Jens Quistgaard side table

This rare side table, attributed to Jens Harald Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark during the 1960s, exemplifies the refined materiality and multifunctional ethos characteristic of mid-century Scandinavian design. Crafted entirely from solid teak, the piece demonstrates a careful balance between sculptural form and everyday utility.

The tabletop is circular with a reversible design that features a shallow, concave surface—allowing it to function as both a traditional side table and a large fruit bowl. This duality of purpose is emblematic of Quistgaard’s design philosophy, in which elegance and practicality coexist seamlessly. The shallow bowl form is smoothly carved, revealing richly figured teak grain with warm reddish-brown undertones and natural variation, accentuated by a soft satin finish that highlights the organic beauty of the material.

Supporting the top are four cylindrical teak legs that are evenly spaced and dowelled directly into the underside of the table. Their straight vertical orientation maintains a clean, minimalist silhouette and gives the table a sense of formal clarity and stability. Despite its modest scale, the design has a strong sculptural presence, with the interplay of curves and vertical lines enhancing its visual impact.

Measuring 55 cm in diameter and 44 cm in height (approximately 21.7 × 17.3 inches), the table is compact yet substantial. Its proportions make it well-suited for use beside seating or as a central decorative object in a living space. The concave tabletop allows for display purposes or casual service, while its low profile and finely crafted details reflect a deep understanding of proportion and materiality.

The table remains in excellent vintage condition, with the teak surface exhibiting a well-preserved patina and minimal signs of wear. The wood has aged gracefully, retaining its color and depth, and the structural integrity is sound.

Jens Harald Quistgaard (1919–2008) was a Danish designer best known for his work with Dansk Designs, where he developed a wide range of kitchenware and home objects that merged traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship with industrial production methods. While primarily associated with housewares, Quistgaard also designed furniture and decorative pieces, many of which featured teak and highlighted the same sensibility for clean lines, modular form, and warm, tactile surfaces. The attribution of this piece to Quistgaard aligns with both the material and formal characteristics of his broader body of work.

Nissen, the Danish manufacturer, was active during the mid-20th century and known for producing finely crafted wooden furniture and accessories, often in collaboration with prominent designers. Their output reflects the broader commitment of Danish makers to material quality and functional aesthetics.

This side table or fruit bowl is a striking and versatile object that reflects the enduring legacy of Scandinavian modernism—where simplicity, craftsmanship, and utility converge into a cohesive design language.