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.
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 Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Litte Art Deco Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Small pewter vase with incised vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: 1758 * Year: 1935 * Con...
Pewter
Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1950s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Pewter Vase made by Just Andersen in 1952. * Drop-shaped pewter vase with fluted vertical lines * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Model: 2642 * Year: 1952 * Condition: Fair vi...
Metal, 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 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
Amphora-Style Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Amphora-style Pewter Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Amphora-style of pewter vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 1801 * Year: 1926-1929 * Condi...
Pewter
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
Mini Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Mini Pewter Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s Denmark. Danish Art Deco miniature pewter vase made in Denmark in the 1930s. Stamped underneath: Just Denmark and model no: 2492. 5 cm ta...
Pewter
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget GAB, 1938
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pewter vase by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget (GAB), one of Sweden’s most prominent metalwork manufacturers of the early 20th century. This example, marked “GAB Tenn” and “Svensk Vara,” dates...
Pewter
Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 1933
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant and well-proportioned pewter vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, dated 1933. This refined example of Scandinavian Art Deco / early Functionalism showcases a beautif...
Pewter
Edvin Ollers Swedish Art Deco Pewter Vase, Signed, 1930
By Edvin Ollers
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant Swedish Art Deco pewter vase designed by Edvin Ollers and dated 1930 (D8 year mark). The vase features a harmonious, sculptural silhouette with a rounded body, flared trum...
Pewter
Modernist Swedish modern pewter vase by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, GAB. Sweden 1939
Located in Hägersten, SE
Elegant pewter vase made by Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, GAB. Produced in Stockholm, Sweden in 1939. Organic vase with striped decor made from solid pewter. Very good vintage condition wit...
Pewter
