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 Andersen Antique Footed Pewter Box, 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
An early footed box by Just Andersen. Made at his own workshop Just in Denmark during the 1920s. The exterior is made entirely from lightly hammered pewter. The interior is linned wi...
Pewter
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lidded Pewter Casket designed made by Just Andersen in 1930. A timeless piece for an exquisite place * Lidded pewter box with a velvet inner box. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: ...
Pewter
Lidded box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded metal casket made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. It is early work by the Danish designer and a timeless piece for a beautiful home. * A metal casket / jewellery box with a...
Metal
Pedestal Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pedestal Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Cone-shaped pewter vase on foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1213 * Year: ...
Pewter
Pewter Candle Holders by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Pewter Candle Holders designed by Just Andersen in 1920s. A fine set for a beautiful place. * Pair of small Pewter Candlestick Holders * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
Early Jewelry box by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A lidded metal casket designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. It is early work by the Danish designer and a timeless piece for a beautiful home. * A metal casket / jewelry box with...
Metal
Pewter Jardinière by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Exquisite Pewter Jardinière on Floral Foot designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval pewter jardinière on floral foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1279 * Year: 1918-19...
Pewter
Pedestal Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal Pewter Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A fine piece for a beautiful table. * Pedestal bowl in hammered pewter * Designer: Just Andersen * Year: 1918-1929 * Con...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lovely Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Drop-shaped pewter vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1556 * Year: 1918-1929 * Cond...
Pewter
$1,295 / set
H 1.19 in W 7.68 in D 3.35 in
Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant set of Pewter Boxes designed by Arne Erkers for Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Two (2) lidded boxes in pewter with wooden inner boxes. Originally cigarette boxes. * Designer...
Pewter
Collection of Pewter Boxes by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Collection of Lidded Pewter Containers designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A exquisite collection for a beautiful place. * Six (6) different pewter boxes with lids * Designer: ...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Hammered Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an exquisite place. * Round Hammered Pewter Vase with a dove engraved. * Designer: Just Andersen *...
Pewter
Art Nouveau Pewter Box by Just Andersen, 1910s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Box designed by Just Andersen in the late 1910s. * Round hammered pewter box with lid with flower knop * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * ...
Pewter