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 Miniature Oil Lamp in Pewter & Brass, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A very small oil lamp made by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1930s. Its corpus is made from pewter while its burner is made from patinated brass. Some suggest it was often used ...
Brass, Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Art Nouveau vase in Pewter designed by Just Andersen in 1935. * Curved pewter basket vase with center handle * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1772 * Year: 1935 * Conditio...
Metal, Pewter
Art Deco Large Candle Holder by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco candle holder for large candles. Designed by Just Andersen in 1930s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Made from Disko metal (an alloy of different meta...
Metal
Pair of Danish Art Deco Pewter Candelabras by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pair of Danish Art Deco pewter candelabras designed by Just Andersen, dating from the early 1930s. Each candelabra features a sculptural, organic form with gracefully curved ...
Pewter
Set of Just Andersen Pewter Candlesticks, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Very fine Pewter Candle Holders designed by Just Andersen in 1933. * Pair (2) of pewter candlestick holders * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1730 * Y...
Pewter
Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Bowl made by Just Andersen in 1930. An exquisite piece for a beautiful table. * A round pewter bowl on feet with flora ornaments * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 8 * Manufa...
Pewter
$637
H 3.55 in W 7.49 in D 1.97 in
Combined Pewter Vase and Candle Holder by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Combined Pewter Vase and Candle Holder made by Just Andersen in 1935. An exquisite piece. * Two-armed Pewter Candlestick Holder with inside Vase. * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufac...
Pewter
1930s Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Pewter Candleholder
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen Art Deco pewter candle holder produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1930's. The candle holder is in good vintage condition and marked with Just. Andersens tria...
Metal, Pewter
1930s Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Pewter Candlesticks
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen art deco pewter candle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1930's. The candle holders are in good vintage condition and marked with Just. ...
Metal, Pewter
$753 / set
H 4.14 in W 2.76 in D 2.76 in
Art Deco Diskometal Candlestick Holders by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Geometric Diskometal Candlestick Holders designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Pair (2) of diskometal candlestick holders on a cannellated square foot * Designer: Just Andersen...
Metal
Set of Round Pewter Candlesticks by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Round Pewter Candle Holders designed by Just Andersen in 1933. A fine set for a beautiful place. * Pair (2) of round pewter candlestick holders * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufact...
Pewter
1930s Pewter Candle Holders by Just Andersen, Denmark- A Pair
By Just Andersen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Wonderful clover shaped pair of candlestick holders by Just Andersen. These are from Denmark circa 1930s. Great form and nice size.
Pewter
Just Andersen Art Deco Pair of Pewter Candlesticks, Denmark 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Milan, IT
Just Andersen Art Deco Pair of Pewter Candlesticks, Denmark 1930s
Pewter