Jens Quistgaard side tables

This pair of side tables, which can also serve as fruit bowls, is attributed to the Danish designer Jens Harald Quistgaard and was produced by Nissen in Denmark during the 1960s. The design showcases the fusion of utility and sculptural refinement that characterized Scandinavian modernism during the postwar period.

Each table features a circular solid teak top with a deep, lathe-turned concave center, subtly recalling the shape of a traditional wooden bowl. The tabletops rest on three solid teak legs joined with triangular cross braces, giving the tables stability and visual clarity. The warm teak wood exhibits a rich, reddish-brown hue with prominent natural grain, enhancing the organic quality of the object. The construction displays precise joinery and a high level of craftsmanship, typical of Danish cabinetmaking of the era.

Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919–2008) was a central figure in Scandinavian design, best known for his work with Dansk Designs where he helped define mid-century Danish aesthetics for an international audience. Though widely recognized for his tableware, Quistgaard’s furniture designs—often characterized by minimalism, natural materials, and multifunctionality—also reflect his background in sculpture and metalwork.

The producer, Nissen, was a Danish furniture manufacturer active during the height of the Danish modern movement. Known for high-quality production and collaborations with several prominent designers, Nissen contributed to the global export of Scandinavian furniture ideals during the 1950s and 1960s.

These pieces are versatile and can be used either as side tables or sculptural bowls. Their current condition is excellent, with minimal signs of wear and a well-preserved finish that highlights the character of the teak.

Diameter 55 cm (21.65 inches), Height 43.5 cm (17.13 inches).