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 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
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Inkwell by GAB, Sweden 1930s – Sculptural Desk Accessory
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
This refined desk accessory features a beautifully proportioned, rounded ink pot with a domed lid and finial, set upon a distinctive square tray with softly scalloped, curved edges. ...
Bronze
Just Andersen, Small Vase, Pewter, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A small pewter vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, c. 1930s.
Pewter
Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Art Deco / Swedish Grace. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRO...
Bronze
$4,779
H 3.55 in W 9.06 in D 4.22 in
Bronze Art Deco Jardiniere by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze jardiniere with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers...
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, with a few light scratches. Please note: it has an inscription (pic...
Bronze
$1,178
H 0.4 in W 5.24 in D 4.22 in
Small Art Deco Bronze Dish by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze dish with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Fair condition, a lot of scratches to the patination. Stamped 'BRONS' and ...
Bronze
Mini Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Mini Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s Denmark. Danish Art Deco miniature pewter vase made in Denmark in the 1930s. Stamped underneath: Just Denmark and model no: 2492. 5 cm ta...
Pewter
GAB, Small Candlesticks, Pewter, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of pewter candlesticks designed and produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Holds 0.5” diameter candles
Pewter
Bronze Art Deco Bowl by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco bronze bowl / dish with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, only a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and ma...
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, with some light scratches. An inscription to the base. Stamped 'BRO...
Bronze
$3,583
H 8.08 in Dm 4.34 in
Stunning Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Excellent condition. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark. Gul...
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