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 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
Set of Art Deco Vases by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of small Diskometal Vases made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An * Pair (2) metal vases with opening shaped as figure-eight (from top down) * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D...
Metal
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
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
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An elegant piece for a beautiful home. * Pewter vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 2004 * Year: 1938 * Condition: Good vintage c...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval pewter vase with slim neck. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1522 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Good vintage con...
Pewter
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
Round Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Round Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Round pewter vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1662 (stamped ‘Just 1662’) * Year: 1933 * Condition: G...
Pewter
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
Amphora-Style Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Amphora-style Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Amphora-style of pewter vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1801 * Year: 1926-1929 * Condi...
Pewter
Pewter Flower Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegante Pewter Flower Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Litte curvy pewter vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 2319 * Year: 1938 * Condition: Good vintage conditi...
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
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
Just Andersen Jydepotte
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Just Andersen Danish, (1884-1943) Jydepotte. Signed.
Metal