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.
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
Danish Vintage Ceramic Vase by Nils Kähler, 1960s
By Nils Kähler, Kähler Keramik
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish vintage ceramic vase by Nils Kähler, 1960s. Vintage stoneware table vase in green and earth colored glaze. Marked in the bottom with HAK, Nils and Denmark. Very good condit...
Ceramic
Danish Modern Ceramic Vase by Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus, 1960s.
By Per Linnemann-Schmidt, Palshus
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Ceramic Vase by Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus, 1960s. Torpedo shaped ceramic vase with hares fur glaze in green/sage by Palshus, Denmark. Palshus was established by...
Ceramic
Danish Modern Ceramic Vase by Palshus, 1960s.
By Per Linnemann-Schmidt, Palshus
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Modern Ceramic Vase by Palshus, 1960s. Unusually large Danish Mid-Century Modern stoneware vase by Per Linnemann-Schmidt for Palshus Denmark 1960s. Palshus was established by...
Ceramic
Fluted Art Deco Disko Metal Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark. 1940s.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Fluted Art Deco Disko Metal Vase by Just Andersen, Denmark. 1940s. Danish Art Deco vase with beautiful patina. Designed by Just Andersen in the 1940s and manufactured by his own com...
Metal
Danish MCM Ceramic Vase by Mette Doller, Svaneke. 1960s.
By Mette Doller
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish MCM Ceramic Vase by Mette Doller, Svaneke. 1960s. Small Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern stoneware vase with small cylindrical neck in earth colors. ...
Ceramic
Art Deco Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A small pewter vase with long neck. Designed and manufactured by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1930s. Imprinted to its base: Just, Danmark, 11...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval pewter vase with slim neck. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1522 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Good vintage con...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1950s. * Large drop-shaped pewter vase * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 2617 * Year: 1952 * Condition: Good condition. Makers...
Metal, Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Lovely Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Drop-shaped pewter vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1556 * Year: 1918-1929 * Cond...
Pewter
Pewter Flower Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant pewter flower vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Small curvaceous pewter flower vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 2319 * Year: 1938 * Condition: Good vinta...
Pewter
Tiny Just Andersen Art Deco Decorative Vase of Polished Pewter no. 2319 1960s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Small decorative Art Deco vase made of polished pewter. It's designed and made by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1960s. Sign. with monogram for Just Andersen + D...
Pewter
