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.
Antique Just Andersen, Denmark. Pewter Viking Ship Salt #1109
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Antique Just Andersen, Danish pewter Viking ship salt cellar. Stamped and numbered 1109 on base Circa 1920's Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1....
Pewter
Just Andersen, Denmark Bronze Patina Disko Metal Viking Ship Salt #1109
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen Danish bronze patina Disko metal Viking ship salt cellar. circa 1920s Stamped and numbered 1109 on base Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1.75 inch In good ...
Metal
Pewter Casket by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lidded Pewter Casket designed made by Just Andersen in 1930. A timeless piece for an exquisite place * Lidded pewter box with a velvet inner box. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: ...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Flower-shaped Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Flower-shaped pewter vase on foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1107 * ...
Pewter
1940s Danish Just Andersen Pewter Vase
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen pewter vases produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940´s - 1950´s The vase is in good vintage condition and marked with Ju...
Metal, Pewter
Pyramidal Smoking Set, Germany, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Pyramidal smoking set is an original decorative object realized in Germany in the 1970s. A unique object composed by four ashtrays and a lighter. Table lighter vintage plastic ...
Metal
Pewter Candle Holders by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Pewter Candle Holders designed by Just Andersen in 1920s. A fine set for a beautiful place. * Pair of small Pewter Candlestick Holders * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufactur...
Pewter
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
Set of Just Andersen Pewter Candlesticks, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Very fine Pewter Candle Holders designed by Just Andersen in 1933. * Pair (2) of pewter candlestick holders * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1730 * Y...
Pewter
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, 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
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
Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Bowl on Legs designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A fine little piece for an exquisite place. * Pewter bowl on four legs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 434 * Year: 191...
Pewter
Pewter Sugar Jar and Creamer by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Sugar Jar & Creamer made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An exquisite set for a beautiful table. * Set (3) of pewter lidded sugar jar and creamer on tray * Designer: Just And...
Pewter
Pair Of Just Andersen, Denmark Pewter Viking Ship Salts #1109
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Pair of Just Andersen, Danish pewter Viking ship salt cellars. Circa 1920's Stamped and numbered 1109 on base Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1....
Pewter
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H 2.25 in W 4.25 in D 1.75 in
Just Andersen, Denmark Bronze Patina Disko Metal Viking Ship Salt #1109
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen Danish bronze patina Disko metal Viking ship salt cellar, circa 1920s Stamped and numbered 1109 on base Measures: Height 2.25 inch, width 4.25 inch, depth 1.75 inch ...
Metal