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.
Just Andersen Disko Metal Ribbed Horseshoe Pipe Rest #2253
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen Disko metal pipe rest with a strong ribbed decoration. Circa 1930's Great colour, weighty and an unusual piece Stamped and numbered 2253 on base Height 1.25 inch, Widt...
Metal
Mermaid Pewter Compote by Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Scandinavian Pewter #1092
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Charming Danish pewter compote featuring a trio of stylised mermaids Undeniably a treasured piece of Just Andersen pewter, the aged patina and skewed s...
Pewter
Applied Silver On Stoneware, Wilhelm Kage, Argenta, Gustavsberg Footed Dish
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Stoneware Argenta dish by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Decorated with applied silver scalloped rim and trefoil flower sprigs on green mottled stoneware Circa 1960's Stampe...
Silver
Just Andersen, Denmark 1930s Art Deco Pewter Stylised Bird Pipe Holder
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, Pewter stylised bird pipe holder. Circa 1930's. Stamped on base. Measures: height 2.5 inch, width 4.25 inch, depth 1.5 inch Good condition. Wear consis...
Pewter
Extraordinary Wedgwood Ordinary Lustre Boat Shaped Dish by Daisy Making-Jones
By Daisy Makeig-Jones
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Extremely unusual and extraordinary boat shaped Ordinary lustre dish by Daisy Makes-Jones for Wedgwood. On a strikingly opulent orange inner, fabulous and glorious gilded filigree butterflies adorn. The outer is a pink and cream sponge effect ground with hand painted and gilded butterflies...
Porcelain
Elegant Stoneware Fruit Bowl, Applied Silver, Wilhelm Kage, Argenta, Gustavsberg
By Wilhelm Kage
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Elegant Argenta stoneware fruit bowl by Wilhelm Kage for Gustavsberg, Sweden. Central motif in applied silver of a stylised fruit, possibly pump...
Silver
Metal Arts Co. NY - 1950s MCM Sculptural Bronze Canoe Form Vessel, Dish or Bowl
By John Prip, Metal Arts Studios, Ronald Hayes Pearson
Located in St. Louis, MO
A John Prip or Ronald Hayes Pearson collaboration bronze canoe form serving tray for Metal Arts Co. Rochester NY, circa 1950s. Stamped MACO (Metal Arts) R...
Bronze
Just Andersen Danish Art Deco Polished Bronze Dish, Model B94, 1930's
By Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
Elegant Danish Art Deco bronze dish designed by Just Andersen, Denmark, circa 1930s–1940s. This refined piece features a shallow, gently curved form with a wide rim adorned by a fine...
Bronze
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Jardinière by Jacob Ängman for GAB, 1930s
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined and sculptural Swedish Art Deco bronze jardinière designed by Jacob Ängman and produced by GAB (Guldsmedsaktiebolaget) in the 1930s. This exceptional piece embodies the qui...
Bronze
Swedish Art Deco Bronze Centerpiece Bowl with Dolphin Base, 1930's
By GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Stockholm, SE
A refined Swedish Art Deco bronze centerpiece bowl from the 1930s, distinguished by its elegant shallow form and sculptural tripod base composed of stylized dolphin figures. The bowl...
Bronze
Early 20th Century Centerpiece or Bowl in Patinated Copper with Dragons
Located in Meer, VAN
Early 20th Century Centerpiece or Bowl in Patinated Copper with Dragons, early 20th century. This copper bowl has a striking and sculptural appearance. It features a wide, shallow b...
Copper
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Large Light-Bronze Bowl designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Flat bronze platter with ornamental detailing along the rim * Designer: Just Andersen * Model: LB1812 * Period: 19...
Bronze
