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.
$1,415 / set
H 3.55 in W 5.12 in D 3.15 in
Pair of Fish-shaped Diskometal Vases by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pair Fish-Shaped Art Deco Diskometalvases designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. A lovely set for a beautiful home. * A set (2) of fish-shaped metal vases * Designer: Just An...
Metal
$480
H 11 in W 12.5 in D 3.25 in
Set of Two Mid-Century Modern Studio Ceramic Fish Figures, Vintage German 1980s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous pair of character ceramic figural Fish statues - made by an unknown artist in a studio in Nuremberg, Germany. This character statue has been made in Germany, circa 1980s o...
Ceramic
$1,521 / set
H 4.34 in W 4.73 in D 2.76 in
Pair of Art Deco Glass Figurines Piranha Molded Fish By Ferjac France 1920s
By Ferjac
Located in Bochum, NRW
2 early Art Deco Piranha Fish Bookends Pressed Glass, Ferjac France 1930s French Presglass Fish Bookends, by Fernand Jacob, also known as Ferjac France 1930s. ‘Poisson’. Grey, transp...
Granite
$707
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
$2,200
H 3.15 in W 5.52 in D 5.52 in
French Art Deco Bookends, Spelter & Glass, Stylized Fish Design, 1930
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This elegant pair of French Art Deco bookends was created circa 1930 and features two beautifully stylized fish sculptures. Combining spelter, glass, and marble, the set reflects the...
Marble, Spelter
1950s Pair of Porcelaine Fishes as Bookend or Deco
Located in Schöfflisdorf, CH
1950s pair of porcelaine fishes as bookend or deco.
Porcelain
$648
H 3.55 in W 5.12 in D 3.15 in
Fish-shaped Art Nouveau Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Fish-shaped Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Fish-shaped diskometal vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D1389 * Year: 1929-1933 * Condition: Good ...
Metal
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
Set of Two Ceramic Fish Sculptures, 1960s
By Kravsko Keramik, Keramia
Located in Praha, CZ
- Rare - Marked by label.
Ceramic
A Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Carved Wood Fishes, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Japanese Meiji Period (1868-1912) Carved Wood Fishes, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS Width: 8.5 inches Depth: 4 inches Height: 3 inches
Wood
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
Just Andersen Rhino Merman Sculpture Paperweight Art Deco, 1920
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A rare Jus Andersen sculpture or paperweight in patinated bronze called “Disko” of a Merman atop of a rhino head. Signed
Bronze
Pair of 1940s American Marianna von Allesch Ceramic Table Lamps
By Marianna von Allesch
Located in New York, NY
Pair of original art pottery table lamps by famed American artist, Marianna con Allesch. Signed. Rewired with aged brass double sockets and brown cloth cords. The ceramic bodies are ...
Ceramic
Pair of French 1960s Tim Orr Art Pottery Mid Century Table Lamps
By Tim Orr
Located in New York, NY
An excellent pair of French mid century sculptural art pottery table lamps by French Artist, Tim Orr. Rewired with aged brass double sockets. Signed. The vase measures 8.5” H x 8.5”...
Brass
Just Andersen Danish Art Deco Pewter Set 1920 Jar Dish Bottle Opener
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
A great set of 3 decorative pewter pieces by Danish maker, Just Andersen. One is a jar canister, can be used in a bathroom to hold cotton or q tips. The lid is d...
Pewter
Pair of 1920s American Art and Crafts Copper Table Lamps
Located in New York, NY
A rare pair of original 1920s Arts and Crafts floral impressed copper and oak Arlmerican table lamps. Each newly Rewired with aged brass double adjustable sockets.
Brass, Copper
