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.
Diskometal Rabbit Sculpture designed by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal rabbit sculpture designed by Just Andersen in the early 1930s. * Rabbit sculpture in diskometal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1515 * Year: 1933 * Condition: Fair vin...
Metal
Diskometal Lion Pen Holder by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lion-shaped Disko metal pen holder designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Lion-shaped pen holder in Disko metal * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1931 * Year: 1938 * Condition:...
Metal
Diskometal Owl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little diskometal owl bust designed by Just Andersen in the late 1930s. * Owl sculpture in disko metal * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Model: D1499 * Year:...
Metal, Pewter
Diskometal Figurine by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Diskometal Figurine of Dancing Woman designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Diskometal bust of a woman dancing. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D2191 * Condition: Ver...
Metal
Art Deco Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1940s. A fine piece in great vintage condition. * Round disko metal vase with ornaments illustrating the Danish historical day when...
Metal
Diskometal Goblet by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Diskometal Vase in very good condition designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Diskometal vase with chased vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D2005...
Metal
1950´s Danish Knud Kyhn Bear Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
By Royal Copenhagen, Knud Kyhn
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn bear figurine for Royal Copenhagen The lively and friendly looking mother bear who is part of a bear family with a father bear and 4 bear babys was created by Knud ...
Stoneware
Art Deco Ceramic Bear Sculpture by Desbarbieux, Saint-Clément, 1920s
Located in Saint-Amans-des-Cots, FR
This striking French Art Deco ceramic sculpture depicts a powerful black bear and was designed by Desbarbieux for the Saint-Clément manufactory in France during the 1920s. Combining ...
Ceramic
1950´s Danish Knud Kyhn Mother Bear Figurine for Royal Copenhagen
By Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Knud Kyhn bear figurine for Royal Copenhagen The lively bear was created by Knud Kyhn (1880-1969) in 1957. Knud Kyhn worked for for Royal Copenhagen from 1903-1910, 1924-1932...
Stoneware
Stoneware Bear Model 21519/237 1.Sorting By Knud Kyhn For Royal Copenhagen
By Royal Copenhagen, Knud Kyhn
Located in Lejre, DK
This beautiful stoneware figurine, model 21519/237, depicts a standing bear designed by Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen. The figurine is in 1st grade and measures approx. 15 cm in hei...
Ceramic
Vicke Lindstrand Bear Sculpture, Upsala-Ekeby Ceramic, Swedish Modern
By Upsala Ekeby, Vicke Lindstrand
Located in Västra Frölunda, SE
Vicke Lindstrand Bear Sculpture, Upsala-Ekeby Ceramic, Swedish Modern A refined ceramic bear sculpture designed by Vicke Lindstrand for Upsala-Ekeby, Sweden, mid-20th century. This...
Ceramic, Earthenware
Knud Kyhn for Royal Copenhagen, Bears Fighting Figurine, Denmark, designed 1930
By Knud Kyhn, Royal Copenhagen
Located in New York, NY
Many of Kyhn’s finest works were created at Royal Copenhagen between 1923 and 1935 and contributed significantly to the manufactory’s success at the 1925 Paris Exposition. In fact, a...
Stoneware
