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.
Bernhard Rohne Acid Etched Brass Dresser for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Condition: Original Vintage Condition Materials: Acid Etched Brass, Ebonized Wood This striking Mid-Century Modern dresser showcases dramatic acid-etched brass panels by Bernhard R...
Brass
Vintage Hollywood Regency Mastercraft Burlwood Cabinet with Etched Brass
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Lutz, FL
Vintage 1970’s Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft Furniture burlwood tall chest with iconic Rohne acid-etched brass panel on middle front of cabinet. The upper doors open to a storage compar...
Brass
$3,300Sale Price|21% Off
Mastercraft Brass Illuminated Demilune Vitrine Cabinet, 1970s, Signed
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible brass demilune display cabinet, produced by Mastercraft in the 1970s, features a mirrored and illuminated interior, exquisite textured top, a pair of glass doors and ...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass Chest of Drawers, 1970s
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency chest of drawers By Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Furniture USA, 1970s Acid etched brass, with black lacquered trim, and original...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Extendable Top Burl Buffet or Bar Cart
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Bensalem, PA
Stunning Mastercraft rolling buffet cart with fold out top which measures 60 inches feel free to reach out with any questions
Brass
Bernhard Rohne Pair Mastercraft Display Cabinet Vitrines
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair Mastercraft illuminated display cabinet - Vitrines designed by Bernhard Rohne. Very well cared for in very good to excellent condition. Mastercraft was an old school United st...
Brass
Mastercraft Dark Olive Burl Wood Brass Hardware Large Gentelmens Chest Dresser
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mastercraft Dark Olive Burl Wood Solid Brass Drop Pulls Hardware Large Gentelmens Chest Dresser Armoire MINT!
Brass
$3,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bernhard Rohne Mastercraft Burl and Acid Etched Brass Nightstands, 1970's
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Culver City, CA
Feast your eyes on this absolutely stunning pair of Bernhard Rohne acid-etched brass and amboyna burl nightstands for Mastercraft. These aren’t just bedside tables—they’re functional...
Brass
$7,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Acid-Etched Brass with Ebony Lacquer Dressers by Bernhard Rohne
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in San Diego, CA
An exquisite and rare pair of acid-etched brass with ebony lacquer three drawer dressers / commodes by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft, circa 1970s. Covering each case are abstract de...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Credenza, 1970s
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Raleigh, NC
This exceptional credenza represents the pinnacle of 1970s design collaboration between artist Bernhard Rohne and Mastercraft Furniture. Rohne's distinctive approach to decorative me...
Brass
$5,600Sale Price / set|20% Off
Pair of Acid-Etched Brass with Ebony Lacquer Dressers by Bernhard Rohne
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in San Diego, CA
An nice and rare pair of acid-etched brass with ebony lacquer three drawer dressers / commodes by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft, circa 1970s. Covering each case are abstract designs...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass Chest of Drawers and Mirror
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency chest of drawers with matching wall mirror By Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Furniture USA, 1970s Acid etched brass, with bla...
Brass
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Outstanding Acid Etched Brass Credenza by Bernard Rohne Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Outstanding Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft credenza sideboard cabinet. Exceptional six-panel acid etched brass credenza with brass pulls housed in a brass frame. Designed by Bernhard...
Brass
$9,580Sale Price|20% Off
Acid Etched Brass Console by Bernhard Rohne for Mastrrcraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
Extraordinary piece and the most recognized and converted in the entire Acid Etched collection from Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. It’s a work of Art. Condition Disclosure: Please...
Brass
Vintage Modern Burl and Brass Acid Etched Dresser by Bernhard Rohne
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning and vintage modern bedroom dresser by Bernhard Rohne features etched brass designs with burl walnut construction. Spacious interio...
Wood
Bernhard Rohne Credenza for Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Toledo, OH
Brass 6-door credenza by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. This 1970's era credenza features acid etched design work and large brass handles. 78" wide x 21" deep x 30" high. A matchin...
Brass
Mid Century Nine-Drawer Dresser by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning mid-century modern triple dresser by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft, is simply incredible. Professionally refinished showcasing the gorgeous burled amboyna wood. It has...
