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
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Figural Candleholder / Ashtray by GAB, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural Swedish Art Deco bronze candleholder / ashtray by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB), dating to the 1930s. This rare and highly decorative piece features a styliz...
Bronze
$196Sale 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
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
Art Deco Ashtray in Bronze By Cawa, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Steamline stylized ashtray in cast bronze. Suitable for both cigars, pipe and cigarettes. Manufactured by CAWA in Denmark during the 1930s. The style of this piece is reminiscent Tin...
Bronze
French Art Deco Brass Ashtray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco Brass ashtray original condition from the Art Deco period .
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
$518Sale Price|25% Off
H 2.17 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
Zodiac Malachite Ashtray by Curt Schlevogt, Czechoslovakia, 1930s
By Curt Schlevogt
Located in Lucenec, SK
Discover the timeless beauty and masterful craftsmanship of this exceptional malachite glass ashtray, created by the legendary Curt Schlevogt. This rare piece from the renowned "Ingr...
Malachite
Art Deco Ashtray Stand
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Art deco ashtray stand. All steel except the top round insert which is copper. Bowl contains place to insert a book of matches. Ashtray stand measures 9.75" wide, 9.75" deep and 2...
Copper, Steel
Art Deco Ashtray by Demeyere, 1930s
By Demeyere
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Art deco chromed ashtray with bakelite by Demeyere. Beautiful art deco design. 1930s - Belgium Dimensions: Height: 72cm/28.34" Width: 38cm/14.96" depth: 24cm/9.44" Ref...
Chrome
Danish Bronze Ashtray with H. C. Andersen 's 'The Pig Boy', 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Bronze relief dish or ashtray displaying a scene from H. C. Andersen Fairy Tail 'The Pig Boy'. Made by Cawa in Denmark during the 1930s. Marked to its base: Cawa, Denmark 'Svinedreng...
Bronze
$175
H 1.25 in W 6.25 in D 4 in
1930s Style Art Deco Machine Age Copper Toned and Bakelite Double Ashtray.
Located in Seattle, WA
An 1930s style Art Deco ashtray featuring a sleek Machine Age aesthetic. Constructed from deep brown possible Bakelite and accented with polished copper toned ribbed bands along the ...
Bakelite