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 Table Lamp, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
A table lamp by Just Andersen in great vintage condition. It is part of Just Andersens early work and true testament to his contribution to the Danish art deco movement in the 1920s....
Metal
Tall Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early Just Andersen Diskometal Table Lamp made in 1926. A fine piece for an exquisite home. * Tall diskometal table lamp on a 6-sided foot with ornaments and a white shade * Designe...
Metal
Early Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1920s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Early-Work Diskometal Table Lamp made by Just Andersen in the 1920s. * Diskometal table lamp with tripod base, slim neck and white shades. * Designer: Just Andersen * Style: D01 * Y...
Metal
Square Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Timeless no. 1856 Table Lamp made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Discometal table lamp with a square cannellated body, slim neck and white shade. * Designer: Just Andersen * Manu...
Metal
Square Diskometal Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Timeless no. 1856 Table Lamp made by Just Andersen in the 1930s. * Discometal table lamp with a square cannellated body, slim neck and white shade. * Designer: Just Andersen * Mode...
Metal
Large Round Table Lamp by Just Andersen, 1930s, Denmark
By Just Andersen
Located in Værløse, DK
Round Table Lamp designed by Just Andersen in 1934. An elegant and rare piece for an exquisite home. * A round metal lamp with vertical lines and a beige fabric shade * Designer: ...
Metal
Early Just Andersen Table Lamp, Polished Pewter, Denmark 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
JUST ANDERSEN - SCANDINAVIAN ART DECO An early Art Deco polished pewter table lamp by Just Andersen (1884-1943) and a very fine example of this particular period in Scandinavian des...
Pewter
Art Deco pewter table lamp in the manner of Just Andersen, 1920s
By Just Andersen
Located in Hägersten, SE
Art Deco table lamp designed and made in Sweden during the 1920s. Cast in solid pewter with details and lamp fitting in brass with porcelain turn light switch. New lamp shade in whi...
Brass, Pewter
1920s Danish Art Nouveau Pewter Table Lamp by Hertz and Mogens Ballin
By Mogens Ballin
Located in Lejre, DK
This table lamp is a beautiful example of the Art Nouveau style from the 1920s, crafted in pewter and produced in Denmark. Designed and made by Hertz and Mogens Ballin, who were know...
Tin
1930 Large Pewter Table Lamp by Ellen V Kajerdt, Sweden
Located in New York, NY
Large Pewter Table Lamp by Ellen V Kajerdt from 1930. The body of the lamp is engraved with a naturalist motif showing deers and organic details. New US wiring and sold without the l...
Pewter
Just Andersen, Table Lamp, Disko Metal, Denmark, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in High Point, NC
A disko metal table lamp designed and produced by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1930s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 17.25 “ H x 5.5” W x 6“ D Dimensions of Shade (inches): 9 “ Top Diam...
Metal
Just Andersen, Art Deco Pewter Table Lamp, Denmark, 1920s.
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Just Andersen
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful and rare pewter table lamp. Designed and made by Just Andersen, Denmark, 1920s. Good condition with amazing patina, only a few light scratches. Stamped 'DENMARK', mode...
Pewter
