Bucket Designed by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
A vintage solid teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. The bucket has a black plastic liner. The ice bucket measures approximately 6 1/4 inches tall and 9 1/2 inches ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Rare Woods Palisander Tray For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
Beautiful palisander tray with “butterfly” inlay, a piece from Jen Quistgaards Rare Woods Line for Dansk, designed in 1961. Jens Quistgaard ...
Palisander
1960s Surfboard Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in teak
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark during the 1960s, this extra-large surfboard tray represents one of the most recognized and celebrated serving objects...
Teak
Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Mutenye Tray for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sculptural mutenye tray with cutting board insert designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark as part of his "Rare Woods Collection" (circa 1960). This example is among the rarest manufactured of the series with under 100...
Wood
1950s Fjord Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in teak and stainless steel
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Victoria, BC
The Fjord flatware pattern was designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954 and produced by Dansk Designs. This early version, marked Germany, represents the initial production period and reflects the material and construction standards associated with Dansk’s early output. Each piece combines stainless steel with hand-fitted teak handles. The design is defined by its clear contrast between materials and its balanced proportions. The teak handles introduce warmth and texture, while the steel elements maintain a precise and functional profile. The transition between materials is handled with a simple joint, allowing each component to remain visually distinct. This set includes 30 pieces, arranged for table service. The pieces show consistent construction and alignment, with the teak handles maintaining a uniform tone across the set. The design is associated with early Danish modern tableware...
Stainless Steel
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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 Designs Denmark JHQ Quistgaard stainless stir spoon olive fork
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern 2
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$2,636Sale Price / item|35% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard “Xylofon" serving tray with ten lamellae handles
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
Jens Harald Quistgaard “Xylofon" serving tray with ten lamellae and round handles. Model 1686. Made by Nissen, Langå. L. 62.5 cm. W. 37 cm.
Hardwood
JHQ Dansk Denmark Modernist Acrylic Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard acrylic plastic salad servers. Marked Dansk Designs Denmark.
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Rectangular Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard rectangular tray for Dansk.
Teak
Dansk Festivaal Black Lacquer Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Dansk “Festivaal” Black Lacquer Tray with inset wood butcher block top. Designed by Jens Quisgaard. Signed. Denmark, circa 1960. Dimensions: 18.5” ...
Wood, Lacquer
Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak serving bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens Qu...
Teak
Vintage Rare Woods Dansk Pao Rosa Cutting Board Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid-Century Modern charcuterie cutting board designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This stunning piece is part of the rare woods col...
Wood
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Lattice Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A beautifully crafted vintage tray by Dansk, this piece exemplifies the timeless appeal of Scandinavian-inspired design that defined the Mid-Century Modern era. Constructed from rich...
Teak
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Cube Circle Teak Ice Bucket, Denmark, 1960s
By Digsmed Design, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Decatur, GA
Rare and highly sculptural “Cube” ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed in richly grained teak, the ice bucket takes the...
Teak
Mid-20th Century Modern Scandinavian Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Beirut, LB
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of midcentury table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after an...
Wood, Teak
Round Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage round cutting board in end-grain teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Recessed, grooved edges serve well for cutting roasts or other cooked m...
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
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
Teak