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.
Mid Century Folding Side Table by Jens Quistgaard, Teak & Brass, signed.
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, Fitzrovia
A small mid century folding side teak table, Denmark 1960's, by Jens Quistgaard. Lovely details, solid wood, can be packed flat. Signed / impressed marks.
Brass
Rare Woods Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Teak Tray Table with Concave Top Denmark 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Quistgaard Teak flip top Tray Table with Concave Top Denmark 1960s. Good vintage condition. Measures 24.5” Square x 18” high
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
Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Early Teak Pepper Mill by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - Set of 4
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Vintage candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk - set of 4 Mid Century Danish - Decoration Vintage candle holders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in silver metal. Designed by Jens H. ...
Silver Plate
Dansk Designs Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard Viking Handles Mid Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a mid-century modern Dansk Designs serving tray made of teak wood, designed by Jens Quistgaard in the 1950s or 1960s. Sculpted "Viking" handles, commonly use...
Teak
Danish Modern Kobenstyle Enamel and Cane Pitcher by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
$260Sale Price|20% Off
Large Divided Bowl / Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
A large divided bowl / tray in teak by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. The tray is quite functional with five different walled sections and is in ...
Teak
ens Harald Quistgaard Candleholders in Green Enamel, Brass & Cast Iron, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare set of candlestick holders for tapered/ small candles. Designed by the Industrial Danish design icon Jens Harald Quistgaard during the 1960s. Fashioned from green enamel over ...
Brass, Enamel, Iron
$140Sale Price|20% Off
1960s Dansk Teak Sectioned Serving Dish Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Dansk Serving Dish three sections Jens Quistgaard Staved Teak Malaysia stamped Dansk 8.75 d x 2 h Preowned vintage condition Refer to listed images
Teak
$340Sale Price|20% Off
Cast IronTall Candlestick Holders Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of 1960s cast iron candlestick holders designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs. Cast iron, often described as having a grainy texture...
Iron
$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
$220Sale Price|20% Off
Midcentury 1950s Solid Teak Danish Modern Rare Tray by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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
J H Quistgaard for Lovig Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk
By Lovig Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Franklin Park, IL
J H Quistgaard for Lovig Mid Century Danish Rosewood Desk This desk measures: 63.25 wide x 31.25 deep x 33.25 high, with a chair clearance of 27 inches The height to the work surfac...
Chrome
$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
Vintage Danish Teak Salad Bowl Serving Set by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Jose, CA
Mid century modern decorative staved salad serving bowls designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk, Denmark circa 1960's. This set showcases sol...
Teak
$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
Large Danish Brass Candlesticks by Jens Harald Quistgaard, IHQ, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of large candlesticks in engine turned solid brass. Designed in the late 1950s by Danish Industrial design icon Jens Harald Quistgaard (IHQ). They are to be used with regular ...
Brass
$187Sale Price|48% Off
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid-Century Danish Modern Mid-Size Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Mod...
Teak
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
Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Scandinavian, Mid century Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions: (W x D x H): 68 x 32...
Teak
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
Dansk Jens Quistgaard Danish Modern Tall Teak Candle Holder With Brass Rim
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in West Chester, PA
Vintage sculptural teak candle holder with brass rim designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. 9.5 inches tall
Brass
Mid Century Danish Modern Dansk Quistgaard Congo Ice Bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Exceptional Dansk Congo model teak ice bucket designed by Jens Quistgaard, for Dansk, c. 1950's. This is the hard to find large model ( 19 in. H ) with the early orange plastic liner...
Plastic, Teak
Mutenye Cheese Board by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Sagaponack, NY
An uncommon, well-scaled and finely crafted circular mutenye serving board having an end grain cutting surface and a sculptural recessed well.
Wood
Jens Quistgaard "Rare Woods" Rosewood Serving Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Palisander Rosewood ________________________________________ Transforming a piece of Mid-Century Modern furniture is like bringing history back to life, and we take this ...
Palisander, Rosewood
Mid-Century Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hamburg, DE
Mid-Century Danish Brutalist Cast Iron Candleholder by Jens H. Quistgaard for Paro, 1960s, in Very Good conditions. Designed 1960 to 1969 This piece has an attribution mark. Additio...
Metal
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs 1960s, Set of 2. Set of two small silver plated onion or tear drop...
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard Dansk Danish Teak Ice bucket
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Ferndale, MI
Square lidded Danish Teak ice bucket . Designed by Jens Quistgaard JHQ for Dansk Designs . Clean original stamped Dansk International Designs LTD JHQ Denmark .
Plastic, 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
Jen's Quistgaard x base end tables, Teak. / Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Buffalo, NY
Jens Quistgaard design x-base side tables with brass metal mounts. sUPERIOR quality construction and attention to detail, rare to find a matched pair. Tops have been Newly refinishe...
Brass
Rare Pair of "Stick" Chairs by Jens H. Quistgaard, Nissen Langaa, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Deland, FL
Rare and timeless, these ‘Stick’ easy chairs, designed in 1966 by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Richard Nissen Langaa, showcase masterful Scandinavian minimalism. The chairs...
Rosewood
Jens Harald Quistgaard Wenge Board
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in London, GB
A very rare platter - presentation/cutting or cheese board by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Beautifully turned Wenge timber with circular raised centre in squared end grain and concave bas...
Wenge
$100Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Danish Modern Solid Teak Salad Servers Designed by Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Great design on these set of solid teak salad servers designed by Quistgaard for Dansk, great condition stamped.
