Ironically, Dansk Designs, the tableware company practically synonymous with Danish design (“Dansk,” in fact, translates to “Danish”), was the brainchild of an American couple, Ted and Martha Nierenberg.
The Nierenbergs, who founded the business in 1954, initially worked out of the garage of their Great Neck, Long Island, home and marketed their serveware, tables, decorative objects and other products largely in the United States. But they had a secret weapon: Jens Quistgaard.
After demonstrating artistic talent at a young age, the Copenhagen native was gifted a forge and anvil so that he could work in his mother’s kitchen. Quistgaard 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.
The Nierenbergs discovered the sculptor and designer on their honeymoon, which they’d spent traveling through Europe searching for top-quality goods that might form the basis of a business.
After they hired Quistgaard and launched Dansk, their products swiftly came to epitomize the best of accessible Scandinavian design for mid-century American consumers, who fell for the firm’s staved-teak salad bowls, colorful casseroles and stainless-steel flatware, all of which managed to look handmade despite being mass-produced.
The long-distance relationship flourished for 30 years, during which millions of Quistgaard pieces were manufactured in the company's factories.
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’s work married function with striking, sophisticated form. He utilized exceptional materials in the creation of his coveted cookware, barware and serving pieces, opting for warm teak and exotic woods and reintroducing steel as a go-to option for kitchen wares.
Quistgaard’s postwar-era Scandinavian modernist work 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.
Find vintage Dansk Designs furniture and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Cast IronTall Candlestick Holders Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Mid-Century Modern
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Four Tear Drop Candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. They are made in France of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the h...
Metal, Silver Plate
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in ox by Dansk Designs, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition. it measures 4.25"D x 1.5"H. #3707
Iron
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
$380Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Danish Modern Sterling Silver Plate Candelabra Made in France
By Dansk
Located in New York, NY
A Midcentury Modern or Danish/Scandinavian Modern Dansk Designs sterling silver plate twelve (12) candle holder/candelabra, circa mid-20th century, made in France. Piece also makes a...
Metal, Silver Plate
$3,368Sale Price / set|24% Off
Set of Nine Candle Holders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of nine candle holders by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark.
Metal
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
MCM Iron Candle Holder in Box by Dansk Designs with Candles
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM Iron candle holder in original box by Dansk Designs of Denmark, circa 1950s. The piece holds twelve narrow candles and is in good vintage condition; it measures 4.75"D x 1.25"H....
Iron
$606Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Candelabra Candle Holder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk JHQ Cast Iron
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Bring a touch of mid-century modern elegance to your home with this iconic Jens Quistgaard candelabra, designed in the 1960s. Crafted from cast iron and brass, this sculptural piec...
Brass, Iron
Silver-Plated Candle Holder Crown Model Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a set of three (3) silver-plated candle holder is a vintage "Crown" model designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely originating from the 1960s or ...
Silver Plate
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
$1,270Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Harald Quistgaard. Danish cast iron candlesticks, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in SANT ADRIÀ DE BESÒS, ES
Brutalist and Space Age style candlesticks designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and manufactured by Dansk Design in Denmark, 1960s. Both pieces are made of solid cast iron with a centr...
Brass, Iron
$60Sale Price|20% Off
1970s Dansk Star Shaped Glass Candle Holder Pair
By Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a pair of Dansk star shaped glass votive candle holders, Set of two, Denmark, circa 1970s. Unmarked Dimensions: 2.25 H x 3.75 diameter- candle 1.25 diameter....
Art Glass
Vintage DANSK 16" Purple Tiny Taper Candles Set of 11 in Box
By Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk 16" Purple Color Tiny Taper Candles Set of 11 in Original Box. These hard to find Dansk tiny taper candles are in great shape. "DANSK design with light". Mid Century Da...
Earthenware
Jens Quistgaard Modernist Tripod Iron Candle Incense Holder Dansk Original Box
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Jens Quistgaard tripod cast iron candle or incense holder by Dansk with original box. The modernist design looks great as just an object. 1950s. Made in Denmark.
Metal
$196Sale Price|20% Off
Dansk Design Candleholder
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Original midcentury Dansk Design candleholder.
Iron
Pair of Silver Plate Coil Snake Candle Holders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Silver Plate
Silver Plate
$120Sale Price / set|20% Off
Set of Two Tear Drop Candleholders in Box by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Diego, CA
Set of four tear drop candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1990s. They are made of silver plate over metal and support a .25" tapered candle. The base of the holder has ...
Metal, Silver Plate
$680Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens H. Quistgaard Brass Candlesticks for Dansk Designs, Denmark, 1960s. Nice original patina. Each signed with makers mark to the bottom.
