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 Art Deco Decorative Vase of Disco Metal with Brown Patina, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Decorative Art Deco vase made of disco metal with brown patina. It's designed and made by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1930s. Sign. with monogram for Just Ande...
Metal
Just Andersen Art Deco Decorative Vase of Disco Metal with Brown Patina, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Decorative Art Deco vase with handles and wavy sides, made of disco metal with brown patina. It's designed and made by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1930s. Sig...
Metal
Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Pointed Vase of Bronze with Brown Patina 1930-1940
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Art Deco pointed vase made of bronze with beautiful mottled brown patina designed by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1930s-1940s. Sign. with monogram for Just And...
Bronze
Just Andersen Art Deco Decorative Vase of Disco Metal with Brown Patina, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Decorative Art Deco vase with handles and woman in relief, made of disco metal with brown patina. It's designed and made by the Danish arti...
Metal
Tiny Just Andersen Art Deco Decorative Vase of Polished Pewter no. 2319 1960s
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Small decorative Art Deco vase made of polished pewter. It's designed and made by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1960s. Sign. with monogram for Just Andersen + D...
Pewter
Danish Art Deco Just Andersen Trophy Shaped Vase of Pewter with Patina 1930-1940
By Just Andersen
Located in Silkeborg, Silkeborg
Art Deco trophy shaped vase made of untreated pewter with patina designed by the Danish artist Just Andersen (1884-1943) in the 1930s-1940s. Sign. with monogram for Just Andersen + ...
Pewter
Just Andersen Art Deco Vase in Disco Metal, 1940s
Located in København, Copenhagen
Just Andersen Art Deco vase in disco metal. 1940s. In excellent condition with fine patina. Model D1522. Dimensions: H 10 x D 9.0 cm.
Metal
Just Andersen Art Deco Vase in Disko Metal, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A rare bottle-shaped metal vase with unusual ornamental relief panels. Designed and made by Just Andersen in Denmark circa 1935-39. Model: D2195 (stamped 'Just D2195, Denmark'). It i...
Metal, Pewter
Art Deco vase model D88, disco metal by Just Andersen, 1930s
By Just Andersen
Located in Balen, BE
Art Deco Vase Model D88 in Disco Metal by Just Andersen – Denmark, 1930s This elegant Art Deco vase, model D88, was designed by Just Andersen in the 1930s and crafted in his signatu...
Metal
Art Deco Vase in Patinated Bronze by Bdr. Grage Denmark
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A Japanese inspired vase in heavy stock solid bronze. Beautiful brown patina with dark green hues. A very tactile piece reminiscent of Just Andersens best bronze pieces. This however...
Bronze
Just Andersen Vase in Patinated Bronze
By Just Andersen
Located in Kastrup, DK
Rare vase by Just Andersen, patinated bronze with conical body and tapered neck engraved with stylized foliage. Design no. B73. Stamped with monogram and design no. Denmark, 1930s. Ib Just Andersen (1884-1943) Danish sculptor and silversmith, started his own workshop in 1918. He is best known for his Scandinavian neoclassical...
Bronze
Bronze Art Deco Vase by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s
By Just Andersen, GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sune Bäckström
Located in Malmö, SE
A beautiful bronze vase with amazing patina. Made by GAB Guldsmedsaktiebolaget, Sweden, 1930s. Great condition, with only a few light scratches. Stamped 'BRONS' and makers mark.
Bronze
