The postwar-era work of Danish sculptor and designer Jens Harald Quistgaard is still exceedingly popular in living rooms, dining rooms and kitchens in the United States, Europe and Japan, particularly in the homes of mid-century design enthusiasts. Having created serving pieces and barware for Dansk Designs for 30 years, Quistgaard produced striking Scandinavian modernist designs that married function with sophisticated form.
After demonstrating artistic talent at a young age, Quistgaard was gifted a forge and anvil so that he could work in his mother’s kitchen. He built toys, jewelry and hunting knives under his father’s tutelage. Later, he spent years learning from local artisans how to produce wood, metal, ceramic and glass models. Quistgaard’s career path solidified during his apprenticeship as a silversmith with legendary Danish silver firm Georg Jensen.
By 1954, Quistgaard had become known for his designs in Denmark when American entrepreneur and businessman, Ted Nierenberg, discovered his work. The two formed a partnership to mass-produce Quistgaard’s wares in New York while the designer remained in Copenhagen.
The long-distance relationship flourished for three decades, during which millions of Quistgaard pieces were manufactured in the factories of Dansk Designs, Nierenberg’s company. Owing primarily to the partnership between Dansk Designs and Quistgaard, many Americans became familiar with Scandinavian modernism. In the postwar era, American tastemakers sold the citizenry on the “Scandinavian dream,” suggesting that, like us, the inhabitants of the Nordic nations valued home, hearth, family and good craftsmanship and design, as well as democracy.
The designs for Quistgaard’s Købenstyle line and other collections during the mid-1950s were revolutionary, with bowls built like barrels and charming, lightweight monochrome tableware in enameled steel. Quistgaard utilized exceptional materials in the creation of his coveted cookware and serving pieces, opting for warm teak and exotic woods and reintroducing steel as a go-to option for kitchen wares.
Quistgaard’s designs won numerous awards and are held in the collections of museums all over the world. His work can be found in the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Louvre, the Museum of Modern Art and elsewhere.
Find vintage Jens Harald Quistgaard decorative objects, serveware and other furniture on 1stDibs.
Odin Pattern Stainless Steel Flatware Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Fulton, CA
A 42 piece set of "Odin" stainless steel flatware designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark for Dansk. Designed in Denmark, produced in Germany, circa 1960s. Each piece is signed. The s...
Stainless Steel
Jens Quistgaard, Candlesticks, Brass, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass candlesticks designed and produced by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, c. 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Holds one 1.0” Diameter candl...
Brass
JHQ Group of Dansk Design Fjord Germany and By Present Japan Stainless Flatware
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs in the 1960s, the iconic Fjord flatware was made with an insert in the center of the teak handles and stainless tops manufactured first ...
Stainless Steel
Set (4) Mid-Century Modern Teak Steak Knives Dansk Fjord Jens Quistgaard IHQ
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, Dansk "Fjord" Pattern: Designed by Jens Quistgaard in 1954, these are characterized by their sleek stainless steel blades and teak handles with a signature "p...
Stainless Steel
$156Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Danish Chrome 12 Candle Holder Candleholder by Jen H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Søborg, DK
A beautiful vintage Danish chrome 12 candleholder designed by Jens Quistgaard. Included are 2 boxes of 12 original vintage taper candles? Quistgaard lth...
Chrome
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Salt / Pepper Mill Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A sculptural teak wood salt and pepper mill designed by the iconic Danish Mid Century artist designer Jens Quistgaard. A unique and beautiful...
Teak
Stokkestol Chair, Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Rosewood, Sheepskin, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Culver City, CA
Designed by Jens Quistgaard (the genius behind Dansk) for Nissen Langaa, this ultra-sculptural 1960s Stokkestol (Stick chair) or simple Stokke Chair is the kind of piece that stops c...
Aluminum
Jens Quistgaard assortment of 11 tableware/ sculptures salt/Pepper Mills Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful set of paper mills, These are tableware but now are view as small sculptures in Teak Wood , but some were made in rare rosewood and other fancy woods, in this selection the...
Teak
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Designs blue enamelware Kobenstyle casserole pot and cover lid with trivet top IHQ France Designed by Jens Herald Quistgaard made in France, Kobenstyle Line introduced in 1956...
Metal, Enamel
Jens Quistgaard Fjord Flatware 72 Pieces Dansk Danish Modern Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Danish Modern "Fjord" Modernist Flatware Set, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark and produced in Germany, circa 1960s. The set contains a 5 piece set for 12 people with...
Stainless Steel
Jens Harald Quistgaard Danish Candlesticks in Patinated Brass, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed candles...
Brass
1960s Jens Harald Quistgaard Richard Nissen Teak Folding Bar Cart
By Richard Nissen, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare design from Jens Harald Quistgaard, produced by Richard Nissen in the 1960s. Constructed of solid teak, with wheels inset with teak hubs. Like Quistgaard’s household items, th...
