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.
Early Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early-Work Diskometal Table Lamp made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal table lamp with tripod base, slim neck and white shades. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D01 * Y...
Metal
Tall Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Just Andersen Diskometal Table Lamp made in 1926. A fine piece for an exquisite home. * Tall diskometal table lamp on a 6-sided foot with ornaments and a white shade * Designe...
Metal
Square Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Timeless no. 1856 Table Lamp made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Discometal table lamp with a square cannellated body, slim neck and white shade. * Designer: Just Andersen * Manu...
Metal
Square Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Timeless no. 1856 Table Lamp made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Discometal table lamp with a square cannellated body, slim neck and white shade. * Designer: Just Andersen * Mode...
Metal
Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Impressive Diskometal Table Lamp designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Bottle-shaped Diskometal table lamp raised on foot with a white fabric shade * Designer: Just Andersen * M...
Metal
Tall Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant tall Diskometal Table Lamp designed by Just Andersen in 1940. * Bottle-shaped Diskometal table lamp with vertical detailing, raised on a twelve-sided foot and fitted with a ...
Metal
Art Deco Table Lamp by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s.
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, SVM Handarbete 1, Akta Brons
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco desk lamp designed by Just Andersen in 1920s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Made from Disko metal (an alloy of different metals invented by Just And...
Metal
Just Andersen, Table Lamp, Disko Metal, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A disko metal table lamp designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 17.25 “ H x 5.5” W x 6“ D Dimensions of Shade (inches): 9 “ Top Diam...
Metal
Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Table Lamp of Disco Metal with New Shade, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Art Deco table lamp from Just Andersen (1884-1943) made in the 1930s. It is in very good vintage condition showing a beautiful color at the surface. Signed with monogram fo...
Metal
Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Table Lamp in Disco Metal with Shade, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Danish Art Deco table lamp from Just Andersen (1884-1943) made in the 1930s. It is in a very good vintage condition with a beautiful colorplay in the surface. Signed with monogram...
Metal
"6851" Table Lamp by Harald Notini for Arvid Böhlmarks Lamfabrik, Sweden 1920s
By Harald Notini, Arvid Böhlmarks Lampfabrik
Located in Utrecht, NL
Between the 1920s and 1950s, Böhlmarks was a significant player in the Swedish design movement. Harald Notini drove the company forward after becoming creative director in 1916, prod...
Brass
Small Scandinavian Modern Table Lamp, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Göteborg, SE
Add a touch of vintage charm to your space with this Scandinavian Modern table lamp from the 1940s. This lamp features a beautifully hand-hammered metal base that showcases a timeles...
Pewter
