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.
Jens Quistgaard Danish Birch 2-Tier Round Trolley Lazy Susan, 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Praha, CZ
Rare pair of Danish mid-century modern 2-tier round trolleys / Lazy Susans designed by Jens Quistgaard, produced in Denmark during the 1970s. Expertly crafted from solid birch wood, ...
Plastic, Wood
$6,500 / set
H 14.5 in W 14.5 in D 14.5 in
1970s Jens Quistgaard Cube Nesting Tables for Richard Nissen- A Pair
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An iconic and desirable pair of tables designed by Jens Quistgaard for Richard Nissen. Wonderful exposed joinery on the sides of the tables, playful circular openings, and tables tha...
Teak
$983
H 29.53 in W 31.5 in D 35.44 in
Serving Drink Bar Cart Trolley with side flaps, marquetry inlays, 1970s.
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Beautiful Italian Neoclassical inlaid Marquetry Dessert - Bar Cart Bar cart in Neoclassical Design - made from fine Woods and Brass. Magnificent intricate Marquetry on the Serving Su...
Brass
Art Deco Swedish Flame Birch Bar Cart Trolley
Located in Atlanta, GA
Art Deco bar cart made of Swedish flame birch. Two-tiered serving cart with wheels and a glass top. Curved shape that complements a variety of...
Birch
Vintage Italian Space Age Plastic Bar Trolley, Orange, 1970s, 47cm
Located in Vienna, AT
Striking vintage plastic bar cart from the 1970s, a true testament to Italys iconic design era. Crafted in bold orange plastic, this circular trolley features two spacious shelves supported by three sturdy legs, offering both function and style. Its compact size (47 cm in diameter, 53 cm in height) makes it the perfect addition to any room, whether youre using it as a serving cart or a quirky side table. This mid-century piece is as practical as it is eye-catching, with smooth-rolling swivel wheels that allow for easy mobility. Whether youre hosting guests or simply want a stylish way to display your favorite drinks, this trolley is a versatile and playful addition to your space. The sleek, circular design embodies the best of 70s Space Age aesthetics, making it a standout in any retro, eclectic, or contemporary decor. The vibrant orange color exudes a playful energy that is sure to bring a pop of personality into Perfect for vintage enthusiasts or anyone looking to add a fun, functional piece to their home decor, this 70s bar...
Plastic
$1,147
H 29.53 in W 27.56 in D 18.51 in
Italian Midcentury Serving Bar Cart or Trolley with Teak Trays, 1970s
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Classic serving cart, bar or trolley from the Italian mid-century, 1970s of great quality. The base of the trolley is made of black metal with two beautiful teak wood veneer shelves....
Metal
Italian Art Deco Lazy Susan Rotating Mirrored Tray, 1930s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milan, IT
Italian Art Deco Lazy Susan rotating mirrored tray, 1930s.
Mirror, Wood
Danish Retro Teakwood 8-bowls “Lazy Susan” from 1964 by Digsmed
By Digsmed
Located in Örebro, SE
This is the 1960s Danish rare 51 cm wide teakwood “Lazy Susan” serving plate by Digsmed. It comes with the not so often occurring diameter 51 cm. This model has a well-proportioned ...
Glass, Teak
Hollywood Regency Brass Serving Trolley 1970s
By Maison Jansen
Located in Den Haag, NL
Beautiful stylish Serving Trolley .Brass .comes with its original Brown Smoked Glass tops . on wheels Lots of patine on the Brass , Attributed to Maison Jansen . 1970s
Smoked Glass
$940Sale Price|20% Off
H 37.5 in W 20 in D 20 in
1910s Vintage 2 Tiered Brass Trefoil Lazy Susan Dumbwaiter
Located in Waxahachie, TX
Antique 2 tiered trefoil silent butler/ lazy susan/ dumbwaiter. Full of character and patina. This guy is more than 37" tall and weighs close to 30 pounds. Lazy susan functionality o...
Brass
Arcade Round Brass Trolley Table
By Giobagnara
Located in Milan, IT
This sophisticated trolley table offers an ideal surface for serving food and beverages, while also serving as a stunning display for plants and collect...
Brass
Swedish Birch and Glass Serving Trolley
Located in Karlstad, SE
Swedish Modern Serving Trolley in Birch and Glass by Gemla, Sweden, 1940s Elegant Swedish Modern serving trolley produced by Gemla in the 1940s. Crafted in warm birch and topped wit...
Glass, Birch
1970s Spanish Iron Drinks Trolley with Marble Shelves
Located in Marbella, ES
1970s Spanish iron drinks trolley with marble shelves.
Marble, Iron
Vintage Trolley by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
By Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Rare trolley by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen - Denmark.
Leather, Teak