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.
$490Sale Price|47% Off
Just Andersen Art Deco Trinket Jar in Patinated Bronze, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Early green patinated jar or trinket in bronze designed by Just Andersen and manufactured in the early 1930s. Ornate Josef Frank inspired handle to the lid. Fully signed and numbered...
Bronze
Just Andersen Art Deco Trinket Jar in Pewter, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare pewter trinket in pewter. Clean strict design with beaded edge. Designed and manufactured by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1930s. Imprinted to its base: Just, Danmark, 2...
Pewter
$1,400Sale Price|50% Off
Just Andersen Danish Art Deco Pewter Set 1920 Jar Dish Bottle Opener
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A great set of 3 decorative pewter pieces by Danish maker, Just Andersen. One is a jar canister, can be used in a bathroom to hold cotton or q tips. The lid is d...
Pewter
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
Tall Pewter Vases by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Vases designed by Just Andersen in 1930s. * Set (2) of tall cannellated pewter vases on round flower-shaped foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Ander...
Pewter
Bottle-Shaped Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Bottle-Shaped Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Bottle-Shaped pewter vase with vertical lines * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 2726 * Year: 1952 * Condition: ...
Metal, Pewter
Pedestal Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Værløse, DK
Exquisite Pedestal Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in 1930. * Pedestal pewter vase with a mermaid * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacture: GAB Sweden * Style: 1132 * Year: 1...
Pewter
$665
H 3.55 in W 5.12 in D 3.15 in
Fish-shaped Art Deco Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Fish-shaped art deco vase designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. A lovely detail for a beautiful home. * A fish-shaped metal vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1389 (sta...
Metal
Pewter Jardinière by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Exquisite Pewter Jardinière on Floral Foot designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval pewter jardinière on floral foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1279 * Year: 1918-19...
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 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 Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco vase in Pewter designed by Just Andersen in 1935. An elegant piece for a beautiful place. * A curved pewter vase with center handle * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1772 ...
Metal, Pewter
Light-Bronze Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Light-Bronze Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An elegant piece in great vintage condition. * A round vase in light-bronze alloy * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB15...
Bronze
Substantial Art Deco Vases by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Impressive Discometal Vases designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Set (2) of 8-sided cone shaped vases in discometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1932 * Year: 1...
Metal
Square Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A little square Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An elegant piece for a beautiful place. * A square pewter vase with curvy edges * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufact...
Pewter
Just Andersen Jydepotte
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Just Andersen Danish, (1884-1943) Jydepotte. Signed.
Metal