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.
Early Staved Teak Bowl by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A rare and hard to find, large teak bowl by J.Quistgaard. Unusual form with raised handles and great patina.
Teak
Ernst Henriksen Teak Bowl, circa 1950s
By Ernst Henriksen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A beautiful teak bowl, by Ernst Henriksen, Denmark, circa 1950s. Great patina and warm tone.
Teak
1950s Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand ARO Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A ceramic bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand circa 1950s. Gorgeous glaze and great movement with the bowl, this could work in a variety of interiors. Other notable ceramic...
Ceramic
Jens Quistgaard Bowl
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A classic teak wood bowl designed by Jens Quistgaard, Danish, (April 23, 1919 – January 4, 2008).
Teak
Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand Large AXK Stoneware Bowl
By Gunnar Nylund, Rörstrand
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An impressive and large stoneware bowl designed by Gunnar Nylund for Rörstrand. Gorgeous coloring and great scale, the bowl has wonderful movement. Could be used as a fruit bowl, or ...
Stoneware
Stig Lindberg Pungo Vase Gustavsberg Sweden
By Stig Lindberg
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
An elegant, satin black "Pungo" vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg, Sweden, circa 1950s. Teardrop shape with cutout and white accented sinuous line gives it added element.
Ceramic
Mid Century Danish Modern Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. C 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Mid Century Danish Modern Teak Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk. Circa 1970s Features a beautiful staved teakwood construction and a quintessential Mid-Century Modern Scand...
Teak
Dansk Teak Staved Viking Salad Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
Stig Sandqvist, Small Bowl, Teak, Sweden, 1950s
By Stig Sandqvist
Located in High Point, NC
A small decorative teak bowl designed and produced by Stig Sandqvist, Sweden, 1950s.
Teak
Vintage 1950s Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design Bowl, Made in Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
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
Johnny Mattsson, Wooden Sculpture / Bowl, Scandinavian Modern
By Johnny Mattsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
John (Johnny) Filip Mattsson, born 1906 in the city of Gävle, Sweden. Died in 1970. Mattsson was mostly know for his wooden sculptures / Ölgås, seen in SAS commercials. Parts of his ...
Wood
Large Dansk Staved Teak Centerpiece / Serving Bowl by Jens Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A large Mid Century staved teak center piece or serving bowl with rounded edges and beveled top rim . Early production with the three duck mark and branded Dansk manufactures mark , ...
Teak