Brass
$180Sale Price|20% Off
MCM Glass Hurricane Lamp in Box by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
MCM glass hurricane lamp in original box by Dansk, circa 1970s. The lamp is in excellent condition with chips or cracks and measures 6"D x 10"H. ...
Glass
Vintage DANSK 16" White Tiny Taper Candles Set of 12 in Box
By Dansk
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Vintage Dansk 16" White Color Tiny Taper Candles Set of 12 in Original Box. These hard to find Dansk tiny taper candles are in great shape. "DANSK design with light". Mid Century Dan...
Earthenware
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candle Holder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". The candle hol...
Silver Plate
Danish Onion Candle Holders in Gift Box by Jens H. Quistgaard 1960s, Set of 2.
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
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
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Dansk
By Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM iron candle holder by Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 6"D x 4.75"H and holds 2.5"D candle. Super nice piece! #3363
Iron
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Linkebeek, BE
Cast Iron and Brass Candleholder by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, 1960s Mid-Century - Decoration - Candleholders Measures : 12cmx12cm H:17cm Materials : Cast Iron - Brass A mi...
Brass, Iron
$120Sale Price|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice sculptural silver plated coiled candleholder by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. The piece has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4". The candlehold...
Silver Plate
Mid-Century Porcelain Candle Holders by Dansk - Set of 3
By Dansk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Embrace timeless elegance with the Mid-Century Porcelain Candle Holders by Dansk, a set of three. These sophisticated holders add a touch of classic charm to any setting, perfect for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Elegant mid-century design. Set of three for versatile display. Add a classic touch with Dansk Porcelain...
Porcelain
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
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
50s Set of 6 Dansk Cast Iron S Base Taper Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Denmark Danish Candleholders by Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Design, 1950s, Set of...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard pair of cast iron and brass candlesticks for Dansk .Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Great design in this pair of cast iron candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard , by Dansk, marked JHQ plus Denmark .
Iron
Sculptural Silver Plated Candle Holder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk
By Dansk
Located in Charleston, SC
Dansk silver plated Wave candle centerpiece. Gunnar Cyren designed candle holder makes a statement on any table. Holds total of 12 thin .25 inch wide taper candles. Slight discolorat...
Metal
Vintage Dansk Jens Quistgaard Teak Wood Brass Candleholder
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Charleston, SC
Vintage Dansk International Designs Teak Wood & Brass Candle Holder By Jens Quistgaard Midcentury Danish modern teak and brass candleholder by Dansk. Mi...
Brass
$220Sale Price / set|20% Off
Design by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Pair of Teardrop Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful pair of Dansk tilting silver-plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and is true to ...
Metal, Silver Plate
Bertil Vallien for Dansk Pair of Spiral Coil Snake Candle Holders, 1960s
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage sculptural pair of candle holders or candelabras feature a spiraling, curved form in silver plated metal. The flattened curved base supports the raising, snake-like candelabr...
Metal, Silver Plate
Scandinavian Modern Dansk International Pair of Lead Crystal Glass Candle Holder
By Dansk
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Dansk Designs round Lead Crystal glass candle holders. Marked underneath Dansk International Designs LTD IH...
Crystal
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs (2)
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of Danish Modern brass candle holders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Solid br...
Brass
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candle Holder Dansk Moon Crater
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard cast iron candle holder designed for Dansk in the 1960s. Often referred to as a "Moon Crater" dish or candelabra, it features a scu...
Iron
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holder Jens Harald Quistgaard JHQ Brass
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holder in brass. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically...
Brass
DANSK - Bertil Vallien - Sculptural Candle Holder - Denmark - Circa 1960's
By Bertil Vallien, Dansk
Located in Chatham, ON
DANSK DESIGNS (Manufacturer) - BERTIL VALLIEN (Designer) - Mid Century Danish silver plate sculptural candle holder - featuring an elegant modern design - fits twelve quarter inch ta...
Metal, Silver Plate
$280Sale Price / set|20% Off
Jens Quistgaard Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Jens Quistgaard Pair of Iron Candle Holders for Dansk, Denmark, c.1960. Stamped Denmark.
Iron
Daish Modern solid Teak Dansk Butcher Block Candle Holder by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful rare design solid teak butcher block large candle holder with brass insert designed by Quistgaard circa 1980's.
Brass
Rare Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Spider Candelabra Cast Iron Denmark
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Jens Quistgaard for Dansk International Designs candle holders (pair set of 2), often referred to as a "Spider" candelabra. Cast iron with brass ac...
