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.
Large Art Deco Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Bowl on foot designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A beautiful piece for an exquisite table. * Large round footed pewter bowl with engraving. * Designer: Just Andersen * Sty...
Pewter
Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Art Deco Pewter Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Round pewter pedestal bowl * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: 1535 * Period: 1918–1926 C...
Pewter
Pedestal Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal Pewter Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A fine piece for a beautiful table. * Pedestal bowl in hammered pewter * Designer: Just Andersen * Year: 1918-1929 * Con...
Pewter
Large Pedestal Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal Pewter Bowl made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An exquisite piece for a beautiful table. * Round pewter bowl on perforated foot and pineapple decorations * Designer: Just ...
Pewter
Large Pedestal Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Pedestal Bowl in Hammered Pewter designed by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. * Pedestal bowl with curvy rim in hammered pewter * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacture: Just...
Pewter
Pedestal Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pedestal Pewter Bowl made by Just Andersen in 1929. An exquisite piece for a beautiful place. * A round pewter bowl on foot * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: 159 * Year: 1929 * Con...
Pewter
Art Deco Pewter Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare pewter bowl. Designed and made by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s. Good condition, only a few light scratches and a tiny chip to the rim. Stamped 'DENMARK', mod...
Pewter
Art Deco Globe Tray in Pewter Made in Sweden 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Hillringsberg, SE
Wonderful Art Deco tray made in Sweden. The shape of this tray with bakelite handles is typical for the art deco period. The polished pewter is shaped in a wonderful way to give it a...
Pewter
Swedish modern Pewter Bowl by Edvin Ollers for Schreuder & Olsson, 1975
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
An elegant Swedish pewter bowl designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by the renowned Stockholm workshop Schreuder & Olsson in 1975. The bowl features a softly rounded, shallow form ...
Pewter
Schreuder & Olsson Sculptural Pewter Bowl, Sweden, 1972
By Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking sculptural pewter bowl designed by Schreuder & Olsson in 1972. Featuring a minimalist organic form with soft asymmetry, the piece rests on a discreet circular foot, giving...
Pewter
Pewter Footed Bowl by Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1956
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pewter footed bowl produced by Firma Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, dated 1956. With its low, grounded foot and softly undulating rim, the piece carries a quiet sculptural presence. T...
Pewter
Art Deco Pewter Compote or Pedestal Bowl by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is an elegant Danish Art Deco pewter compote designed by Just Andersen (1884–1943) and produced in Denmark during the 1930s. Sculptural yet restrained, the design beautifully re...
Pewter
