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.
$2,630Sale 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
1970s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Peppermill with Salt by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St. Louis, MO
A 1970s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Salt & peppermill made of teak, tall form with raised rings. Stamped Dansk Designs Ltd Denmark JHQ. Nice ori...
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
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 Dansk Designs Teak Wood Ice Bucket Jens Quistgaard IHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Designs teak wood ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard during the mid-century modern era. Constructed from s...
Teak
Large Jens Quistgaard Teak Bowl for Dansk DENMARK
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Large Jens Quistgaard teak bowl for Dansk.
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 Rare Woods Dansk Pao Rosa Cutting Board Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Dansk Festivaal Black Lacquer Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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 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
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
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
$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 for Dansk Aqua "Festivaal" Cutting Board Serving Tray
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Brightly lacquered, Danish modern, oval serving tray with a raised teak cutting surface by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk with early Dansk mark.
Teak, Lacquer
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
Dansk End Grain Teak Paddle Shaped Serving Board with Built in Knife
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage paddle shaped serving/cutting board with a built-in stainless steel serrated knife hidden in the handle. Constructed of solid end-grain teak. ...
Stainless Steel
$747Sale 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
Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
Teak
Slatted Rosewood Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A beautifully constructed Brazilian rosewood serving tray, comprised of ten radius backed slats with fingered tenons mortised through the oval formed sid...
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Staved Teak Ice Bucket with Vintage Bird Claw Tongs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in St. Louis, MO
An exceptional mid-century barware offering, featuring an iconic staved teak ice bucket designed by master Danish designer Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, paired with a classic...
Chrome
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
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
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
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
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Coffee Pot with Mugs and Demitasses
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
1960s Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard "Pawn" Teak Salt & Peppermill by Dansk JHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
Large MCM Stoneware Platter / Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Rare and Very Early Relief Teapot by Danish Jens Harald Quistgaad Ihq, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden
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
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
Pair Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Modern Swirl Candle Holder Stick 3 Pairs Avail
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chesterfield, NJ
Beautiful and elegant pair of early cast iron candle holders with brass accents designed by Jens Quistgaard and made in Denmark by Dansk. These candle holders have an S shaped base t...
Brass, Iron
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
Danish Mid-Century Modern Teak Wood Cheese Board Jens Quistgaard Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Danish Mid-century modern teak wood cheese board set with an integrated slicer, likely designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Staved teak wood boar...
Brass, Stainless Steel
$920Sale Price|40% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard “Bow Tie” Palisander Rosewood Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish tray designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark circa 1960s. Impeccably crafted in palisander rosewood, this sculptural serving tray features a bow tie shape with th...
Rosewood
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 oversized tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard, solid teak 1950s, Dansk designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare serving tray designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk designs during the 1950s. Made from solid teak with beautiful attention the details and high crafts...
Teak
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
Lacquered Serving Tray by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A turquoise lacquered wood tray with broad, indented handles.
Wood
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
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
Set of 20 Dansk JHQ Quistgaard Gustav French Wine Glasses
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 20 Jens Quistgaard wine glasses. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
Dansk Rare Woods Monumental Palisander Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
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
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 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
$160Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of MCM Teak Salad Servers by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Scandinavian Modern Teak ‘Congo’ Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Pair of Dansk solid teak salad servers marked JHQ Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Fine pair of solid teak salad servers . Designed by Jens Harold Quistgaard (JHQ ) for Dansk . Servers Stamped JHQ Denmark .
Wood, Teak
Danish Modern Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
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
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's "beautiful color and wood grain" "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade mineral oil" Small Tray: 20....
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