Brass
Mastercraft, Mid-Century Modern, Console, Gold Brass, Black Wood, USA, 1960s
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in Manhasset, NY
A Mid-Century Modern Mastercraft Tree of Life Console or sideboard by Bernhard Rhone for Mastercraft, sideboard, 1970s, American, the triangul...
Bronze, Brass
Pair Mid-Century Modern Mastercraft Nightstands, Floating Cabinets in Elm, Brass
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Manhasset, NY
Pair Mid-Century Modern Mastercraft Nightstands, Floating Cabinets in Elm, Brass Spectacular pair of nightstands by William Doezema for Mastercraft circa 1960s. The cabinets are co...
Brass
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Custom Mastercraft Amboyna Burl and Acid Etched Brass Dresser
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautifully burled chest, toned in a custom burnt orange lacquer atop a wood plinth. Nine drawers; three with acid-etched panels by Bernhard Rohne, accent...
Brass
Mastercraft Chest and Matching Mirror by Berhardt Rohne
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A great 1960s three-drawer chest of drawers and matching mirror by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. Acid etched brass and lacquered wood, with rounded corners on the chest. The mirror...
Brass
Brass and Burl Wood Dresser for Mastercraft by Bernhard Rohne
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This Mastercraft dresser features acid-etched designs, unique brass pulls, and quality vintage construction. Wonderful burl wood finish adds to th...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass Vitrine
By Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
Mastercraft model 326 vintage 1970s Palladian style brass, glass and antiqued smoked mirror vitrine display curio cabinet, designed circa 1970 by ...
Brass
$75,500 / set
H 87 in W 119 in D 18 in
Grand Mastercraft Designed Three Part Brass & Glass Vitrines or Curio Cabinets
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Architecturally-inspired this breathtaking three part brass Curved China cabinet set by Mastercraft, inviting drama into any space. Dedicated to c...
Brass
Tall Mid Century Modern Brass and Glass Mastercraft Vitrine Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous brass and glass tall showcase with 4 thick glass shelves etched for showing plates. Shelves are adjustable. Two glass doors each hung on 4 hinge...
Brass
$2,800
H 30 in W 39.5 in D 15.5 in
Hollywood Regency Brass & Glass Display or Curio Cabinet After Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A sleek & modern display cabinet from Italy circa 1970s. It features mirrored top and back with glass door and sides. The brass framing is bright & shiny. The bottom lights up but lo...
Brass
Flötotto chests of drawers, 1970s, Vintage
By Pagholz Flötotto
Located in Neuss, NW
Four-part profile system by Flötotto from the 1970s. The system consists of two containers, each with one door and one shelf, one open container with two shelves and one container wi...
Wood
$2,100
H 30.5 in W 48 in D 13 in
1970s Lacquered Asian Inspired Mastercraft Cabinet, Overscale Brass Hardware
By Mastercraft
Located in Miami, FL
1970s Lacquered Asian Inspired Mastercraft Cabinet, Overscale Brass Hardware Offered for sale is a 1970s Asian inspired Mastercraft cabinet that is lacquered and fitted with impress...
Brass
$3,200
H 86 in W 36 in D 17 in
Mastercraft Dome Shape Top Two Doors Glass Shelve Display Curio Cabinet Showcase
By Established Lines, Mastercraft
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Mastercraft Dome Shape Top Two Doors Glass Shelve Display Curio Cabinet Showcase MINT
Brass
Mastercraft Mid Century Brass Vitrines Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Mastercraft Mid Century Brass Vitrines Cabinet This cabinet measures: 36.5 wide x 15 deep x 86.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored vintage con...
Brass
Milo Baughman Style Burl Cabinet or Dry Bar
By Milo Baughman
Located in San Francisco, CA
Milo Baughman style two door cabinet or dry bar featuring burl olive wood doors supported by a cast aluminum floating base and a stained walnut case. Fitted interior consists of a si...
Aluminum
Vintage Mahogany Display Vitrine Cabinet
Located in Pasadena, CA
This elegant vintage mahogany display cabinet has a mirrored back and two glass shelves to exhibit your special treasures. Adorned wi...
