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.
Pair of Pewter Art Deco Candlesticks by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Malmö, SE
Pair of heavy pewter candlesticks with amazing patina. Designed and made by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920-30s. Great condition, only some light scratches. Stamped 'DENMARK', model...
Pewter
Tall Candlestick Holders by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Candlesticks designed by Just Andersen in 1920s. * Pair (2) of tall hammered pewter candlesticks on round foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Anderse...
Pewter
Set of Early Diskometal Candlesticks by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Art Deco Diskometal Candlestick Holders designed by Just Andersen in 1920s. Exquisite early work by Andersen. * Set of diskometal candlestick holders * Designer: Just Anders...
Metal
Rare pair of candlesticks by Danish sculpture and silversmith Just Andersen 1920
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
This rare pair of Arts and Crafts candlesticks, crafted by renowned Danish sculptor and silversmith Just Andersen in the 1920s, exemplifies the unique blend of artistry and craftsman...
Metal
Danish Art Deco Disko Metal Candlestick by Just Andersen, 1920s.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Art Deco Disko Metal Candlestick by Just Andersen, 1920s. Early Diskometal Art Deco candle holder. Made in Denmark by Just Andersen with his trademark alloy Diskometal. Sta...
Metal
Pair of danish art deco metal candlesticks by sculptor Just Andersen. 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
These rare and elegantly shaped 1920s Art Deco candlesticks are the work of renowned Danish sculptor and metalworker Just Andersen. Known for his innovative use of materials, Anderse...
Pewter
1940s 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 by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940's. The candle holders are in good vintage condition and marked with Just. Andersens ...
Metal, Pewter
1940s Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Circular Pewter Candle Holders
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
1920s Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Art Deco Candlesticks in Disco Metal
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen Art Deco candlesticks in disco metal by Just Andersen A/S The set of 1920's candlesticks are made in Disco metal, an alloy of lead and antimony, whic...
Metal
Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Five-Leaf Clover Art Deco Pewter Candlesticks
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen five-leaf clover art deco pewter andle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1930´s. The candle holders are in good vintage condition and mark...
Metal, 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 Four-Leaf Clover Pewter Candlesticks
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen four-leaf clover Art Deco pewter candle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1930s. The four-leaf clover is a uni...
Metal, Pewter
1930s Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Gartner Art Deco Pewter Candlesticks
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen art deco pewter candlesticks produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1930´s. The candlesticks each have a small relief of a gardener and are in good v...
Metal, Pewter
1930s Pair of Art Deco Pewter Candlesticks by Just Andersen
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Pair of Art Deco pewter candlesticks by Just Andersen The candlesticks are in good vintage condition. Marked Just. A. no, 2574. H.
Pewter
1940s 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 1940's. The candle holders are in good vintage condition and marked with Just. ...
Metal, Pewter
1940's Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Pewter candle Holders by Just Andersen
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen pewter candle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940's. The well designed candle holders are in good vintage condition and marked with J...
Pewter
1950's Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Disco Metal Candlesticks
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen disco metal candle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940 - 50's. The candle holders are in good vint...
Metal, Pewter
1930s Art Deco Danish Two-Armed Candleholder by Just Andersen in Disko Metal
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Art Deco Danish two-armed candleholder by Just Andersen in Disko Metal The candleholder is made in disko metal, an alloy of lead and antimony, which was Andersen's own invention and...
Metal