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.
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
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
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
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
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
Pair of Portable Staved Teak Cheese Tray with Knife by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
pair of portable staved teak cheese tray with knife by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970's. The set is in very nice condition; the knife hides inside the tray early production ma...
Stainless Steel
Dansk End Grain Teak Lollipop Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage lollipop shaped serving/cutting board with a built-in stainless steel knife hidden in the handle. Constructed in solid end-grain teak. Designer: Jens Quistgaard Manufa...
Stainless Steel
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
Wine Bottle Rack by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A simple and sculptural teak bottle holder for up to ten bottles of wine or spirits.
Teak
JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Danish teak salad servers. Part of a recently acquired large collection.
Teak
Dansk Rare Woods Monumental Palisander Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Large and rare ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for the Dansk rare woods line. Introduced in 1961, the Rare Woods line was the finest designs and materials. Dansk described...
Palisander
Vintage Set Of Brown Smooth Flamestone Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION One of the first sets of tableware designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark in 1957. The tableware was named Fluted Flamestone. The set offered has 5 pie...
Ceramic
Vintage Set Of Brown Smooth Flamestone Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION One of the first sets of tableware designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in Denmark in 1957. The tableware was named Fluted Flamestone. The set offered has 11 pi...
Ceramic
Jens Quistgaard Richard Nissen Rosewood Ice Bucket, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in Round Top, TX
Staved rosewood ice bucket designed by Richard Nissen for his own company Nissen in Denmark during the 1960s. This piece is also often attributed as having been designed by Jens Quis...
Plastic, Rosewood
$2,350 / item
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8 plus 3 Serving Pieces. Elegant 1960's Design named after one of his daughters! Elongated Beautiful Design, will make the worst meal t...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Casserole Stand Anker Line Rattan Teak
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs casserole stand, constructed from wood and rattan in the 1950s or 1960s.This piece is part of the "Anker-Line" collection....
Iron
Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard, Mid-Century Modern, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Dansk is one of the most beloved and celebrated makers of mid-century table and kitchenware; whether its their use of teak or enamel, their designs endure even 60 years later, making...
Teak
Butter Knives Mid-Century Fjord Jens Quistgaard Dansk Design
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration a pair of butter knives mid-century "Fjord" pattern originally designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954 for Dansk Designs. Stamped , made in Germany, Early ducks lo...
Stainless Steel
$748Sale Price|20% Off
Jens H Quistgaard, Fjord Carving Set in Original Box
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Klintehamn, SE
The Fjord flatware was designed in 1953 and produced in co operation with an American businessman under the label Dansk design. The flatware was originally manufactured in Germany. S...
Stainless Steel
Nissen Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Scalloped Cutting Board Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare vintage serving tray or cutting board features a rectangular form with scalloped edge; the butcher block element in the center allows for slicing of cheeses or other foods as th...
Wood, Teak
Danish Modern Solid Teak Large Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic Large solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
Teak
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Congo" Teak Ice Bucket, Model 810, Danish Modern IHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Carlos, CA
An outstanding example of the Dansk Congo ice bucket — Model 810 — designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced in Denmark during the 1960s. The Congo stands as one of the most ce...
Plastic, Teak
Jens Quistgaard Desgn for Digsmed, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sharon, CT
Early and important Jens Quistgaard designed Carving Board for Digsmed, Denmark. Signed and dated 1964. Appears to have been never used.
Wood
Mutenye Cheese Board by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon, well-scaled and finely crafted circular mutenye serving board having an end grain cutting surface and a sculptural recessed well.
Wood
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Coffee Pot with Mugs and Demitasses
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Denmark 'Flamestone' coffee or tea pot, four demitasses, four mugs, and eight saucers (four small / four larger) by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1958-1964. Features the Flamestone signature slate, almost brown glazed-earthenware with striated pattern and white porcelain interior (pitcher has a green tinge to the porcelain interior). Elegant, attractive set with only one fleck to the rim of one of the mugs (very minor and easy to miss -- see photos 15 and 16 for closeups). Early, Danish production, as indicated by the markings and rough exterior (a smooth version was introduced in 1964). Measures: Pitcher H 13.5" x L 7.5" x D 5" Coffee mugs H 3.75" x L 4" x D 3.13" Coffee saucers...
