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.
Round Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Round Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. A timeless piece for a beautiful place. * Round diskometal vase with waves * Designer: Just Andersen * Manufacturer: Ju...
Metal
Round Diskometal Vases by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Matched pair of delicate round Disko metal vases designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Set of two (2) round diskometal vases with chased vertical lines * Designer: Just Andersen...
Metal
Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Little Curvy Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Oval diskometal vase * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1522 * Year: 1918-1929 * Condition: Fair vintage co...
Metal
Substantial Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Substantial Amphora-style Disko metal vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Amphora-style Disko metal vase with lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: D1925 * Year: 1937 *...
Metal
Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1940s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Litte Art Deco Diskometal Vase made by Just Andersen in the early 1940s. * Diskometal vase with incised vertical lines and lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D2286 * Year: 19...
Pewter
Art Deco Diskometal Vase by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Amphora-Style Diskometal Vase designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Diskometal vase with cannelated vertical lines and small lugs * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D2011 * Year...
Metal
Just Andersen, Vase, Disko Metal, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A disko metal vase designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s.
Metal
Danish Art Deco Vase in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s.
By Just Andersen
Located in Asaa, DK
Danish Art Deco Vase in Disko Metal by Just Andersen, 1930s. Large and substantial Art Deco vase or urn with fluted body and two handles. Made in Denmark by Just Andersen with his t...
Metal
Art Deco Bronze Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Sune Bäckström, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Good condition, some light scratches, scuffs and wear to the patination. Stamped ...
Bronze
Round vase by Richard Uhlemeyer, Germany 1940s
By Richard Uhlemeyer
Located in Delft, NL
Round vase by Richard Uhlemeyer, Germany 1940s Round shape and a turquoise and brown-red colored ceramic vase in a crackle style RICHARD UHLEMEYER (1900-1954) was born in Göttingen,...
Ceramic
Vase by Gertrud Lönegren for Rörstrand, Sweden, 1930s
By Gertrud Lönegren, Rörstrand
Located in Eskilstuna, SE
Decorative and uncommon stoneware vase designed by Gertrud Lönegren for Rörstrand in the late 1930s. Generously sized, with a warm brown and off-white glaze and a richly textured rib...
Stoneware
Large Vase in 'Disko' Metal by Just Andersen, Made in Denmark, 1940s
By Just Andersen
Located in Lejre, DK
Vase in disco metal model 2411 by Ib Just Andersen. Mad in Denmark Denmark, 1940s. Great original condition.
Metal
