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 Art Deco Patinated Disco Metal Vase, Denmark, 1930s, Model D20
By Just Andersen
Located in Odense, DK
An elegant and sculptural Danish Art Deco bronze vase by Just Andersen (1884–1943), crafted in the late 1920s to 1940s and stamped with the model mark “D20.” Originating in Denmark, ...
Metal, Bronze
Mid-20th Century, Danish Decorative Stoneware Vase, 1960s
Located in Odense, DK
Elegant and sculptural Danish stoneware vase from the 1960s, of unknown maker. The form is striking and modernist, featuring a refined conical body elevated on a small geometric cube...
Stoneware
Michael Andersen, Decorative Ceramic Bowl / Planter, Danish Modern, 1950s
By Michael Andersen & Son
Located in Odense, DK
A fine and decorative ceramic bowl / planter produced by Michael Andersen & Søn, the renowned Danish ceramics manufacturer based in Rønne on the island of Bornholm. The piece dates t...
Ceramic
Decorative Pair of Just Andersen Candlesticks, Denmark, Early-20th Century
By Just Andersen
Located in Odense, DK
A refined pair of pewter candlesticks designed by Just Andersen, one of Denmark’s most influential designers of the early 20th century. These candlesticks exemplify his characteris...
Tin, Pewter
Early 20th Century, French Iron Jardinière, Patinated Planter, 1900–1920
Located in Odense, DK
A characterful early 20th century French jardinière, reflecting the timeless tradition of decorative planters used in European homes and gardens. This example features a simple yet...
Iron
Danish Art Deco, Patinated Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, “Just B-2025 DENMARK”
By Just Andersen
Located in Odense, DK
A refined patinated bronze bowl designed by Danish artist Just Andersen (1884–1943), dating to the Art Deco period, circa 1930s. The bowl features a balanced, sculptural form that re...
Bronze
Danish Art Deco Vase in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Art Deco Vase in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Large and substantial Art Deco vase or urn with fluted body and two handles. Made in Denmark by Just Andersen with his t...
Metal
Substantial Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Substantial Amphora-style Disko metal vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Amphora-style Disko metal vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1925 * Year: 1937 *...
Metal
Art Deco Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Drop-shaped diskometal vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1556 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Good vintage ...
Metal
Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Diskometal Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal vase with opening shaped as figure-eight (from top down) * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D120 * Year: 1...
Metal
1920s Danish Just Andersen Art Deco Vase
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Just Andersen art deco disco metal vase produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940's. The vase is in good vintage condition and marked with Just. Andersens triangle mark. Ju...
Metal
Art Nouveau Diskometal Vase Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Nouveau Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the late 1920s. * Diskometal vase in organic shapes * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D118 * Year: 1926-1929 * Condition: ...
Metal