Earthenware, Porcelain
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fulton, CA
Round teak Danish Modern ice bucket with lid. Plastic insert. Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Denmark. 1970's.
Teak
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Massive Oval Orange Lacquer Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Early Production
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large oval shaped orange lacquer tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s (early production). with ducks logo Original condition with raised edges and elegant lines; the tray m...
Maple
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
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern 2
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
Dansk Designs Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Viking Handles Mid Century Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern Dansk Designs serving tray made of teak wood, designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1950s or 1960s. Sculpted "Viking" handles, commonly use...
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
$160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salad Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice pair of MCM teak salad servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The servers are made of solid teak and they measure 13.25" long x 2"...
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 Teak Serving Bowl by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in New York, NY
Jens Quistgaard Teak Sculpted Serving Bowl by Dansk. Very nice Dansk Teak Serving Bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Danish Modern, Mid Century M...
Teak
ens Harald Quistgaard Vintage Danish Butter Knives, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A set of 6 Butter or dinner Knives designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Raadvad in Denmark during the 1950s or early 60s. Materials: stainless steel and faux bone h...
Stainless Steel
Jens Harald Quistgaard Minimalist Stainless Steel Salt & Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Stylish torpedo shaped salt and pepper shakers in stainless steel. Designed by IHQ - Jens Harald Quistgaard for his own company Dansk Design during the 1960s. Measurements: H: 12...
Stainless Steel
Rare and Very Early Relief Teapot by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaad Ihq, 1960s
By Kronjyden, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Rare and very early tea pot from the well known service RELIEF launched in 1959 designed by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaard IHQ. The tea pot has a brass + rattan handle and an embos...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Casserole Dish and Stand From the Anker-Line Range
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern casserole dish and stand from the Anker-Line range. It was designed in 1954 by the renowned Danish sculptor and industrial designer Jens ...
Iron
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark, circa 1960 Branded on Bottom: Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade miner...
Hardwood
Scandinavian Modern Teak ‘Congo’ Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in London, GB
A fine example of a Scandinavian Modern teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard, a master of the sculptural paired back and simplistic form. This teak ice bucket has had its wood...
Teak
Seldom seen Jens Quistgaard Dansk tall JHQ ice bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Dansk Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A teakwood salad bowl made by Dansk and designed by Jens Quistgaard great for a center piece or making that yummy salad . Manufactured in the manner of Danish wood wood working .
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
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 cutting board / cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures 18" W x 12" D x 1" H.
Teak
Flame Stone Casserole by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A flame stone ceramic casserole pot with a domed lid, matte exterior and cream glazed interior.
Ceramic
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
Vintage Dansk Large Teak Congo Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Jens Quistgaard JHQ copper ice bucket with porcelain insert for Dansk Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk design Denmark . Copper lidded ice bucket with porcelain insert . Appropriate for hot dishes as well . Nice patina finish .
Brass, Copper
$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
Rare Danish Ovenproof Pottery Dish by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Kronjyden, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
This decorative tray features the rarest series/pattern by IHQ/Quistgaard and does not have a name. It was launched in the mid-late 1950s as a probationary run by the manufacturer Kr...
Pottery
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Dansk
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
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Dansk
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
Danish Modern Tall Teak Bar Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
This iconic Danish modern ice bucket, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in the 1970s, is a perfect blend of form and function. Crafted from rich teak wood, it exemplifies Quistga...
Teak
$250Sale Price|23% Off
Danish Modern Oval Shaped Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern oval shaped staved teak bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is in very good vintage condition and measures 14"W x 9.5"D x 4.5"H. Early ...
Teak
Rare Jens H. Quistgaard Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket Dansk Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
Rare Danish Modern Wenge Wood Ice Bucket designed by the Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark in the 1960's. From his 'Rare Woods’ Limited Edition collection. Scandinavi...
Wenge
Vintage Danish Teak Tray with Glass Bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Vintage Danish teak tray with glass bowls by Jens Harald Quistgaard for IHQ Dansk Designs, 1960s. Serving tray in solid teak with six green glass dishes...
Glass, Teak
Early Dansk Koben Style Sauté Pan by Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A very early production Koben style sauté pan in a sky blue turquoise tone with wrapped handle . The finely woven wrap to the handle and the enameled steel p...
Enamel, Steel