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.
H 13.78 in Dm 6.3 in
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Amphora Vase by Svenskt Tenn, 1930s
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined Swedish Art Deco pewter amphora vase, designed for Svenskt Tenn in the 1930s. This elegant piece features a classical silhouette with a tall, tapering body and distinctive ...
Pewter
H 8.47 in Dm 6.11 in
Sylvia Stave Pewter Amphora Vase, C.G. Hallberg, Swedish Grace, 1936, Attributed
By C.G. Hallberg, Sylvia Stave
Located in PARIS, FR
Pewter amphora vase attributed to Sylvia Stave for C.G. Hallberg, Stockholm, dated 1936. A refined example of Swedish Grace, the Scandinavian interpretation of Art Deco that defined ...
Pewter
H 9.45 in Dm 4.34 in
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 1933
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant and well-proportioned pewter vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, dated 1933. This refined example of Scandinavian Art Deco / early Functionalism showcases a beautif...
Pewter
H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 5.5 in
AB ML, Vase, Pewter, Sweden, 1930s
Located in High Point, NC
A pewter vase designed and produced by AB ML, Sweden, 1930s. With personal inscription.
Pewter
H 7.09 in Dm 9.06 in
Art Deco Pewter Two-Handled Vase, GAB Sweden, 1934
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Art Deco pewter vase crafted by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Sweden, in 1934. This finely made piece features a rounded, fluted body with a sculptural presence, complemented ...
Pewter
H 12.21 in Dm 8.27 in
Swedish Modern - Large pewter vase - Ernst Svedbom, Svenskt Tenn 1960's
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pewter vase designed by Ernst Svedbom for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1960s. This beautifully balanced vessel features a classical amphora form with sweeping sculptural handl...
Pewter
H 9.85 in Dm 3.94 in
Rolf Engströmer Modernist Pewter Vase for FAK, Art Deco, Swedish Modern, 1935
By Rolf Engströmer, Fabriksaktiebolaget Kronsilver
Located in Stockholm, SE
This elegant pewter vase, designed by the acclaimed Swedish artist Rolf Engströmer for FAK in 1935, reflects the refined aesthetics of the Art Deco movement. Featuring smooth, sculpt...
Pewter
H 7.88 in Dm 5.52 in
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 1936
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare Swedish Art Deco pewter vase produced by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, dated 1936. This uncommon model features a rounded, baluster-shaped body set on a stepped foot, with distin...
Pewter
H 9.45 in Dm 6.3 in
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Amphora Vase by GAB, 1937
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined and beautifully proportioned Swedish Art Deco pewter vase designed and produced by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB), Stockholm, circa 1937. This elegant piece exemplifies the cl...
Pewter
H 4.53 in W 5.91 in D 4.73 in
Swedish Grace Pewter Vase by GAB, Attributed to Jacob Ängman, 1934
Located in Knivsta, SE
Swedish Grace Pewter Vase by GAB, Attributed to Jacob Ängman, 1934 A refined and architecturally elegant Swedish Grace pewter vase produced by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB) in 1934, b...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval pewter vase with slim neck. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1522 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Good vintage con...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lovely Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Drop-shaped pewter vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1556 * Year: 1918-1929 * Cond...
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
Round Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Round Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Round pewter vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1662 (stamped ‘Just 1662’) * Year: 1933 * Condition: G...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Large drop-shaped pewter vase * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 2617 * Year: 1952 * Condition: Good condition. Makers...
Metal, Pewter
Art Nouveau Pewter Vase Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Pewter vase in organic shapes * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1226 * Year: 1926-1929 * Condition: Fair vin...
Pewter