Teak
1960's Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Large Teak Salad Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
1960's Mid-Century Modern Jens Quistgaard designed for Dansk large teak salad bowl, in vintage original condition with minor wear and patina due to age and use.
Teak
$15,000 / item
Pair of "Stokke" Chairs by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Nissen Langaa, Denmark. 1960s. A pair of "Stokke" chairs with rosewood rails and original suede upholstery. Signed to the canvas. Excellent vintage condition.
Rosewood
Modernist "Odin" Flatware by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 72 Pieces
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large set of "Odin" pattern stainless steel flatware, designed by Jens Quistgaard in Denmark and produced in Germany for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a complete six-piece set for 12 p...
Stainless Steel
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, circa 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Very Large Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Denmark, circa 1960 Branded on Bottom: Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade miner...
Hardwood
$76Sale Price / item|43% Off
Amazing Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard For Paro
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Søborg, DK
Amazing Danish cast iron candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard for Pato. Comes with a box of 12 hand dipped tappers candles NOS new old stock in t...
Iron
1970s Jens Quistgaard Cube Nesting Tables for Richard Nissen- A Pair
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An iconic and desirable pair of tables designed by Jens Quistgaard for Richard Nissen. Wonderful exposed joinery on the sides of the tables, playful circular openings, and tables tha...
Teak
Vintage Danish Dansk Teak Cutting Board Tray Platter by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Cordova, SC
Mid-Century Modern footed cutting board tray in teak designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark. This versatile piece is the perfect tool for carving and serving featuring a h...
Teak
Large Jens Quistgaard Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Denmark with early duck stamp
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Ferndale, MI
One of the many bowls designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Denmark . Beautifully proportioned Staved Teak sculptural and utilitarian . Fine condition . Minor evidence of any use ...
Wood
$100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Servers Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on these set of solid teak salad servers designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, great condition stamped.
Teak
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Early teak combination salt shaker and pepper mill by Jens Quistgaard. Metal grinding mechanisms produced by Peugeot Freres. The mill was produced by Dansk in Denmark. The top is for...
Teak
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
Brass, Iron
Danish Modern Teak Butcher Block Cutting Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak butcher block round cutting board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The board is in very good vintage condition and measures 15.75"D x 2"H and has a juice...
Teak
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Scandinavian Cabinmodern Teak Sculptural Canoe Long Bowl Danish
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Denmark, c.1950. A long and large staved teak centerpiece fruit bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard, faint impressed marks to bottom.
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard Brass midcentury Candlesticks, 1960s, Set of 6
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A group of 6 solid brass candlesticks designed and manufactured by Jens Harald Quistgaard - IHQ in Denmark during the 1960s. The candlesticks are to be fitted with regular sixed cand...
Brass
$269Sale Price|69% Off
Danish Cast Iron Tripod Moon Crater Dish Cabin Candelabra Midcentury Sculpture
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Uncommon form. Very matte grey/black, 2-piece, cast iron candelabra or dish with pierced lid. Heavy little table decor. Weighs just over 5.5 lbs.
Iron
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of five Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Super cool set ! Please see my other Danish pepper mills...
Teak
JHQ Dansk Denmark Teak Salad Servers
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Pair of Jens Quistgaard Danish teak salad servers. Part of a recently acquired large collection.
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Fireplace Tools for Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Mateo, CA
Rare set of Dansk fireplace tools designed by Jens Quistgaard. These consist of a poker, broom and shovel and are held on a wall mounted rack. This set...
Brass, Iron
1960s Jens Quistgaard Danish Rosewood Ice Bucket by Wenge
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Knebel, DK
Jens Quistgaard wenge rare ice bucket in conical form, flared at the base, with integrated handle and carved lid. Branded mark on base “wenge...
Rosewood
Dansk Teak Ice Bucket by Jens H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Dansk is one of the most celebrated makers of Mid-Century table and kitchenware. Their teaks and enamels are in designs that endure the decades make Dansk items highly sought after a...
Teak
Rare Woods Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage rosewood ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Part of the exclusive "Rare Woods" collection produced around the 1960s and 1970s, it fe...
Wood
Large Dansk Jens Quistgaard Paella / Oven Pan Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A larger sized bright blue enameled paella / oven Kobenstyled pan manufactured by Dansk known for their quality and simple functionally. Made in Denmark and designed by Jens Quistga...
Enamel, Steel
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury 1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and beautiful design on this large solid teak, a tray designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, circa the 1950s, great condition with raised edges, incredible craftsmanship. early...
Teak
Scandinavian Modern Large Dansk Staved Teak Salad Bowl Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a large Dansk staved teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard. Made in Denmark. Scandinavian Modern. Dimensions: 6" H x 16.5" D...
