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.
Large Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Extraordinary Large Bronze Bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Large round bowl in full bronze with border bands and illustration of shepherd with sheep. * Designer: Just An...
Bronze
Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Heavy Bronze Bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round heavy bowl in full bronze with border bands. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B8 * Year: 1925 * Condition: Fair vint...
Bronze
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Flat bronze platter with ornamental detailing along the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB1812 * Period: 19...
Bronze
Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Light-Bronze Bowl on Foot designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Bowl on foot in light-bronze alloy and chasing in the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB 1337 * Y...
Bronze
Round Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little round bronze bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round bronze bowl * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B44 * Period: 1925–1930 * Condition: Good vintage condition w...
Bronze
Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Bronze Low Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Bronze low bowl with chased detailing along the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B95 * Period: 1925-1930 * Cond...
Bronze
Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Decorative Bronze Bowl with Silver and Gold 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Decorative Art Deco bowl on low foot made of silver and gold plated bronze with ornamented rim. It's designed by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1930s. Sign. with ...
Bronze, Gold Plate, Silver Plate
Danish Art Deco Bronze Dish by Tumulus Dania, 1930s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A solid bronze charger, dish or flat bowl with a reddish patina. Designed and manufactured by Tumulus Dania in Denmark during the 1920s or 30s in a style reminiscent of Just Andersen...
Bronze
Just Andersen Danish Art Deco Polished Bronze Dish, Model B94, 1930's
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Danish Art Deco bronze dish designed by Just Andersen, Denmark, circa 1930s–1940s. This refined piece features a shallow, gently curved form with a wide rim adorned by a fine...
Bronze
Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Large Bowl of Bronze with Brown Patina, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Large decorative Art Deco bowl made of bronze with brown patina and beautiful golden rim. It's designed by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1930s-1940s. Sign. with...
Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl designed by Just Andersen in 1920s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Good condition, some light scratches and wear to the patination. Stam...
Bronze
Solid brass bowl featuring a beautifully textured surface and polished interior.
Located in Hammarö, SE
A beautifully sculptural Swedish brass bowl distinguished by its restrained elegance and refined proportions. The softly curved profile is complemented by a broad, organically shaped...
Brass
