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.
Art Deco Diskometal Bookends designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Art Deco Bookends made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Set (2) of diskometal bookends picturing Sct. George & the Dragon * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1626 * Year: 1...
Metal
Diskometal Desk Calendar Stand by Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Tiny Diskometal Calendar Stand designed by Just Andersen in the 1940s. A rare piece for a beautiful desk. * Diskometal calendear stand * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 2314 * Ye...
Metal
Art Deco Pen Holders in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Set of 2.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Art Deco Pen Holders in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Set of 2. Wonderful pair of small pen holders designed by Danish sculptor Just Anders...
Metal
Just Andersen Disko Metal Ribbed Horseshoe Pipe Rest #2253
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen Disko metal pipe rest with a strong ribbed decoration. Circa 1930's Great colour, weighty and an unusual piece Stamped and numbered 2253 on base Height 1.25 inch, Widt...
Metal
Large Vase in 'Disko' Metal by Just Andersen, Made in Denmark, 1940s
By Just Andersen
Located in Lejre, DK
Vase in disco metal model 2411 by Ib Just Andersen. Mad in Denmark Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Metal
Just Andersen, Vase, Disko Metal, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A disko metal vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s.
Metal
1940s Danish Just Andersen Pewter Vase
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen pewter vases produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940´s - 1950´s The vase is in good vintage condition and marked with Ju...
Metal, Pewter
$595
H 0.6 in W 8.27 in D 0.6 in
Just Andersen - Letter-knife in Mint Condition - Original box - Art Deco, 1930's
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
One of a kind letter knife made by Just Andersen, Denmark in the 1930's with the original box from the Jeweller that the knife were bought from. Mint condition been laying in the bo...
Pewter
Art Deco Disko Metal Candleholder by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
- Large candelabra in disko metal designed by Just Andersen - Manufactured during the 1930s in his workshop in Copenhagen - This is model 155 and it features an octagonal base and ...
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
Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Substantial Discometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An eye-catching installment. * A round discometal vase with square neck (very heavy) * Designer: Just Andersen *...
Metal
Pewter Inkwell by Just Andersen, GAB Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Minimalist Pewter Inkwell designed by Just Andersen in 1930. * Pewter inkwell with glass insert and tray * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1119 * Manufacturer: GAB, Sweden (Gulds...
Pewter
Just Andersen Art Deco Bronze Nude Female Sculpture, Denmark, 1940s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant and refined, this sculptural figure by Danish designer Just Andersen embodies the timeless sophistication of the Art Deco period. The work depicts a nude female figure leanin...
Bronze
Art Deco Vase '159' in Disco Metal by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Balen, BE
Art Deco Vase No. 159 in Disco Metal by Just Andersen – Denmark, 1930s Featuring “Adam and Eve” Relief Motif This rare Art Deco vase, model no. 159, was designed by Just Andersen in...
Brass
1940s Danish Just Andersen Circular Pewter Vase
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen pewter vase produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940 - 1950's. The vase is marked with Just. Andersens triangle mark...
Metal, Pewter
$345
H 2.2 in W 4.25 in D 1.5 in
Disko Metal Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Stylised Bird Pipe Rest
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, disko metal stylised bird pipe rest Disko metal, invented by Just Andersen by combing lead and antimony circa 1930s Stamped on base Measures: Height 2.5 inc...
Metal