Teak
Jens H. Quistgaard Dual Pepper - Salt Mill & Shaker in Teak, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Jens Harald Quistgaard design for his own company International Designs of Denmark. This stylish yet versatile dual combination salt & pepper shaker is made from solid teak. Makers...
Teak
Mid-Century Danish Modern Teak Coaster Set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Mid-Century Danish Modern teak coaster set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk. Includes four coasters in the original box. Solid teak with stainless steel flintlock pistol inlay. Denmar...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Teak Ice Bucket
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Fulton, CA
Round teak Danish Modern ice bucket with lid. Plastic insert. Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Denmark. 1970's.
Teak
Collection of Six Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Awesome collection of six Danish Modern teak pepper mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk and other Danish manufacturers, circa 1960s. The mills are in very good vintage condition and range in height 5.5" to 9". Signed on the underside. Included is a copy of the book "Danish Pepper" by Mark Perlson which chronicles the history of the Danish pepper mill...
Teak
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stamford, CT
The enduring sensibility of Danish design has proven timeless, with both vintage and contemporary works continuing to captivate collectors worldwide. Dansk embodies this appreciation...
Stainless Steel
$60Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Danish Brass Candleholder by Jen H. Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Søborg, DK
Vintage Danish brass candleholder designed by Jens Quistgaard. Holds 5 taper candles. Included is one box of 12 original vintage taper candles Meas...
Brass
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
A beautiful vintage 1950s teak tray with clear edges, attributed to famous Danish Designer Jens Quistgaard. A charming and useful object in very good condition.
Wood, Teak
Bar Knife Bottle Opener Dansk Jens Quistgaard.Scandinavian Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage bar knife bottle opener by Dansk, Design by Jens Quistgaard. Stainless steel and teak wood. Easy ducks, made in Germany. Dimensions: 9.38" Long x...
Stainless Steel
Danish Modern Tapered Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice Danish modern staved teak tapered bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The bowl is 11.5"D x 4.25"H and in very good condition. Signed on the underside. #3975
Teak
Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Fireplace Set in Iron
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Jens Harald Quistgaard, fireplace set, model '1400', forged iron, brass, straw, Denmark, circa 1965. Danish sculptor and designer Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919-2008) is particularly ...
Brass, Iron
Nest of Three Staved Teak Serving Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Complete set of three staved teak serving trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Designed with a slight size disparity (small, medium, and large) to allow the trays to nest together whe...
Teak
Danish Modern Kobenstyle Enamel and Cane Pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and unique Danish modern "Kobenstyle" enamel and cane pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The pitcher is in very good vintage condition with the exception of...
Enamel, Iron
Rare oversized tray by Jens Harald Quistgaard, solid teak 1950s, Dansk designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Hägersten, SE
Rare serving tray designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk designs during the 1950s. Made from solid teak with beautiful attention the details and high crafts...
Teak
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pair of Danish Staved Teak Trays Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1950's "beautiful color and wood grain" "in good vintage condition" "oiled with food grade mineral oil" Small Tray: 20....
Teak
$296Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bishop's Stortford, GB
Danish Teak Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Mid Century. Bucket of flairing form with round lid, tapering lugs joined by a curved handle and contrasting red plastc in...
Teak
$300Sale Price / set|20% Off
MCM Teak & Stainless Steel Carving Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish MCM teak and stainless steel carving set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The set includes a 14" carving knife and a 11" double pronged serving fork. Both pieces ar...
Stainless Steel
Vintage Dansk Designs Teak Wood Ice Bucket Jens Quistgaard IHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Dansk Designs teak wood ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard during the mid-century modern era. Constructed from s...
Teak
$612Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Bring a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home with this iconic Jens Quistgaard candelabra, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from cast iron and brass, this sculptural piec...
Brass, Iron
Danish Modern Staved Teak "Congo" Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk Form
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Dansk 'Congo' ice bucket in staved teak designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Iconic, sculptural early example with signature orange plastic interior liner. Light scuffs to the oran...
Plastic, Teak
Scandinavian Modern Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This serving tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark during the 1950s, is a refined example of Danish modern utility fused with artisanal detailing. Const...
Teak, Bamboo
Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The tray is quite functional with three different walled sections and is in very good vintage condition....
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Casserole Dish and Stand From the Anker-Line Range
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern casserole dish and stand from the Anker-Line range. It was designed in 1954 by the renowned Danish sculptor and industrial designer Jens ...
Iron
$1,280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard. Danish cast iron candlesticks, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist and Space Age style candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Dansk Design in Denmark, 1960s. Both pieces are made of solid cast iron with a centr...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard Teak Dansk Pepper Mushroom Pepper Mill Scandinavian Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a teak pepper mill designed by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK, Mushroom shape. Scandinavian Modern design. Made in Denmark circa the 1960s. Tested and currently w...
Teak