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.
Art Deco Candelabra in Disko-Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Large candelabra in disko metal by Just Andersen. Manufactured during the 1930s in his workshop in Copenhagen. This is design/model 74 and it features an architecturally fluted stem ...
Metal
Just Andersen Art Deco Candleholder in Pewter, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A stylish candelabra in pewter designed by Just Andersen. Manufactured during the 1930s in his workshop in Copenhagen. This is design/model 74 and it features an architecturally flut...
Pewter
Art Deco Bronze Candelabra from Lyfa, 1930s
By Lyfa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Stylized bronze candleholder made by Lyfa in Denmark during the early 1930s. It features applied green verdigris patina. Is to fitted with 2 regular sized candles. Makers mark from L...
Bronze
Art Deco Pewter Candlesticks by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Candleholders designed and made by Just Andensen in Denmark during the 1930s. They are made from the finest pewter available at the time, probably Selangor. The bases are s...
Pewter
Just Andersen Art Deco Candleholders in Pewter
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of Candleholders designed and made by Just Andensen in Denmark during the 1930s or 40s. They are made from the finest pewter available at the time. The bases features architec...
Pewter
Just Andersen Arched Art Deco Candelabra in Pewter, 1940s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Important and very rare Just Andersen pewter candelabra in an arched design. Distinct architecturally inspired Art Deco styling with its discrete decor and 'staired' configuration. I...
Pewter
1920s Art Deco Danish Just Andersen Disco Metal Candelabra
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
1920s art deco Danish Just Andersen disco metal candelabra. The candlelabra is in good vintage condition and marked with Just. Andersens triangle mark. Just Andersen 1884-1943 was...
Metal
1930s Art Deco Danish Two-Armed Candleholder by Just Andersen in Disko Metal
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Art Deco Danish two-armed candleholder by Just Andersen in Disko Metal The candleholder is made in disko metal, an alloy of lead and antimony, which was Andersen's own invention and...
Metal
Diskometal Candelabra made by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Elegant Diskometal Candelabra made by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. * Two-armed diskometal candelabra * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * Style: D74 * Yea...
Metal
Pair of Large Candelabras 'model 155' in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930's
By Just Andersen
Located in Balen, BE
A pair of “Disko Metal” candelabra by Just Andersen, model 155, Denmark, 1930s. Crafted in Andersen’s signature Disko metal alloy, this pair displays the sculptural elegance typical...
Metal
Diskometal Candelabras made by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Elegant Diskometal Candelabras made by Just Andersen in the early 1920s. * Set of two-armed diskometal candelabras * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Just Andersen *...
Metal
Pewter Candelabra by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Pewter Candelabra made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. A centerpiece for a beautiful table. * Pewter Candlestick Holder fit for five candles * Manufacturer: Just Andersen * S...
Pewter
