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.
Art Deco Goblet by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Exquisite Diskometal Vase / Goblet designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for by Just Andersen in the 1940s. * Round cannelated diskometal vase / goblet * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Manu...
Metal
Art Deco Goblet by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Exquisite Pewter Goblet designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1940s. Round, vertically fluted pewter goblet Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch Manufacturer: Just Andersen ...
Pewter
Early Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A fine piece for the exquisite home. * A fan-shaped metal vase with vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D20...
Metal
Art Deco Discometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Discometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. An eye-catching piece for a beautiful table. • Diskometal metal vase with curvy opening • Designer: Just Andersen • Style: D...
Metal
Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Delicate Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in 1938. * Round pedestal diskometal vase with foot and chased vertical lines * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just And...
Metal
Diskometal Goblet by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Diskometal Vase in very good condition designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Diskometal vase with chased vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D2005...
Metal
Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco vase designed by Just Andersen in 1930s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Made from Disko metal (an alloy of different metals invented by Just Andersen...
Metal
Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco vase designed by Just Andersen in 1930s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Made from Disko metal (an alloy of different metals invented by Just Andersen...
Metal
Rare Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great original condition, with only a few light s...
Bronze
Danish Grace vase in Disko Metal, by Just Andersen, 1920/30s / Art Deco
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A rare, decorative vase in disko metal by Just Andersen, Danish Grace / Art Deco 1920/30s. With two handles and hallmark: JUST in triangle, Denmark and model D18. About the artist...
Metal
Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A rare and beautiful Art Deco / Swedish Grace bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good original condition, some light scratches and...
Bronze
1920's Danish Just Andersen Art Deco Disco Metal Vase in Good Vintage Condition
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
1920's Danish Just Andersen Art Deco vase in Disco Metal The vase is in good vintage condition and made of disco metal, a metal mixture invented by Just Andersen by combining lead ...
Metal
