American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

American of Martinsville is today revered as one of the finest manufacturers of mid-century modern furniture in the United States, but its beginnings were unexpectedly humble.

Well ahead of the Civil War, tobacco was a cash crop in places such as Virginia, and the plant was grown with frequency on farms in Martinsville and elsewhere. In the early 1900s, the business around tobacco was changing and the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was expanding nationally, buying any Virginia factories in reach. Former tobacco producers Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee turned away from the business in 1906 and, with merely $30,000 in capital (and the support of local business leaders), began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company.

In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings. Alongside tallboy dressers and nightstands, Witten and Keesee’s outfit began to offer a range of dining-room sets to the discerning customer. By the 1950s, the name had been changed to American of Martinsville and the brand had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as its variety of furniture styles (Hollywood Regency, chinoiserie). Mass-marketed furniture meant big business in the postwar years and throughout the 20th century in Virginia, and factories owned by companies like Bassett Furniture and American of Martinsville remained busy as suburbanites bought furniture to fill the homes they were moving into.

It isn’t difficult to spot American of Martinsville’s sturdy, solid designs — the lacquered walnut nightstands, mahogany coffee tables and more have long earned the admiration of mid-century modernism enthusiasts. The company’s high profile also owes to prominent attributes that distinguish its well-made vintage furniture, such as the use of wooden slats — inspired by Scandinavian modernism — on hutches and cabinet doors, the famous brass x’s inlaid on the tops of tables and dressers and the stately stacked type of the American of Martinsville logo, which usually appears in drawer interiors. The stamp prominently features an eagle perched atop the lettering, its broad wings spread across the “American” portion.

Besides quality manufacturing, American of Martinsville is additionally recognized for having incorporated the trends of the day. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul Laszlo, the brand was also known for innovations with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company’s most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun’s most popular line was reportedly Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries.

Shop a wide selection of vintage American of Martinsville mid-century modern sideboards, side tables and more on 1stDibs.

American Of Martinsville asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

American of Martinsville asian art and furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider asian art and furniture by Imari Porcelain, Finn Juhl, and Knud Kyhn.

