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 Pewter Dish / Ashtray, Model 2350, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Decorative Art Deco pewter dish designed by Just Andersen, Denmark, circa 1930s. Model 2350, featuring a beautifully fluted and sculptural rim surrounding a shallow central bowl. Ori...
Pewter
Just Andersen - Bronze Ashtray
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Art Deco ashtray/decorative plate in solid bronze made by Just Andersen.
Bronze
Ceramic Dish Ashtray in Ceramic Art Deco Green Color Fishes Patern
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Art Deco ashtray or vide poche in ceramic. Green color. Made in France. Fishes Patern.
Ceramic
Sculptural Bronze Ashtray by Oscar Bach
By Oscar Bruno Bach
Located in Tarrytown, NY
Sculptural Art Deco bronze ashtray with bird motif by Oscar Bach. Signed.
Bronze
Vintage Amber Bakelite Art Deco Ashtray, 1930s
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage Amber Bakelite Art Deco Ashtray, realized in 1930s. Excellent condition.
Bakelite
Bulé yellow glass ashtray, Art Deco, 1930
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
It's a Bulé yellow glass ashtray with decorations inside. The color is somewhere between transparent and yellow-green. The green is very thick. It's a typical example of Art Deco gla...
Glass
GAB Sweden 1920 Art Deco Bronze Ashtray Candle Holder
By GAB
Located in New York, NY
A great 1920 Swedish Art Deco decorative bronze ashtray with tiny candle holder done in a darkened patina. The design is of a woman holding a basket. Signed.
Bronze
Mid-Century Bronze Ashtray Walter Bosse attr., Vienna
By Walter Bosse
Located in Andernach, DE
Wonderful small heavy golden bronze ashtray attributed to the hands of Walter Bosse, Vienna, Austria. And crafted and with unique hand applied greenish shimmering patina inside and o...
Bronze
Art Deco Marble and Bronze Terrier Ashtray or Jewelry Tray
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
Charming Art Deco bronze Scottie or Airedale terrier on marble ashtray or jewelry tray from the 1930's. Very versatile piece that would look great as a display piece on a vanity or c...
Marble, Bronze
$193Sale Price|25% Off
H 12 in W 24 in D 10 in
Bohemian Feigl and Morawetz Libochovice Art Deco Glass Polar Bears Ashtray 1930s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Made by Feigl and Morawetz Libochovice and designed by the Czech sculptor Karel Zentner. An antique figurative ashtray made out of clear pressed glass, partially frosted. Figurative ...
Art Glass, Glass
Baccarat Ashtray
By Baccarat
Located in Mérida, YU
This is an original Baccarat astray in excellent condition. Like new. Timeless design and the best quality.
Crystal
Bronze ashtray, France, 1970
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A French bronze ashtray from the 1970s, sculpted in the shape of a blooming flower with delicately modeled petals. The gilded surface, with its warm patina, highlights the metalwork ...
Bronze
Walter Bosse bronze ashtray from 1950
Located in Wien, AT
Walter Bosse bronze ashtray from 1950, good condition, Vienna, Austria,
Bronze
Pal-Bell Bronze Whale Ashtray
By Pal-Bell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bronze ashtray in the shape of a whale, with a curved tail and three grooves at the front of the piece. It has a hammered interior and a slight verdigris patina. An embossed stamp on...
Bronze