Jens Harald Quistgaard (April 23, 1919 - January 4, 2008) was a Danish designer best known for his creations for Dansk, where he worked as chief designer from the mid-1950s to the 1980s. During his career, Quistgaard designed more than 4000 objects, making an important contribution to modern design.

Born in Copenhagen on April 23, 1919, Quistgaard grew up in an artsy family, where his father, Harald Quistgaard (1887-1979), was a sculptor and his mother a painter. At the age of fourteen, Jens Harald Quistgaard started experimenting with making jewelery and knives. After his education at the technical school, he apprenticed with renowned craftsmen such as Georg Jensen and Just Anderson.

During World War II Quistgaard was active in the Danish resistance. After the war, his designs were exhibited at various exhibitions in Europe and the United States.

A turning point in his career came with the creation of the cutlery set "Fjord" in 1953, in which Quistgaard combined teak wood with stainless steel. The design caught the attention of American entrepreneur Ted Nierenberg, who approached Quistgaard with a proposal to produce the cutlery set on a large scale. This is how Dansk International Designs was born in 1954, with Quistgaard appointed as chief designer. The Fjord cutlery set was introduced in American stores in 1956 and quickly became a great success.

In addition to cutlery, Quistgaard also designed an extensive collection of pepper mills, salad bowls and cutting boards for Dansk. He was known for his use of wood in his designs, especially teak wood, but also more exotic woods such as wenge, cocobolo and rosewood.

Quistgaard received several prestigious awards for his innovative designs, including gold and silver medals at the 1954 Milan Triennale and the Lunning Prize. In 1958 he was awarded the Neimann Marcus Prize. Quistgaard continued to work at Dansk until the 1980s, where he continuously created innovative and timeless designs.

Jens Harald Quistgaard's legacy lives on in the world of design, where his timeless and functional creations are still appreciated by enthusiasts all over the world. His influence on the Danish and international design community will be remembered forever.