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.
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
Odin Pattern Stainless Steel Flatware Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, Germany
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$200Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Designs Blue Enamelware Casserole Pot with Trivet Top IHQ France
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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 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
$9,520Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Collection of Five Danish Modern Teak Pepper Mills by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Set (4) Mid-Century Modern Teak Steak Knives Dansk Fjord Jens Quistgaard IHQ
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$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
Extra Large Danish Modern Teak Handled Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful serving teak tray by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, ca' 1960's. This is an extra large-hard to find version at 26"long and 19.5"wide. Great Danish crafstmanship and honest and ...
Teak
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
Dansk Flatware Set, "Odin" Stainless Steel, Mid-20th Century
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard "Odin" Dansk Flatware. 42 pieces of Stainless Flatware. Service for 8 plus a pair of salad servers. Shows signs of normal use and wea...
Stainless Steel
$184Sale Price|20% Off
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
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
Silver-Plated Candle Holder Crown Model Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of three (3) silver-plated candle holder is a vintage "Crown" model designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely originating from the 1960s or ...
Silver Plate
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
Large Teakwood Serving Bowl by Jens Harald Quistgaard, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Odense, DK
Large teakwood bowl by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard / IHQ. Produced by Quistgaards own company "Dansk" in the 1960s. Made in best quality solid...
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
$723Sale Price|20% Off
1950s Danish Modern Design Teak Wood Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Dansk MCM
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$595Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$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
$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
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
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Large Oval Teak Salad Bowl & Tong Servers - 1960s
By Dansk, Digsmed Design, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Decatur, GA
Scarce Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs large oval salad bowl with matching sculptural serving utensils, Denmark, circa 1960s. Constructed from richly figured staved teak, t...
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
Midcentury Teak Side or Coffee Table by Jens Quistgaard, Nissen, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Nissen
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Lovely teak tray table by Jens Quistgaard. Solid wood tray that is slightly concave on one side. Can be turned around and serve as an ordinary flat table. Nicely balanced proportions...
Teak
Danish Odin Stainless Steel Salad Servers Set by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
$272Sale Price / set|20% Off
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Tear Drop Candleholders in Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1990s. They are made of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the holder has ...
Metal, Silver Plate
$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
Danish Modern Teak Serving Board by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak serving board made in Denmark, with the early Ducks logo. The board has a rectangular form with rounded edges, a patterned center, and a recessed servi...
Teak
$100Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Dansk Teak Cheese Board + Knife Jens Quistgaard Dansk Cheese Board + Cutting Knife 8.75 long x 5.25 d x 1 Preowned original vintage Refer to l...
Teak
Jens H. Quitsgaard for Dansk Teak Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
1960s Mid-Century Modern teak bowl designed by Jens H. Quitsgaard for Dansk Denmark.
Teak
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Bamboo & Teak Tray for Dansk, Denmark, 1960's.
Bamboo, Teak
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
Coffe Table by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Stokke coffee table designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, Denmark, circa 1960. Rosewood and polished metal. Excellent vintage condition.
Rosewood
$1,850 / set
Dansk Variation 6 Flatware Set Service for 12
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dansk Variation 6 flatware set service for 12 plus a few extra pieces. Horizontal lines incised into the handles for a visual splash! Most pieces are marked Denmark, a few marked Ge...
Stainless Steel
Danish Modern Teak Desk Organizer Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool and very hard-to-find Danish modern teak desk organizer box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The box has a removable lid and three compartments for storage. G...
Teak
Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Box for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Lidded Rosewood Box for the Dansk Rare Wood Collection, Denmark, c.1960.
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
Danish Modern Solid Teak Large Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Majestic Large solid teak bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece is in good vintage condition beautiful thick walls.
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
$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
$2,350 / item
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk "Jette" Service for 8 plus 3 Serving Pieces. Elegant 1960's Design named after one of his daughters! Elongated Beautiful Design, will make the worst meal t...
Stainless Steel
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
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Mid-Century Teak Sofa Table by Jens Quistgaard, 1960
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A dark-brown, vintage Mid-Century Modern Danish small side, sofa table made of hand carved teakwood, designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard in good condition. Wear consistent with age an...
Teak
$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
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
Bar Knife Bottle Opener Dansk Jens Quistgaard.Scandinavian Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$1,246Sale 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
Solid teak side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Stockholm, SE
Side table designed by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s Teak. Exquisite woodwork and a beautifully shaped, removable tray surface that can function as a bowl characterise this Danis...
Teak
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Sculptural Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk circa, 1960 "marked on the underside" "nice wood grain and finish" "felt pads added to bottom" "oiled with food grade miner...
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
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Mid Century Danish Modern tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Constructed of solid staved teak, this iconic example is in excellent, original, clean and ready to u...
Teak
Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood & Steel Frame by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960's
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Pair of Easy Chairs in Rosewood and Chromium Plated Steel Frame, Seat Cushion and Back Upholstered with Brown Suede by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960's Additional Information: Materia...
Rosewood, Suede
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
Rare Dansk International Designs Ltd. Danish Modern Staved Teak Centerpiece Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A substantial and sculptural Danish Modern centerpiece bowl produced by Dansk International Designs Ltd., Denmark, circa 1965. Expertly crafted from solid teak using traditional stav...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Designed Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard Made by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A Mid-Century Modern (Scandinavian Modern) Danish teak tray designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk of the USA. A Teak tray designed by the highly regarded and very collected Jens H...
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