Jens Quistgaard tray

This rare serving tray, designed by Jens Quistgaard and produced by Nissen in Denmark, exemplifies the Danish designer’s commitment to combining refined form with everyday functionality. Executed in solid wengé, a dense tropical hardwood known for its deep, chocolate-brown coloration and prominent grain pattern, the tray displays a rich natural surface animated by variations in texture and tone. Over time, the wood has developed a subtle patina that enhances its visual depth and attests to the quality of the material.

The form is defined by clean, geometric lines with slightly flared corners, introducing a subtle sculptural dynamic while preserving the minimalist clarity characteristic of Scandinavian modernism. The tray’s proportions are generous but balanced, offering ample surface area for serving while maintaining a compact elegance that allows it to function equally well as a decorative object. The corners are expertly mitered, and the edge profiles reveal careful craftsmanship, further underscoring the tray’s artisanal origin.

This example originates from the private collection of Richard Nissen, founder of Nissen and a close collaborator of Quistgaard. The provenance adds historical and curatorial significance, linking the object directly to the context in which it was conceived and produced.

Jens Quistgaard (1919–2008) was a central figure in the postwar Scandinavian design movement. Best known for his long association with Dansk and for introducing modern design to American and international households, Quistgaard created a broad range of utilitarian objects that elevated domestic rituals through form and materiality. His woodwork, particularly in rare hardwoods such as wengé and teak, reflects an emphasis on touch, durability, and sculptural restraint.

In excellent condition, the tray shows only minor signs of age, with no structural flaws or damage. The surface retains its original character, with the grain of the wengé providing both visual and tactile richness. As a collectible work by one of Denmark’s most influential designers, this tray is a notable example of the convergence of form, function, and material in Scandinavian modern decorative arts.