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.
1930s tin platter by metal worker Just Andersen Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
A refined 1930s tin platter by the celebrated Danish metal artist Just Andersen, whose innovative use of alloy metals helped define Scandinavian decorative modernism. Model 2539 is...
Tin
1940s Set of Danish Just Andersen Pewter Serving Platter and Bowl
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of Danish Just Andersen pewter serving platter and bowl produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940´s / 1950´s The the serving platter and bowl are good vintage condition and ma...
Metal, Pewter
Oval Vintage Pewter Tray by Just Andersen Art Deco Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Montecalvoli, IT
Oval vintage pewter tray by Just Andersen Art Deco Denmark, 1930s This beautiful oval vintage tray by Just Andersen was designed and manufactured in Denmark in the 1930s. The tin bo...
Pewter
Set of Three English Pewter Plates or Platters, 19th Century
Located in Savannah, GA
Set of three English Pewter plates or platters, 19th century. Different sizes. Small 9.75" diameter Medium 10.5" diameter Large 11.25" diameter
Pewter
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
Art Deco Moulded glass vase, Czechoslovakia 1930s
Located in Verviers, BE
Art Deco Moulded glass vase, Czechoslovakia 1930s Art Deco molded-glass vase from the 1930s A superb, well-made molded-glass vase produced in Czechoslo...
Art Glass
$348
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 Height 2.25 inch, Width 4.25 inch, Depth 1.75 inch In good ...
Metal
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
Elegant Art Déco tray. France 1930s. Macassar Wood.Chrome border.
Located in Köln, NW
Elegant Art Déco tray. France 1930s. Macassar wood. Chrome border The tray stands on square macassar feet, making it look light and elegant. One glue spot visible on the underside of...
Chrome
$3,218 / set
H 2.37 in W 17.72 in D 7.49 in
Majolica Ceramic Blue Fish Plates and Platter Serving Set, 1960
Located in Barcelona, ES
Eye-catching set of 6 small fish plates and a large fish tray in blue and grey glazed ceramic, Spain, 1960s. This Midcentury ceramics serving set can be used to serve desserts, salad...
Ceramic, Majolica
1930s Danish Just Andersen Pewter Salt Vessel
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen pewter salt vessel on a wodden tray produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940´s - 1950´s The vessel is in very good vintage conditi...
Metal, Pewter
$265
H 3 in W 11.5 in D 11.5 in
(7) Serving Pieces Ensemble C.1950's: Tunisian Platters + Moroccan Serving Bowl
Located in Incline Village, NV
Circa 1950's hand painted Tunisian pottery consisting of the following pieces: (3) Large serving platters (as pictured in the bottom row of main image) 1) 12 1/2" blue, aqua, gold, a...
Ceramic
Just Andersen, Denmark. Set of seven pewter bottle coasters, 1930s/40s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Just Andersen, Denmark. Set of seven pewter bottle coasters engraved with motifs from Denmark. Circular form with ribbed rim. Manufacturer: Just Andersen, Denmark Material: Pewter D...
Pewter
Elegant Tray in pewter from Firma Svenskt Tenn in Art Deco from 1934
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Knivsta, SE
Elegant Tray in pewter from Sweden’s most famous Design Company Firma Svenskt Tenn. Art Deco. This tray is from the year 1934 (H8). Simple beauty with only a stripe as decoration. W...
Pewter
Just Andersen, Denmark, Vintage Polished Pewter 1940s Hot Toddy Cup #1289
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen, Denmark, vintage polished pewter 1940s hot toddy cup #1289 Simple and effective Danish design, circa 1940s Stamped and numbered 1289 Measu...
Pewter
Just Andersen - Bronze Charger, pair
By Just Andersen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Just Andersen: A pair of partly green patinated bronze chargers. Stamped monogram Just A., B1773, Denmark.
Bronze