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 Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
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
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
$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
$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
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
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
$21,500 / set
H 35.44 in W 29.93 in D 22.84 in
Early Matching Pair, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings Klismos Chairs for Saridis of Athens
By T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, Saridis
Located in Dronten, NL
Exceptional pair of early Klismos chairs by T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings for Saridis of Athens, crafted in dark-stained walnut and retaining their original character and authenticity throu...
Leather, Walnut
Set of 8 Mastercraft Silk Velvet Dining Chairs
By Mastercraft
Located in Houston, TX
Set of 8 vintage Mastercraft Neoclassical style dining chairs. These ebonized chairs with bronze sabots have been newly modified and professiona...
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 Regency Ebonized Klismos Side Chairs
Located in Essex, MA
Each with a curved wide seat rail with grape leaves and grapes central decoration, upholstered seat, raised on exaggerated saber legs. Provenance; Estate of William Hodgins, Interior...
Wood
Pair of 19th Century Period Gustavian Klismos Chairs
Located in Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Pair of early 19th Century Swedish period Gustavian klismos chairs. With carved detailing around the chairs and down the legs. Repainted in sof...
Linen, Wood
Modern Oak Klismos Chair
Located in Hudson, NY
Upholstered in suede fabric.
Oak
Klismos Chair
Located in Banbury, GB
A design developed by the Greeks in the 5th century BC, gaining popularity throughout the 4th century BC. The design was then resurrected in the English Regency period. The Klismos chair...
Leather, Wood
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 Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Chicago, IL
Brass lounge chairs by Mastercraft, featuring curved back with Greek key details. Reupholstered with great plains cotton-velvet fabric.
Brass