In addition to having invented an alloy that drastically reduced the foundry production costs associated with making bronze, copper and brass, Danish designer and silversmith Just Andersen created sculptural furnishings, accessories and decor that are widely coveted and collectible today. Disko, an alloy made of lead, tin and antimony, shares characteristics with brass, and many of Andersen’s antique candle holders, vases and vessels and other decorative objects — produced in Art Nouveau, Scandinavian neoclassical and Art Deco styles — contain this material.
Growing up in Greenland, Andersen was originally a sculptor and painter. He moved to Copenhagen and attended the Royal Academy of Art and the School of Danish Crafts. At the latter, he studied under Jens Møller Jensen.
Andersen trained in silversmithing in Copenhagen with Mogens Ballin and with the revered Danish silver firm Peter Hertz. Working in Ballin’s workshop after it had changed hands when the founder’s wife fell ill during the early 1900s, Andersen sharpened and refined his skills. He completed unfinished projects of Ballin’s when he passed away in 1914, sometimes partnering with Jean Rene Gauguin in order to do so. Andersen opened Just Andersen Pewter in 1918, where he produced objects in silver and gold but also in pewter, bronze and his alloy, disko, which he named after Greenland’s Disko Bay.
Andersen created designs for Georg Jensen, Peter Hertz, A. Michelsen and other manufacturers. He opened showrooms in several cities including Berlin and Los Angeles. Andersen’s work is held in the collections of museums all over the world.
Find antique Just Andersen decorative objects, lighting and ceramics on 1stDibs.
Just Cavalli Archive Print Single-Breasted Blazer
By Just Cavalli, Just Andersen
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Just Cavalli Archive Print Single-Breasted Blazer is a striking statement piece that seamlessly combines contemporary edge with classic tailoring. Crafted with meticulous attention t...
Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket
By Paco Rabanne
Located in New York, NY
Rare 1960s Paco Rabbane Chainmail Jacket; Comprised of gold-tone linked metal discs. Open front with no closure.
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 12
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 12 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made wit...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 10
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 10 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made wit...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 14
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 14 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made wit...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather - Size 10
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made with an over...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Stone Grey Leather, Size 8
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Stone Grey Leather, Size 8 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 6
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 6 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made with...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Tan Leather, Size 12
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Tan Leather Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made with an oversi...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Stone Grey Leather, Size 12
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Stone Grey Leather, Size 12 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Mad...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 14
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather Size 14 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made with...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 10
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Camel Leather, Size 10 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Made wit...
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Stone Grey Leather, Size 10
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Chesca Oversize Blazer in Stone Grey Leather, Size 10 Handmade in London, made with lamb leather this luxury item is an investment piece to wear for a lifetime. Mad...