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 Denmark, 1930s Danish Fano Girl Bronze Bust, Carl Emil Ruge #2111
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark bronze bust of a Fano Danish Girl designed by Carl Emil Ruge A lovely innocent face makes this piece absolutely charming Superb dark...
Bronze
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
Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Chevron Match Box Holder
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, pewter stylised large match box holder Decorative chevron patterning border Circa 1930's Stamped 1497 on side panel Height 1.5 inch, Width 4 inch, Depth 2.5...
Pewter
Just Andersen, Denmark, Disko Stylised Fantail Fish 1920's Art Deco Paperweight
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Art Deco Disko metal stylised Fantail Fish pewter paperweight by Just Andersen of Denmark. Wonderful worn patina - A super desk accoutrement. Disko metal, invented by Just Andersen ...
Metal
Just Andersen Fantail Fish Paperweight, 1930s, Art Deco
By Just Andersen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Heavy metal (likely pewter) paperweight designed by Just Andersen. Paperweight depicts a Fantail Fish. A lovely Art Deco style piece which can work in a variety of different interi...
Bronze
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
$598
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
Large Art Deco Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Bowl on foot designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an exquisite table. * Large round footed pewter bowl with engraving. * Designer: Just Andersen * Sty...
Pewter
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
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
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Litte Art Deco Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Small pewter vase with incised vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1758 * Year: 1935 * Con...
Pewter
Large Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. • Diskometal metal vase with curvy opening • Designer: Just Andersen • Style: D1873 (often referred to as the 'Margre...
Metal
Early Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A fine piece for the exquisite home. * A fan-shaped metal vase with vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D20...
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
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
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
Art Deco Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Drop-shaped diskometal vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1556 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Good vintage ...
Metal
Sold
H 2.5 in W 4.25 in D 3.15 in
Just Andersen, Denmark Fantail Fish 1920s Art Deco Pewter Desk Paperweight #833B
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Art Deco stylised Fantail Fish pewter paperweight by Just Andersen of Denmark. Circa 1920 Height 2.5 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 3.15 inch Stamped and numbered 833B to base Good co...
Pewter
Pair of Just Andersen Danish Art Deco Fish
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A pair of 1930s Danish Art Deco bronze composite decorative fish by Just Andersen. Signed.
Bronze
Just Andersen 1930s Danish Pewter Elaphant Book End
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
One 1930s Danish Art Deco pewter elephant bookend by sculptor, Just Andersen.
Pewter
Pair of Danish Just Andersen Desk Pieces
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful pair of Chinese gold fish done in "disko" metal by Just Andersen. Can be used to hold pens and pencils. Signed.
Bronze