Brass, Iron
Dansk Saucer Spray Candle holdersJens Harald Quistgaard JHQe
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, vintage Dansk "Saucer Spray" candle holders. Designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard (JHQ) for Dansk Designs, these mid-century modern pieces are typically made of...
Silver Plate
Danish Modern Brass Candle Holders Jens Quistgaard Dansk Designs
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage set (2) of Danish Modern brass candle holders designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, likely produced in the 1950s or 1960s. Solid br...
Brass
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM six candle iron holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 4"D x 5"H and holds .125"D tapered candles....
Iron
Pair Of Vintage Iron / Brass Candlesticks By Jens Quistgaard For Dansk
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Doraville, GA
DESCRIPTION Pair of brown coated cast iron with brass accents candlesticks designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk in 1961. The candlesticks are from Dansk "Designs With Lights" colle...
Brass, Iron
Midcentury Jens Quistgaard for DANSK iron S-shaped Sculptural Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Southampton, NJ
Set of 6, highly sculptural, cast iron S-shaped candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for DANSK. Fully marked JHQ DENMARK on the base. Candles not included. Each candleholder accepts a .5...
Brass, Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ Candleholders, 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
sculptural pair of cast iron “Flower” candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk IHQ, 12 candle pods per item, stamped
Iron
$148Sale Price / set|20% Off
Dansk France Jens Quistgaard Teardrop Candleholders
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Interesting pair of Dansk tilting silver plated teardrop candleholders in great vintage condition. This piece was designed by Jens Quistgaard and are true ...
Metal
MCM Iron Candle Holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk
By Gunnar Cyren, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Vintage MCM eight candle iron holder by Gunnar Cyren Lysestager for Dansk, circa 1960s. This is a rare form has a great patina and measures 8.5"D x 5"H and holds .25"D tapered candl...
Iron
$200Sale Price / set|20% Off
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Tilt Candleholders By Jens H. Quistgaard for Dansk Designs
Silver Plate
Original Candleholder by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs, Denmark 1970s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Candleholder element Producer: Dansk Designs Design: Jens Harald Quistgaard Decade: 1970s Description: Original Danish candle holder designed by Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Dansk Designs in the 1970s in Denmark. It is made of cast iron and features eight holders for candles. This item remains in a very nice vintage condition without damage. It is marked underneath the base with the producer (Dansk Designs + Denmark) and designer print...
Metal
Pair of Cast Iron Candlesticks 'Triangle' by Jens H. Quistgaard. Denmark, 1960s
By Torben Orskov, Illums Bolighus, Dansk, Jens Quistgaard, Illum Bolighus
Located in Malmö, SE
A pair of decorative and sculptural cast iron candlesticks with amazing patina. Designed 1961 by Jens Harald Quistgaard for Dansk Designs Ltd. Model name: Triangle (for ca 2,5 cm ca...
Metal, Iron
$240Sale Price / set|20% Off
Sculptural Silver Plated Coiled Candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, Pair
By Dansk, Bertil Vallien
Located in San Diego, CA
Nice pair of sculptural silver plated coiled candleholders by Bertil Vallien for Dansk, circa 1970s. Each candleholder has a capacity for 12 long taper candles with a diameter of 1/4...
Silver Plate
$180Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Candleholders Birds Design by Gunnar Cyren For Dansk Silverplate
By Dansk, Gunnar Cyren
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful, elegant pair of silver-plated love birds designed by Gunnar Cyren for Dansk circa 1980's it takes a thin tapered candle 1/4" diameter.
Silver Plate
Vintage Midentury Brass Candlestick by Jens Quistgaard, Denmark, 1950s
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in Östermalm, Stockholms län
Pair of elegant brass candlesticks by Jens Quistgaard, in a sleek, tapering form.
Brass
$455Sale Price|30% Off
Jens Quistgaard Cast Iron Candleholder for Dansk
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in New York, NY
Two-piece cast iron candleholder or vessel designed by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, circa 1960s. A sculptural and scarce form from Quistgaard's ce...
Iron
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Iron TRIVET Candelabra Rare Vintage Danish Modern Jens Quistgaard JHQ 8 Light Cast Iron Square Grid Candle Holder Candelabra ...
Iron
Jens Quistgaard for Dansk Candleholders, 1960
By Dansk, Jens Quistgaard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
wonderful set of five cast iron candleholders by Jens Quistgaard for Dansk, black patina with brass accents, one candleholder stamped.
Brass, Iron
Danish Modern Rare Pair of Iron Dansk Candle Holders by Quistgaard
By Jens Quistgaard, Dansk
Located in San Diego, CA
Pair of iron candle holders designed by Quistgaard in cast iron take the tappered long candles comes with its original box very nice set and rare to find a pair.
Iron