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.
Pewter Inkwell by Just Andersen, GAB Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
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
$757Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Bronze Inkwell by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Art Deco bronze inkwell designed by renowned Danish metalsmith Just Andersen, circa 1930s. This minimalist yet bold piece features a stepped, geometric inkwell form integr...
Bronze
1920s Pewter Inkwell by Just Andersen
By Just Andersen
Located in Brooklyn, NY
1920s, Denmark. Crafted by Just Andersen, this pewter inkhorn showcases the refined lines of the Swedish Grace movement. The footed base anchors the design while a glass insert provi...
Pewter
Danish Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s. Small Art Deco vase with two stylized fluted leaves. Made in Denmark by Just Andersen with his trademark alloy Diskometal. Stamped wi...
Metal
Bronze Jar by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A rare round jewelry box in light-bronze designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. It is pretty little thing for a beautiful spot. * A round bronze jar and lit with ornaments * Design...
Bronze
Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Delicate Art Nouveau Pewter Bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round pewter bowl on foot. * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 471 * Year: 1926-...
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 pewter bowl on flower shaped foot. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 119...
Pewter
Pewter Candelabrum by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Wide Pewter Candelabrum designed by Just Andersen in 1920s. * Pewter candlestick holder with five candles * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1246 * Ye...
Pewter
Bronze Jar by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Round Light-Bronze Jar designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Round bronze jar and lit with ornaments * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB 1615 (stamped 'Just’) * Year: 1934 * ...
Bronze
Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Bowl on Legs designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A fine little piece for an exquisite place. * Pewter bowl on four legs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 434 * Year: 191...
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 Deco Discometal Bowl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco Discometal Bowl made Just Andersen in the 1930s. An exquisite piece for a beautiful table. * A curvy metal bowl * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1830 * Year: 1935 * Cond...
Metal
Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an exquisite table. * Pewter bowl * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 154 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: G...
Pewter
Pedestal Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal Pewter Bowl made by Just Andersen in 1929. An exquisite piece for a beautiful place. * A round pewter bowl on foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 159 * Year: 1929 * Con...
Pewter
Art Deco Discometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Discometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An eye-catching piece for a beautiful table. • Diskometal metal vase with curvy opening • Designer: Just Andersen • Style: D...
Metal