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.
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 Swedish Pewter Candlesticks by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, 1940s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant pair of Swedish pewter candlesticks produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) in the 1940s. The design features a refined, tapered stem rising from a circular base, culminating...
Pewter
Pair of Swedish Art Deco Bronze Candelabras GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) 1930's
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptional and highly sculptural pair of Swedish Art Deco three-arm candelabras designed by Jacob Ängman for GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget during the 1930s. Executed in solid bronze...
Bronze
Pair of Scandinavian Modern Pewter Candlesticks by Edvin Ollers - 1970's
By Edvin Ollers, Schreuder & Olsson
Located in Stockholm, SE
A pair of Scandinavian modern pewter candlesticks designed by Edvin Ollers and produced by Schreuder & Olsson, Sweden. Both candlesticks are fully stamped to the underside, includin...
Pewter
Pair of Svenskt Tenn Pewter Candleholders by K.E Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1931
By Svenskt Tenn
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking and sculptural pair of pewter candleholders designed by Knut Eriksson & Co. for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, circa 1931. These elegant pieces embody the refined organic forms and...
Pewter
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Two-Arm Candelabra by GAB, Sweden 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined Swedish Art Deco bronze candelabra produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget), Stockholm, circa 1930s. This elegant two-arm design exemplifies the restrained sophistication of...
Bronze
Pair of danish art deco metal candlesticks by sculptor Just Andersen. 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
These rare and elegantly shaped 1920s Art Deco candlesticks are the work of renowned Danish sculptor and metalworker Just Andersen. Known for his innovative use of materials, Anderse...
Pewter
Pair of danish art deco metal candlesticks by sculptor Just Andersen. 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in København K, 84
These rare and elegantly shaped 1920s Art Deco candlesticks are the work of renowned Danish sculptor and metalworker Just Andersen. Known for his innovative use of materials, Anderse...
Pewter
A Pair of Art Deco candle sticks by Just Andersen, model D54, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Art Deco Candlesticks by Just Andersen, Model D54 – Denmark, 1930s This refined pair of Art Deco candlesticks, model D54, was designed by renowned Danish designer Just Ander...
Metal
Art Deco Diskometal Candlestick Holders by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Geometric Diskometal Candlestick Holders designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Pair (2) of diskometal candlestick holders on a cannellated square foot * Designer: Just Andersen...
Metal
A Pair of Art Deco candle sticks by Just Andersen, model 1424, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Balen, BE
Pair of Art Deco Candlesticks by Just Andersen, Model 1424 – Denmark, 1930s This refined pair of Art Deco candlesticks, model 1424, was designed by renowned Danish designer Just And...
Metal
1950's Set of Two Danish Just Andersen Disco Metal Candlesticks
By Just Andersen
Located in Knebel, DK
Set of two Danish Just Andersen disco metal candle holders produced by Just Andersen A/S in the 1940 - 50's. The candle holders are in good vint...
Metal, Pewter
