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.
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cheese Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very hard to find light wood Danish modern butcher block cutting board / cheese tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1980s. The piece is in good vintage condition and measures ...
Ash
$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
Fine Original Early Dansk Large Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$215 / item
Teak Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage staved teak large salad bowl design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Stamped "Dansk International Design LTD Thailand JHQ". Designer: Jens ...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Kronjyden, Digsmed, 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
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark Solid Palisander Rosewood Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$350Sale Price|46% Off
Pair of early and rare Dansk Danmark JHQ salad servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
I have handled and seen a lot of Dansk salad servers . This pair is one of the more scarce designs . Stamped Danmark with the JHQ signature initia...
Teak
$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
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
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
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
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Jens Harald Quistgaard Dansk Teak Salad Bowl and 4 Serving Bowls 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A lovely Danish Teak Salad Bowl with 4 serving bowls. A very clean and popular design - all functional and stylish in Danish Design by Jens Quistgaard Four bowls measure 7" in dia...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Slatted Rosewood Tray
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A stunning and highly desirable slatted tray crafted from rich Brazilian rosewood by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard, part of his celebrated Rare Woods series. This exceptio...
Rosewood
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
Pair of Dansk solid teak salad servers marked JHQ Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
Midcentury Serving Tray in Rosewood By Quistgaard, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Rosewood serving tray, designed by Jens Harrald Quistggard and made in Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Low Profile Wenge Wood Serving or Dresser Tray
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
From the JHQ Dansk rare wood series. Wenge low serving or dresser top tray.
Wenge
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
$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
$375Sale Price|21% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice staved teak bowl by renowned Dansk designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. #35
Teak
$300Sale Price|40% Off
Pair of JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark teak salad servers. Recently purchased with large collection of modernist servers.
Teak
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Teak Jewelry or Trinket Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and hard to find solid teak jewelry or trinket box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The box has a removable lid and measures: 14.5" W x 2.75" D x 1.5" H. The pi...
Teak
Unusual Danish Mutenye Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large Mutenye (African hardwood) salad bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina. From the the "Rare Woods Collection". Note butterfly joints. Also Danish teak spoons...
Teak
Early Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large teak bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina.
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
$184Sale Price / item|29% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. C 1970s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scand...
Teak
Jens H. Quistgaard Teak Serving Tray by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
A divided teak wood tray with an end-grain teak cutting surface and a recessed section, designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. Branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ...
Wood, Teak
1960s Scandinavian Modern Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome Scandinavian Modern staved teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. Beautiful condition, keeping in mind that this is vintage and not new so will have ...
Plastic, 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
$1,000 / set
Group of candlesticks by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
Group of 23 candlesticks in silver plated metal - Designed by Jens Quistgaard - Made in Denmark in the 1960's
Silver Plate
Small Jens Qiuistgaard Dansk Denmark Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Smaller size Dansk bowl. One I have never seen. Turned teak wood. Fine condition possibly never used. Marked JHQ Dansk Denmark.
Teak
Quistgaar Jhq Dansk Denmark Wenge Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Excellent overall condition age crack to body.
Wenge
Jens Quistgaard Wenge Tray by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice, symmetric, staved teak bowl by renowned Mid-Century designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Made in Denmark.
Teak
Early Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Flamestone Salt and Pepper Shakers
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Danish 'Flamestone' earthenware salt and pepper shakers by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk designs, circa 1958-1964. Features the Flamestone signature slate glaze with striated pattern ...
Porcelain, Stoneware
Large Quistgaard Bowl Made In Teak By Jens Harald Quistgaard From 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
This large teak bowl was designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s. It is made of glued teak wood, which gives it a solid and practical construction. The bowl...
Teak
Set of 20 Dansk JHQ Quistgaard Gustav French Wine Glasses
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 20 Jens Quistgaard wine glasses. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
Set of Three Staved Teak Cutting Boards / Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak carving boards with checkerboard cutting surfaces (Denmark, circa 1965). Includes three boards in total: one large round board, one smaller board, and one round, asymmetrical board, which is elevated to one side. All boards have a recessed cavity for bread / crackers. Nice collection of these early examples in good, vintage condition with knife impressions, as shown. All are branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ." We have one larger board in the same pattern listed separately. Measures: Large round: 14" diameter x 1" height Small round: 10" diameter x .75" height Elevated tray...
Teak
Rosewood, Palisander Tall, Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Stamped
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great ice buacket designed, by Quistgaard, made for Dansk.
Rosewood
Large Staved Teak 'Congo' Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Surface scratch along with one 7" crack to the orange plastic lining (crack does not affect the presentation of the bucket, remains solely an interior flaw). Exterior wear is minor and consistent with age/use. Listing is for the large bucket alone- image with this bucket and the standard size Dansk bucket...
Plastic, Teak
$150Sale Price / set|62% Off
Set of Sixteen Dansk France JHQ faceted stemmed Gustav Water Glasses Goblets
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Large set totalling 16 Dansk JHQ Qistgaard "Gustav" water goblets. Acid etched Dansk JHQ France.
Glass
$250Sale Price / item|28% Off
Danish Teak Ice Bucket Collection by Jens Quistgaard JHQ Individually Priced
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
Collection of six Danish teak ice buckets by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and Nissan. Measures: Tallest 19.25" x 9.75" diameter Square: 8" wide x 8" deep x 9" tall.
Teak
$195Sale Price|29% Off
Dansk Denmark Jens Quistgaard Design Stainless Steel Salt Pepper Shakers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Jens Quistgaard design for Dansk. Salt and pepper shakers in stainless steel. Pinhead dings light scratches throughout evident only on close inspection .
Stainless Steel
Bowl Made In Teak By Jens Harald Quistgaard From 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Lejre, DK
This teak bowl, designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in the 1960s, is a stunning example of mid-century Danish design. Crafted from rich teak wood, the bowl exudes warmth and natur...
Teak
Vintage Large Teak Tray Designed By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Doraville, GA
Vintage teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in the 1960's. The tray is signed on the back and measures 24.75 inches long, 12.75 inches wide and 2.75 inches high.
Teak
Danish Teak Trays 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 Jens Quistgaard Rectangular Tray for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard rectangular tray for Dansk.
Teak
Congo Ice Bucket by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Barcelona, ES
Congo ice bucket designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960's. Teak wood and orange plastic interior for the ice cubes. A cla...
Plastic, Wood, Teak
Round Small Teak Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Vintage round cutting board in end-grain teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Great for use a charcuterie or serving board. Marked "Dansk Designs Den...
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
Early Chafing Dish /Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Early Fondue Pot Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk A wood stand sometimes comes with this form. It is not with this pot. Chip to wood ...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard Slatted Rosewood Tray for Dansk "Rare Woods" Collection
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tray designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansks Rare Woods collection, c.1960s, Denmark features sculpted Rosewood with dowel handles and slatted wood along the tray. Dansk is one of...
Rosewood
Vintage Jens Quistgaard Pair of Gondola Trays for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Jens Quistgaard pair of gondola trays for Dansk Slight variation in stain. Both signed. Different branded year marks.
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
Teak Serving Spoons by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A pair of hand carved teak serving spoons with curved elongated handles.
Teak