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.
Salvino Marsura Il Calice candle holder - Italy, 1970s
By Salvino Marsura
Located in London, GB
The robust Il Calice candle holder flares into a shape reminiscent of a chalice, lending the piece its name. The iron itself is playfully crumpled and distorted, the surface retainin...
Iron
Pair ofJacob Ängman (attr.) Art Deco pewter vases for GAB Tenn - Sweden, 1931-33
Located in London, GB
Executed in pewter, these Swedish Art Deco vases are defined by their restrained geometry and finely balanced proportions. The rounded bodies are punctuated by profiled handles that ...
Pewter
Salvino Marsura 'Schiuma di Mare' candleholders - Italy, 2000s
By Salvino Marsura
Located in London, GB
A set of two candleholders are defined by its rhythmic, fluid line work, in imitation of seafoam’s sinuous motions on the shore. Two candleholders are available. One of the two pie...
Iron
Victorian antique pewter sorbetière, England 1860s
Located in London, GB
Originally used to make iced desserts such as ice-cream and sorbet, this Victorian pewter sorbetière is a captivating nod to Victorian feasting. Marked Alderton to the topside of the...
Metal
Scalloped tin plinth with lamp - UK, Late 19th Century
Located in London, GB
A piece of distinctly classical proportions, this column-like antique plinth was produced in tin to suggest the heft of marble. A decorative veining effect completes the illusion. In...
Tin
Arts & Crafts hammered pewter mirror for Liberty & Co. - UK, 1910s
Located in London, GB
This antique oval mirror by Liberty & Co. is embellished with four raised triskelions. The frame is made using the repoussé metalworking technique, which involves hammering malleable...
Pewter
Pewter Candlestick Holders by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Pewter Candlestick Holders made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An elegant set for a beautiful table. * Pair of Pewter Candlestick Holders fit for two candles * Designer: Ju...
Pewter
Pewter Candelabras by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Pewter Candelabras made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An elegant set for a beautiful table. * Pair of Pewter Candlestick Holders fit for three candles * Manufacturer: Just...
Pewter
Hammered Pewter Candelabras by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Set of Hammered Pewter Candelabras made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An elegant set for a beautiful table. * Pair of Pewter Candlestick Holders fit for three candles * Manufactu...
Pewter
Pewter Candlestick Holders by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Pewter Candlestick Holders made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. An elegant set for a beautiful table. * Set (2) of Pewter Candlestick Holders fit for two candles * Manufacturer: Ju...
Pewter
Pair of Danish Art Deco Pewter Candelabras by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pair of Danish Art Deco pewter candelabras designed by Just Andersen, dating from the early 1930s. Each candelabra features a sculptural, organic form with gracefully curved ...
Pewter
Pair of Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Two-Light Pewter Candelabra
By Just Andersen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine pair of antique pewter candlesticks or candelabra. By Just Andersen. Dessin (design) #307. Each with a beautiful patina throughou...
Pewter
