Widely acclaimed for the range of case pieces he designed for Michigan manufacturer Mastercraft during the 1970s, metal artist and furniture designer Bernhard Rohne has been creating distinctive acid-etched brutalist furnishings, home accessories, sculptures and other works for decades. The German-born Vancouver-based designer’s cabinets, coffee tables, credenzas and more are statement pieces in any interior and can introduce contrast and vigor into living rooms and dining rooms.
Born in Peine, Rohne attended the WKS Hanover art school. It was in his material science class that Rohne immersed a small painted copper plate into a container of acid. After some time, he couldn’t detect whether or not any kind of chemical reaction had taken place, so he left the plate in the acid and went to lunch.
When Rohne returned, yellow clouds had filled the room and the school had to be evacuated. However, when he was able to retrieve the copper plate, Rohne saw that there had indeed been a reaction between the metal and the chemical. The incident, while most definitely dangerous, sparked his interest and set him on a path of material exploration and design that collectors and art enthusiasts continue to celebrate to this day.
Rohne moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada in 1967. During the 1970s, Grand Rapids-based furniture manufacturer Mastercraft — known to collectors of mid-century modern and Hollywood Regency design — partnered with Rohne and produced a large group of case pieces featuring applied brass plaques and panels, acid-etched with forms and patterns that are marked by the influence of Abstract Expressionism and Geometric Abstraction.
For his best known pieces, Rohne worked with brass, aluminum, copper and zinc metal sheets, which he oxidized and etched in order to create fascinating surface panels for his walnut console cabinets and sideboards that, with their patinated bronze and black lacquer doors, are sculptural attention-grabbing works in today’s interiors.
Rohne’s work, like many pieces of brutalist furniture and sculptures designed by him or like-minded metalworker Paul Evans, remains popular with interior designers and can lend unique, eccentric, human notes to an art and design collection in any home.
Find vintage Bernhard Rohne tables, storage pieces and wall decor on 1stDibs.
Pair BERNARD ROHNE for MASTERCRAFT Gondola Klismos Legged Burled Chairs 6 Avail
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Hudson, NY
Very Rare and stunning pair of sculptural curved leg dining / side chairs by Mastercraft. These chairs are solid and heavy yet have a light and delicate design. The gondola style cha...
Brass
Mastercraft Acid Etched Armchair in Brass by Bernhard Rohne, circa 1970's
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Troy, MI
Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft Acid Etched Armchair Rare armchair designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft circa 1970s Brass frame with sloped tufted seat in original champagne velvet...
Brass
$38,500 / set
H 43 in W 22 in D 23 in
"The Imperial Chair" Set of Eight by Weiman/Warren Lloyd for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Set your interior space up for drama and infuse style into your dining room with this gorgeous set of classically styled modern dining chairs. Known as the 'Imperial Chair' series model no. 976 were imported from Italy by the Weiman/Warren Lloyd company in the 1970s and distributed in the United States through Mastercraft Furniture of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Exquisite jewelry! Featuring continuous simulated brass faux bamboo frames, the legs united by a cross stretcher. The backs and seats professionally recovered in a green lily pad velvet fabric that adds to its upscale feel. This bold design brings a touch of Hollywood glamour and is a guaranteed eye-catcher from any angle. Made with the highest quality craftsmanship and impeccable eye for design. The chairs are in mint condition. Mastercraft was founded in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1946 by brothers Charles and William Doezema-who came from a family of cabinet makers. The Doezema brothers went overseas during World War II and returned to the US planning to make furniture with an urban cosmopolitan style. Mastercraft specialized in chairs and case pieces with traditional forms and modernized veneers and finishes. In 1974 Mastercraft was acquired by Baker Furniture and Vancouver based artist Bernhard Rohne designed large case pieces...
Brass
$8,000 / set
H 35 in W 20.5 in D 24 in
Pair of Mid Century Klismos Chairs by Robsjohn-Gibbings for Sardis
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is an elegant set of Klismos Chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, an iconic interpretation of the classical Klismos form. The sculptural frames feature gracef...
Leather, Walnut
$2,900
H 27 in W 27.5 in D 26 in
Hollywood Regency Italian Brass Barrel Back Lounge Chair by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A Classic well built asian inspired lounge chair produced by Mastercraft in the early 1970s. It features a heavy brass framing with the original decorator fabric. Ready for use.
Brass
$3,550 / set
H 26.25 in W 27 in D 23 in
Chinoiserie Brass Lounge Chairs by Warren Lloyd for Mastercraft Mid Century
By Mastercraft, Warren Lloyd
Located in Atlanta, GA
Glamorous pair of Chinoiserie brass lounge chairs, designed by Warren Lloyd for Mastercraft, American, circa 1970s. These chairs were produced for Mastercraft in Italy, and are const...