Teak
Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Introducing a timeless classic - the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl, designed by the legendary Jens Quistgaard. Crafted with utmost craftsmanship and attention to detail, this iconic salad bowl exemplifies the epitome of mid-century modern design. Its exquisite teak staved construction showcases the natural beauty of the wood, creating a warm and inviting aesthetic that complements any table setting. Jens Quistgaard's ingenious design marries form and function seamlessly, with the bowl's unique staved structure providing both durability and visual appeal. The elegantly curved silhouette and smooth finish offer a comfortable grip and elevate the dining experience to new heights. As a part of the iconic Dansk Viking line, this salad bowl has become a design classic cherished by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance and timeless design have stood the test of time, making it a coveted piece for any mid-century design aficionado. Whether you use it as a stunning salad centerpiece or a display of artistic craftsmanship, the Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl is sure to be a conversation starter and a cherished addition to your home. Elevate your dining experience with this exquisite Jens Quistgaard creation and celebrate the legacy of mid-century design. Pictured with iPhone 13...
Teak
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Danish Modern Teak Capped Carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Danish modern teak capped carafe by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1970s.
Teak
Midcentury Danish Stoneware Candlestick Set by Jens Harald Quistgaard, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Dinner set consisting of an oblong serving tray or dish, a butter storage unit with a teak lid, and two candleholders (one for a small candle and one fo...
Stoneware
$920Sale Price|40% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard “Bow Tie” Palisander Rosewood Tray for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Stylish tray designed by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk in Denmark circa 1960s. Impeccably crafted in palisander rosewood, this sculptural serving tray features a bow tie shape with th...
Rosewood
Candle Sticks in Brass by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1950s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Hägersten, SE
Candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. produced by Dansk designs in Denmark during the 1950s. Made from solid polished brass. Good vintage condition with light age related ...
Brass
$492Sale Price|20% Off
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
$420Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Teak Jewelry or Trinket Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
A very rare and hard to find solid teak jewelry or trinket box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1950s. The box has a removable lid and measures: 14.5" W x 2.75" D x 1.5" H. The pi...
Teak
Mid-Century Modern Danish Designed Teak Tray by Jens Quistgaard Made by Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
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. H: 44 cm Diameter: 55.5 cm
Teak
Monumental Dansk Staved Teak Bucket Style Ice Bucket by Jens Quistgaard
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Topeka, KS
Handsome and iconic staved teak ice bucket by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. This is the monumental 19.25-inch-tall example. It is in outstanding vintage condition, circa 1950s-1960s. N...
Plastic, Teak
Jens Quistgaard Fireplace Tool Set for Dansk, Iron and Brass Denmark 1960's
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Troy, MI
Rare set of fireplace tools designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard Model 1400 for Dansk Denmark circa 1960 Newly restored iron shovel, broom and poker with looped handles and brass fitt...
Brass, Iron
$293Sale 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
Jens Quistgaard Silver Plate Crown Candle Centerpiece by Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Miami, FL
Original Jens Quistgaard silver plate crown candle centerpiece by Dansk. Comes in the original box. Shows a warm aged patina which can be polished to perfection. Dimension centerpiec...
Silver Plate
Jens Quistgaard Set of 4 Coaster Plates Wengé Rare Wood, Kronjyden Denmark 1960s
By Digsmed, Kronjyden, Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Set of 4 coaster plates by Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard. Manufactured for Kronjyden by Nissen ca 1960s. The plates are made from solid Wengé, a rare wood with a beautiful...
Wood, Wenge
1970's Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard Teak Bar Card w/ Removable Teak Tray
By Nissen, Jens Quistgaard, Poul Hundevad, Johannes Andersen
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage original Midcentury Modern bar cart for sale. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Nissen, and is all original. It's made of teak, and has a removable teak butcher block cutting b...
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
Midcentury Mirror in Rosewood with Tiles by Quistgaard, Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Richard Nissen
Located in Lejre, DK
Great looking mirror with frame of rosewood and tiles. Designed by Jens Quistgaard for Richard Nissen Denmark. Great original condition.
Rosewood
Jens Quistgaard Star Shaped Candle Holder Yellow Green Iron, Danish Modern 1960s
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Mid-Century Modern candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Internationals Ltd, USA. Made 1960s. This is rare version with yellow green lacquer. It's made...
Iron
Vintage 1950s Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design Bowl, Made in Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Large bowl designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard. Produced in Denmark by Dansk during the 1950s. Made from solid staved teak. Good vintage condition. Aside from its utilitarian duty, th...
Teak
Teak Serving Tray by Jens Quistgaard, Scandinavian Modern, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Serving Tray in Teak by Jens Quistgaard, 1950's Additional Information: Material: Teak Style: Mid century, Scandinavian Produced by Dansk in Denmark Dimensions (W x D x H): 57 x 32 ...
Teak
Danish Modern Tapered Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Rare Jens Quistgaard Rosewood Peppermills for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare Danish rosewood and sterling silver Peppermills by renowned Danish designer Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. In beautiful condition. These are highly collectible, both have the metal...
Sterling Silver
Set of Three Staved Teak Cutting Boards / Trays by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk teak carving boards with checkerboard cutting surfaces (Denmark, circa 1965). Includes three boards in total: one large round board, one smaller board, and one round, asymmetrical board, which is elevated to one side. All boards have a recessed cavity for bread / crackers. Nice collection of these early examples in good, vintage condition with knife impressions, as shown. All are branded "Dansk Designs Denmark IHQ." We have one larger board in the same pattern listed separately. Measures: Large round: 14" diameter x 1" height Small round: 10" diameter x .75" height Elevated tray...
Teak