Questions About American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Is American of Martinsville furniture still in business?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
American of Martinsville, which was founded in 1906, is still in business. The company now manufactures furniture for hotel and healthcare industries.
How much does an American of Martinsville dresser weigh?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 7, 2024
How much an American of Martinsville dresser weighs can vary greatly. The dimensions and materials of the piece will determine its weight. Generally, highboy dressers will be the heaviest pieces produced by the American furniture maker due to their size. Shop a diverse assortment of American of Martinsville dressers on 1stDibs.
What is Elgin American?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Elgin American was an American brand known for producing watches, jewelry and compacts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Illinois Watchcase Company owned it. In 1901, the company abandoned the Elgin name due to trademark infringement claims made by the Elgin National Watch Co. Find a selection of Elgin American art, jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
What is American oak?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021
American oak comes from oak trees that grow in America (as opposed to in Europe). While both are pale, American oaks have a slightly pink undertone and European oaks have a honey-hued undertone.
What color is American walnut?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
With respect to the actual wood, the outer layer of American walnut — the sapwood — has a creamy yellow-white color whereas the inner layer — the heartwood — ranges from a golden brown to dark chocolate brown color. In more descriptive words, the color of American walnut embodies the richness of chocolate mixed with slight undertones of red wine. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage American walnut furniture.
What is African American quilting?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
African American quilting has roots in history during slavery and was a way for African American women to bond. The quilts themselves tell stories of history, teach lessons and are beacons of hope. Shop a collection of African American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The history of African-American quilting stretches back almost as far as the beginning of the United States itself. The craft began with slave women quilting on plantations and after emancipation, the tradition of quilting continued. Today, there are many African American quilters who are inspired by a number of different quilting traditions. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of African-American quilts from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is American cut glass?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
American cut glass is a technique used for decorating glass. The period from 1771 to 1876 is considered the early period of American cut glass — later, cut glass was called Brilliant glass. This technique is associated with high labor costs and involves the work of skilled craftsmen — American cut glass is considered a luxury item and can be very valuable.
What do Americans call a sofa?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
What Americans call a sofa varies. Often, people living in the U.S. refer to an upholstered furnishing designed to hold more than one person as a couch. However, the word sofa is also commonly used in the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary sofas.
What is a Native American artifact?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A Native American artifact is any object that provides insight into the lives and history of native people in America. These items range from carved stone pipes, weapons for hunting, tools for cooking, pottery, jewelry and more. Find a collection of artifacts on 1stDibs today.
Who are some famous African-American artists?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
Some famous African-American artists include Horace Pippin, Augusta Savage, Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Aaron Douglas, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kerry James Marshall, Theaster Gates, Sam Gillam, Kara Walker and Kehinde Wiley. Shop a variety of African-American art from some of the world’s top galleries on 1stDibs.
What are Native American blankets called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The most well-known Native American blankets come from Navajo weaving, which are prized by collectors worldwide. Originally utilitarian, the Navajo people began creating blankets specifically for export and tourism in the 19th century. Shop a collection of Navajo blankets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are Native American drums called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What Native American drums are called varies by type. Ones designed to rest in the player's lap are hand drums, while instruments that hold water used primarily by the Iroquois and Yaqui are water drums. Large freestanding drums that produce loud percussive sounds are powwow drums. The Aztec and Hopi used foot drums. You'll find a range of Native American drums on 1stDibs.
What are Native American slippers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Native American slippers are called moccasins. Moccasins are characterized by their U-shaped puckered toe design and are crafted with various leathers such as sheepskin or buffalo. They may or may not be decorated with beading. Shop a collection of authentic moccasins from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are Native American beads called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
It depends on which region the beads were made since they were created out of available materials found in the land around them. In the Eastern Woodlands, white and purple marine shell beads were called “wampum”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Native American baskets?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To identify Native American baskets, you can research the patterns using authoritative online resources to try and determine which tribe produced it. However, many replicas exist and there are many tribes that produced baskets. As a result, it is a good idea to consult a licensed appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Native American baskets.
What does the Native American headdress symbolize?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What a Native American headdress represents depends on what tribe produced it. In general, headdresses may symbolize a person's status within the tribe or serve as a sign of bravery during battle. You'll find a selection of Native American headdresses on 1stDibs.
What is American Brilliant cut glass?
2 Answers
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
American Brilliant cut glass is deeply and sharply cut glass known for its reflective quality and highly polished nature. This type of glass is thick, heavy, and very clear.
Bonnin Ashley Antiques IncFebruary 23, 2021
The difference between cut glass and cut crystal is the lead content along with some other criteria. "There are three primary criteria for crystal as established by the European Union in 1969: a lead content in excess of 24%, a density in excess of 2.90 and a reflective index of 1.545." "Prior to 1969 crystal glass was generally around 36% lead. However, due to concerns over lead leaching the percentage was reduced to the [unofficial} standard of 24%. Today glass with a lead content of 10% or more is considered to be crystal or “fine glass”" in the US.
What did Native Americans use for baskets?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What Native Americans used to produce baskets varied from tribe to tribe. Generally, craftsmen used whatever materials were readily available. In the Northeast, sweet grass was a common material, while pine needles and wicker are frequently found in baskets produced by tribes in the Southeast. Find a range of vintage and antique baskets on 1stDibs.
What does moccasins mean in Native American?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In the Native American language of Powhatan spoken by the Algonquian indigenous people, moccasin refers to a hand-sewn suede bootie. Today, people may call any shoes that feature stitched round toes by the name. Shop a variety of moccasins on 1stDibs.
What are Native American dolls called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.

More American of Martinsville Furniture

American of Martinsville Case Pieces and Storage Cabinets

American of Martinsville Tables

American of Martinsville Seating

American of Martinsville Mirrors

American of Martinsville Dressers

American of Martinsville Bedroom Furniture

American of Martinsville Credenzas

American of Martinsville End Tables

American of Martinsville Commodes and Chests of Drawers

American of Martinsville Cabinets

American of Martinsville Side Tables

American of Martinsville Sideboards

American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Dresser Credenza by American of Martinsville

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Mid-Century Modern Walnut Chest by American of Martinsville

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Japanese American Cypresswood or Hirohi ‘Walsh, Hall & Co, Yokohama’ Tea Chest

Mid-20th Century Moroccan Islamic American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Syrian Wedding Chest with Mother of Pearl Inlays and Marble Top, Mid Century

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Wood and Rattan French Stools, circa 1960

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Mid-Century Modern Mosaic Bistrot French Coffee Table, circa 1960

1960s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Mid century modern french wood bench

Early 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Pair of Early 20th Century Chinese Apothecary Medicine Chests

1960s Finnish Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Alvar Aalto Style Mid-Century Modern Wood Stool, circa 1960

19th Century Chinese Antique American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

19th Century Pair of Money Chests

21st Century and Contemporary Mid-Century Modern American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

1960s Mid-Century Modern Style Walnut Bookcase

1960s Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

1960's Danish Teak Curved Front Credenza by Svend Madsen

1950s French Mid-Century Modern Vintage American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Mid-Century Modern French Wood Coffee Table, circa 1950

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Modern American of Martinsville Asian Art and Furniture

Modern Chinese Mulan Walnut Chair - Japandi Style

American Of Martinsville asian art and furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

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