Just Andersen sculpture

This sculptural object is a rare representation of a carp fish, designed and produced by Just Andersen in Denmark during the 1920s. It is cast in disco metal, a proprietary alloy developed by Andersen himself, consisting of tin, antimony, and a small amount of copper, and here finished with a dark bronze patina. The material mimics the appearance of bronze while being more economical to produce and is a hallmark of Andersen’s early decorative metalwork.

The form is fully sculptural and three-dimensional, depicting a stylized carp with a rounded body, pronounced scales, dorsal fins, and a widely opened mouth. The representation is both decorative and stylized, reflecting a blend of naturalistic detail and Art Deco-era abstraction. The sculpted surface includes rhythmic repetitions of rounded forms on the body, textured fins, and bulging eyes that give the figure a slightly whimsical expression.

The piece is marked on the underside with Just Andersen’s triangular logo and the model number 1380, along with “Denmark”, indicating its place of manufacture. The condition is good vintage with minor signs of surface wear and age-related patina, particularly along the lower edges and high points, consistent with a nearly century-old cast metal object.

Just Andersen (1884–1943) was a Danish designer and silversmith known for his pioneering work in decorative arts and metal objects. He studied at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and later worked under architect Thorvald Bindesbøll. Andersen founded his own workshop in the 1910s and became known for his metalwork in pewter, bronze, and disco metal. His output included functional items such as candlesticks and bowls, as well as purely decorative figures like this carp, which blend stylized naturalism with elegant, sculptural form.

The dimensions of the sculpture are 12.5 cm in width, 8 cm in depth, and 9 cm in height, equivalent to approximately 4.9 inches wide, 3.1 inches deep, and 3.5 inches high.