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.
Decorative Danish Art Deco Bronze Shell Bowl, 1930–1940s
By Just Andersen, Tinos
Located in Odense, DK
This elegant decorative bowl is crafted in bronze and designed in the form of a seashell, reflecting the sculptural elegance and ornamental language often associated with Art Deco de...
Metal, Bronze
Eva Staehr-Nielsen, Saxbo Bowl, "237", Danish Modern Ceramics, Mid-20th Century
By Eva Stæhr Nielsen, Saxbo
Located in Odense, DK
A refined stoneware bowl by Saxbo, Denmark. Model 237, executed in a beautifully muted glaze with subtle tonal variations ranging from deep blue-grey to smoky charcoal hues. Designed...
Ceramic
Large Hand-Carved African Wooden Bowl, Mid-20th Century
Located in Odense, DK
A monumental hand-carved wooden bowl, made in Africa in the mid 20th century. Sculpted from a single solid piece of hardwood, the piece exhibits a beautiful, flared silhouette that m...
Wood
Mid Century Large Bowl in Ceramic by Hanne Schneider, 1988
Located in Odense, DK
Beautiful large stoneware bowl by Danish artist Hanne Schneider, 1988. Great colour plate in this glaze. Other mentionable ceramic artists from Denmark: Arne Bang, Axel Salto, Co...
Ceramic, 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
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 Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful art deco bronze bowl designed by Just Andersen in 1920s and produced by his own company in Denmark. Good condition, some light scratches and wear to the patination. Stam...
Bronze
Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Heavy Bronze Bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round heavy bowl in full bronze with border bands. * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B8 * Year: 1925 * Condition: Fair vint...
Bronze
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Flat bronze platter with chased detailing along the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB1734 * Period: 1936 *...
Bronze
Large Bronze Bowl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Light-Bronze Bowl in great vintage condition designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Round bowl in light-bronze alloy with circular lines * Designer: Just Andersen * Mod...
Bronze
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Flat bronze platter with ornamental detailing along the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB1812 * Period: 19...
Bronze
Round Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little round bronze bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round bronze bowl * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: B44 * Period: 1925–1930 * Condition: Good vintage condition w...
Bronze
