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.
Just Andersen Fantail Fish Paperweight, 1930s, Art Deco
By Just Andersen
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A Heavy metal (likely pewter) paperweight designed by Just Andersen. Paperweight depicts a Fantail Fish. A lovely Art Deco style piece which can work in a variety of different interi...
Bronze
Metal and marble fish paperweight, France, 1950
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Decorative paperweight depicting a stylized fish, mounted on a rectangular marble base. The fish sculpture, crafted from patinated metal, features simple, graphic lines that highlight the shapes of its body, fins, and scales. The contrast between the dark texture of the metal and the light marble of the base lends elegance and character to the piece. Both a practical object and a decorative item, this paperweight is ideal for an office, a library, or any marine-inspired décor. Features Type: Decorative paperweight Materials: Patinated metal and marble Design: Stylized fish Colors: Patinated gray metal and beige marble Use: Paperweight / Decorative desk item Condition: Good condition with slight signs of wear Style Vintage Nautical decor Decorative desk item Keywords vintage fish paperweight marble base metal fish sculpture desk decor vintage office decor fish sculpture vintage fish figurine...
Marble, Metal
$708
H 4.73 in W 4.73 in D 3.94 in
Art Deco Diskometal Fish Vase made by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco Vase with two Fish designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. A lovely detail for a beautiful place. * Diskometal vase with two fish * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1833 *...
Metal
$212Sale Price|25% Off
H 1.97 in W 0.79 in D 1.58 in
Small Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Wien, Au
Small fish figurine by Walter Bosse for Hertha Baller Original condition.
Brass
Danish Art Deco Fish Vase in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Art Deco Fish Vase in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Small Art Deco fish-shaped sculpture vase. Made in Denmark by Just Andersen with his trademark alloy Diskometal. ...
Metal
Terracotta Art Deco Figurine of a Fish by R. Rodes
Located in Montreal, QC
Terracotta Art Deco figurine of a fish signed R Rodes.
Terracotta
$1,400Sale Price / set|50% Off
H 4 in W 3.5 in D 5 in
Pair of Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Fighting Fish 1920
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful pair of Danish Art Deco fish sculptures by the famed maker, Just Andersen. Done in two complimentary designs . Signed.
Metal
Miniature Fish Figurine by Walter Bosse, circa 1950s
By Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic midcentury 1950s Vienna bronze figurine by Walter Bosse. This gorgeous small miniature creature with big personality designed by Walter Bosse, an expert craftsman from the golden age of Vienna bronzes is a real beauty. He designed his “black/gold” series of bronze figurines to make “as many people as possible happy.” Excellent example of a Walter Bosse brass figurine...
Bronze, Brass
$1,593
H 12.01 in W 15.75 in D 4.73 in
Art Deco Ceramic Fish Sculpture, French, 1930, attributed to LEJAN
By LEJAN
Located in Beirut, LB
Evoke the serene charm of the sea with this exquisite Art Deco ceramic fish sculpture, a delightful testament to Mid-20th Century design. Crafted with an eye for organic form and su...
Ceramic
$1,700
H 9.5 in W 5.5 in D 2.5 in
Early 20th Century Art Déco French Patinated Bronze Sculpture of an Angel Fish
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Art Déco french patinated bronze sculpture of an angel fish By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, metal Technique: cast, patinated, molded, metalwork Dimensions: ...
Bronze, Metal, Copper
Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Fish Vide Poche #1656L
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco pewter stylised fish vide poche Circa 1930's Stamped and numbered 1656L on base Diameter 6 inch, Height 2.5 inch Remarkably good condition. Age ...
Pewter
Disko Metal Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Stylised Bird Pipe Rest
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, disko metal stylised bird pipe rest Disko metal, invented by Just Andersen by combing lead and antimony circa 1930s Stamped on base Measures: Height 2.5 inc...
Metal
Superb Stylised Fish Bowl, Applied Silver, Wilhelm Kage, Argenta, Gustavsberg
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
A major Argenta statement piece. Stoneware fish bowl from Wilhelm Kage, for Gustavsberg, Sweden Superbly decorated applied silver animated stylised fish to inner bowl. Silver band...
Silver
Ocean Green Murano Glass Angel Fish By Archimede Seguso, Italy 1970's
By Archimede Seguso
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Superbly crafted hand blown angel fish by Archimede Seguso, Murano, Italy Circa 1970's Signed with original label on base Height 4 inch, Width 2.25 inch, Depth 5.5inch In very good...
Glass
Entertaining Masked Ninja Angel Fish, Vintage Hand Blown Murano Fun 1970s
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Hilarious pair of hand crafted glass Angel fish with a whiff of Ninja about them Circa 1970's Height 8.5 inch, Width 3.25 inch, Depth 7.5inch In very good condition Wear consistent ...
Glass
Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Bird Pipe Holder
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, Pewter stylised bird pipe holder. Circa 1930's. Stamped on base. Measures: height 2.5 inch, width 4.25 inch, depth 1.5 inch Good condition. Wear consis...
Pewter
