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.
Art Nouveau Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Amphora-Style Diskometal Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal vase with lugs and floral motif * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D136 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition:...
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
Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Curvy Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval diskometal vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1522 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Fair vintage co...
Metal
Amphora-Style Discometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Impressive Amphora-style Disko metal vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Amphora-style Disko metal vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D132 * Period: 1926–1...
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, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Amphora-Style Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Diskometal vase with cannelated vertical lines and small lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D2011 * Year...
Metal
Just Andersen, Denmark Disko Metalware 1930 Scandinavian Twin Handle Vase #D133
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark Art Deco Disko metal, shaped vase with twin handles to neck. Understated dark grey patina and original in design Scandinavian metalware at it's best Stamped ...
Metal
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
Art Deco Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco vase designed by Just Andersen in 1930s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Made from Disko metal (an alloy of different metals invented by Just Andersen...
Metal
Danish Art Deco Scandinavian Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, Model D‑118, 1930
By Just Andersen
Located in Odense, DK
A finely crafted Art Deco Scandinavian decorative vase by Just Andersen, model D‑118, produced in Denmark around the 1930s and executed in Diskometal, a proprietary alloy historicall...
Metal, Bronze
Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s.
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, some light scratches, scuffs and wear to the patination. Stamped ...
Bronze
Just Andersen, Vase, Disko Metal, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A disko metal vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s.
Metal