Brass
Pair of 19th Century Klismos Chairs
Located in New York, NY
A pair 19th century Danish Klismos chairs. Collected in Copenhagen elegant pair of late 19th century Danish Klismos Chairs. Ebonized hardwood wi...
Hardwood
$1,950 / set
H 31.25 in W 20.25 in D 15 in
Vintage Boho Donghia “Anziano” Leather Klismos Chairs - A Pair
By Donghia
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Discover an icon of modern design with this striking pair of Vintage Donghia "Anziano" Klismos Chairs, a testament to sleek sophistication and architectural elegance. Originally conc...
Metal
Klismos Brass Chair
By Scala Luxury
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Experience unparalleled elegance with our Klismos Brass Chair. Expertly crafted with a luxurious brass frame, each chair exudes an old-world sophistication.
Brass
Klismos black chair
By Pescetta
Located in IT
Classic and elegant Klismos customizable dining chairs with saber legs, black lacquered wood and leather seats. Available in other colors and upholstery. Italian artisanal production by Pescetta Home Decoration...
Leather, Wood
$8,930Sale Price / set|25% Off
H 36.75 in W 21 in D 21 in
Greek Key Brass & Velvet Dining Chairs by Mastercraft, c. 1970 Italy, Set of 6
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An elegant and sought after set of six dining chairs by Mastercraft, crafted in the 1970s and featuring the iconic Greek Key motif in patinated brass. These sculptural chairs are a q...
Brass
Modern Oak Klismos Chair
Located in Hudson, NY
Upholstered in suede fabric.
Oak
" Klismos" chair, 19th century
Located in Paris, Ile-de-France
"Klismos" chair Stained walnut Of unusual design, the chair has a curved back attached to the seat by a triple support, Square seat, saber feet. Northern Europe, probably Denmark. ...
Wood, Walnut
T.H Robsjohn- Gibbings Klismos Chairs
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A pair of Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chairs Executed in Walnut and Leather by Saridis A beautiful re-interpretation of an ancient form Original Finish One chair with impressed number ...
Walnut
Sold
H 37.5 in W 21.25 in D 19 in
Hollywood Regency Mastercraft Brass Dining Chairs with Velvet Upholstery - One
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
One Mastercraft Hollywood Regency style Greek Key dining chairs with arms designed by Bernhard Rohne. These chairs are from a North Shore estate. They have a lovely patina and thei...
Brass
Sold
H 37.5 in W 21.25 in D 19 in
Hollywood Regency Mastercraft Brass Dining Chairs with Velvet Upholstery, Set 7
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Set of 7 Mastercraft Hollywood Regency style Greek Key dining chairs with arms designed by Bernhard Rohne. These chairs are from a North Shore estate. They have a lovely patina and...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft 1970's Mid Century Brass Dining Chairs
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Set of 6 Bernard Rohne for Mastercraft dining chairs circa early 1970's. These examples have solid brass patinated frames with etched brass accents. They have been newly and masterfu...
Brass
Sold
H 37 in W 20.5 in D 19 in
A Pair of Brass Greek Key Chairs Designed by Bernhard Rohne for Master Craft
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This is a gorgeous pair or original Mastercraft Greek Key arm dining chairs designed by Bernard Rohne. The original fabric is a deep burnt orange, both the seats and backs are tufted adding to the interest of these chairs. The original patina is a warm brass. Very much reflecting the Hollywood Regency period, these dining chairs can easily be admired as 2 ocassional chairs...
Brass
Pair of Mastercraft Lounge Chairs
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass lounge chairs by Mastercraft, featuring curved back with Greek key details. Reupholstered with great plains cotton-velvet fabric.
Brass
Sold
H 39 in W 21.5 in D 23 in
Set of 6 Mid Century Mastercraft B. Rohne Brass Velvet Tufted Dining Chairs
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in West Hartford, CT
Beautiful matched set of six brass frame dining chairs by Mastercraft, circa 1970s. Designed by Bernard Rohne with original chocolate brown velvet tufted upholstery. Brass framework...
Brass
Stunning Set of Eight Burl Dining Chairs by Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Houston, TX
Wonderful set of shield back dining chairs with burl and brass accents made by Mastercraft. The chairs has subtle Klismos style leg. T...
Burl
Bernhard Rohne Bench for Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Hamburg, PA
Acid etched brass bench designed by Bernhard Rohne. Blue velvet seat in good condition.
Brass