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 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
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 Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Bottle-shaped Diskometal Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1940s. * Bottle-shaped metal vase * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Manufacturer: Just An...
Metal
Early Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Diskometal vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Bottle-shaped diskometal vase with vertical fluting on a round base * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D134 * Period...
Metal
Discometal Vase by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Impressive Discometal Vase designed by Ellen Schlanbusch for Just Andersen in the 1940s. * Sizeable discometal vase with vertical lines * Designer: Ellen Schlanbusch * Manufacturer...
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
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
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
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 Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 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
Just Andersen Art Deco Vase in Disko Metal, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare bottle-shaped metal vase with unusual ornamental relief panels. Designed and made by Just Andersen in Denmark circa 1935-39. Model: D2195 (stamped 'Just D2195, Denmark'). It i...
Metal, Pewter
Large Vase in 'Disko' Metal by Just Andersen, Made in Denmark, 1940s
By Just Andersen
Located in Lejre, DK
Vase in disco metal model 2411 by Ib Just Andersen. Mad in Denmark Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Metal