Glass, Mahogany
Andre Arbus Cabinet with Vitrine
By André Arbus
Located in Philadelphia, PA
French Art Deco cabinet with vitrine. Rosewood with beveled glass sliding doors and bronze mounts, circa 1938.
Rosewood
$7,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 26.25 in W 31.5 in D 17.75 in
Pair of Acid-Etched Brass with Ebony Lacquer Dressers by Bernhard Rohne
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in San Diego, CA
An exquisite and rare pair of acid-etched brass with ebony lacquer three drawer dressers / commodes by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft, circa 1970s. Covering each case are abstract de...
Brass
Vintage Brass Acid-Etched Etagere by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Step into the world of mid-century elegance with this stunning vintage acid-etched brass etagere designed by the renowned Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft in the 1970s. This exquisite ...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 78.5 in D 21.5 in
Pair Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass Sideboards, 1970s
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
Sophisticated artistic pair of metalcraft sideboards by Bernard Rohne for Mastercraft circa 1974 with a most beautiful acid etched brass design reminiscent of the work of Philip & Ke...
Brass
Sold
H 32.75 in W 72.5 in D 20.25 in
Mastercraft Hollywood Regency Brass Accent Faux Leather Asian Modern Credenza
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This striking Hollywood-Regency buffet from Mastercraft exudes both Chinoiserie elegance and stately refinement. The rich burl wood façade presents a mirrored pair of doors—framed in...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass Server/Sideboard/Credenza by Bernhard Rhone, 1970s
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne, James Mont
Located in Raleigh, NC
A striking and rare example showing beautifully. Acid-etched brass with plenty of open storage in a small footprint. A classic by Mastercraft., Bernard Rohne.
Brass
Sold
H 29.5 in W 48 in D 14 in
Rare Black and Gold Etched Brass Cabinet by Bernhard Rhone for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare brass clad two door cabinet decorated with intricate etched abstract figures designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. The design is etched on 3 sides of the cabinet (the bac...
Brass
Sold
H 27 in W 32 in D 18 in
1970s 3 Drawer Acid Etched Brass Chests by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft, a Pai
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
Iconic Pair of 3 drawer Acid Etched Brass and Black Lacquer chests by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. Extraordinary works. Very Difficult to find in this condition. Condition Dis...
Brass
Sold
H 30.25 in W 74 in D 18.75 in
Vintage Brass "Tree of Life" Credenza by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This vintage brass credenza is a true masterpiece, designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft in the United States during the 1970s. It is famously known as the "Tree of Life" due to...
Brass
Sold
H 27 in W 74 in D 19 in
1970's Mastercraft "Tree Of Life" Acid Etched Brass Cabinet by Bernhard Rohne
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in North Canton, OH
Iconic Shaved Corner Acid Etched Brass Credenza by Famed Artist Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. The "tree of life" cabinet is one of the most recognized work by Rohne for Mastercraft...
Brass
Sold
H 30 in W 78 in D 21 in
Bernard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass Credenza Mid Century 1970s
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Troy, MI
Exquisite six door sideboard designed by Berhnard Rohne for Mastercraft circa 1970s The cabinet features Rohne's signature acid etched panel work framed in burnished brass with soli...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Burlwood Nightstands Etched Brass
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1970s Mastercraft Bernhard Rohne Flamboyant Nightstand Chests Sensational burlwood lacquer & brass Grand Rapids, Michigan cosmopolitan flair exotic wood with acid etched brass. Made ...
Brass
Sold
H 32.25 in W 78 in D 19 in
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Burl Wood and Acid Etched Brass Dresser, 1970s
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous mid-century modern Hollywood Regency triple dresser or credenza By Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Furniture USA, 1970s Burled Carpathian elm wood, with acid etched bras...
Brass
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass Credenza, 1970s
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Chino Hills, CA
Just in, a spectacular piece designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft, c1970s sourced from original owners from the Hollywood Hills. This credenza features a brass finish with intr...
Brass