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.
Mid-Century Modern Teak Bar Cart Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Totally fabulous teak bar cart by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Fixed trays are 19.5 x 27.5 and 15.5 x 28. Teak so it can withstand the elements outdoors. Large wheels roll effortlessly...
Iron
1970's Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Bar Card w/ Removable Teak Tray
By Poul Hundevad, Johannes Andersen, Jens Quistgaard, Nissen
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern bar cart for sale. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, and is all original. It's made of teak, and has a removable teak butcher block cutting b...
Teak
Mid-Century Danish Modern John Stuart Teak Bar Cart
By John Stuart Inc.
Located in Clarksboro, NJ
Elevate your entertaining space with this authentic Mid-Century Danish Modern teak bar cart by renowned designer John Stuart. Crafted with timeless Scandinavian simplicity, this eleg...
Brass
$1,296Sale Price|28% Off
H 25 in W 31 in D 18 in
Midcentury Danish Modern Teak extension Bar Cart Server
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple mid century Danish modern teak bar cart server with two drawers and a lower shelf on casters. Solid teak wood construction top extends to reveal a black laminate center top. O...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Brass & Glass Bar Cart
Located in Dallas, TX
Mid-Century Modern Brass & Glass Bar Cart makes the perfect addition to your entertaining room! Set on spoked wheels on one end and roller wheels on the other, it is easily moved...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Teak Extendable Bar Cart by Poul Hundevad
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Three tier teak Danish modern bar cart/trolley on castors designed by Poul Hundevad, Denmark, circa 1960. Versatile configuration featuring a three tray design, two removable for ser...
Brass
Danish Teak Serving Cart by Domus, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Poul Hundevad, Domus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Serving cart in solid teak features two rectangular tiers, each with raised, organically scalloped edges — soft carved notches at the corners and sides that give the piece a distinct...
Brass
$1,807Sale Price|35% Off
H 30 in W 37.25 in D 20.38 in
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar
By Edward Wormley, Drexel, Dunbar Furniture
Located in Houston, TX
Mid Century Modern Bar Cart By Edward Wormley For Dunbar,. Offered is a handsome mid century blond wood bar cart or serving cart from the Precedent series designed by Edward Wormley ...
Wood
$4,500
H 28.5 in W 28.13 in D 18.13 in
Italian Mid-Century Modern Drinks Trolley or Bar Cart with Removable Trays
Located in Austin, TX
A fine Mid-Century Modern drinks cart or tea and coffee serving table from Italy, featuring a large removable rectangular tray top of glass with a moulded edge wooden surround, over ...
Metal
$1,075Sale Price|34% Off
H 22 in W 27.5 in D 16.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Danish Teak Rolling Table Bar Cart After Poul Hundevad
By Poul Hundevad
Located in Plainview, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Danish rolling bar cart attributed to the iconic designs of Poul Hundevad ( Danish 1917 -2011), reflecting the impeccable craftsmanship and minimalist elegance o...
Teak
Mid century Danish Modern Teak Bar Cart Server with lift off top
By Arne Vodder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Simple mid century Danish modern teak bar cart server with removable top and a lower shelf on casters. Solid teak wood construction. Original vintage condition clean all around. Loca...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Teak Rolling Bar Cart with Secret Compartment
Located in New York, NY
Crafted of solid teak, with original castors in good working condition, the upper tray is removable for serving, while the fixed lower shelf is designed to hold bottles, decanters an...
Teak
$2,000
H 24.25 in W 30.75 in D 19.25 in
Poul Hundevad Danish Modern Folding Teak Bar Cart or Tea Trolley with Cane Shelf
By Poul Hundevad
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant Danish Modern folding bar cart or tea trolley designed by Poul Hundevad and crafted in richly grained old-growth teak with a handwoven cane lower shelf and original period ca...
Teak, Cane, Plastic
Mid Century Teak Bar Cart
Located in Pasadena, TX
Mid century teak bar cart Two tier cart In teak with brass trim. Castors. Section for bottles or glassware on bottom shelf. Measures:...
Teak