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.
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
$3,200Sale Price|23% 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
$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
Bernhard Rohne Acid Etched Brass Dresser for Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
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
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
Pair of Mastercraft Brass Display Cabinets
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Offered is a pair of Mastercraft vitrines with highly polished lacquered brass along with two main compartments: two adjustable glass shelves in the top section and one in the lower ...
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
Vintage Brass Vitrine / Display Cabinet by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Elevate your interior with this stunning vintage brass vitrine, masterfully designed by Mastercraft in the 1980s. This exquisite display cabinet features two gracefully curved glass ...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass Vitrine / Display Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Discover the allure of refined vintage design with this exceptional Mastercraft brass vitrine display cabinet. Meticulously ...
Brass
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
$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
$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
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
H 85 in W 32 in D 16 in
Stunning Mastercraft Brass Vitrine Mid-Century Regency Modern
By Mastercraft
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Fantastic Mastercraft brass vitrine. This magnificent vitrine has four heavy doors that open to reveal thick glass shelves with a plate ridge for displayin...
Brass
$3,895
H 31 in W 84 in D 20 in
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Lowboy Dresser
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Mid Century Burlwood and Brass Lowboy Dresser This lowboy measures: 84 wide x 20 deep x 31 inches high Fair Vintage Condition - Dresser has Areas of ...
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 Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
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
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Burlwood Nightstands Etched Brass
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
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 31 in W 74.5 in D 19 in
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Acid Etched Brass 'Tree of Life' Cabinet, 1970s
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This incredible acid etched 'Tree of Life' brass angled demilune cabinet was designed by Bernhard Rohne and produced by Mastercraft in the 1970s. Exquisite acid-etched artwork depicting three trees called 'The Tree of Life' take center stage on the three door panels. What makes this amazing design even more special is the shape of the cabinet allows you to use it in places traditionally shaped credenzas and cabinets won't fit. The center of the cabinet is deep enough to provide ample storage and tabletop space, however the cutaway sides allow this to fit in a narrow hallway and have rooms to get through nearby doors. Bernhard Rohne's designs are extremely collectible and have a strong collector base. Due to the high quality of materials and craftsmanship makes this in-demand by interior designers and luxury homeowners as well. Consider this piece as a statement item to command or visually fill a space. Or mix it in with other exciting pieces in the style of more is more. Also works fine in a contemporary Zen space due to the meditative qualities of the tree of life artwork and sensible design. This Berhnard Rohne for Mastercraft Tree of Life...
Brass
Sold
H 29.75 in W 45.25 in D 18.5 in
Mastercraft Brass Illuminated Demilune Vitrine Cabinet, 1970s, Signed
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
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
Outstanding Acid Etched Brass Cabinet by Bernard Rohne for Mastercraft
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Buffalo, NY
Outstanding acid etched brass cabinet by Bernard Rohne for Mastercraft, 2 door sideboard /cabinet. Dry bar, exceptional acid etched brass with brass pulls housed in a brass frame. As...
Brass
Mastercraft Brass Display Cabinet
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in New Windsor, NY
Brass and glass Mastercraft display cabinet designed by Bernhard Rohne. Brass clad cabinet, mirrored back, beveled glass panels and adjustable heigh...
Brass
Sold
H 87 in W 38 in D 16 in
Vintage Mastercraft Bernhard Rohne Acid Etched Brass Pair Vitrines Curio Cabinet
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in San Antonio, TX
This pair of brass and glass vitrines by Mastercraft is in overall good condition. Designed by Bernhard Rohne. Acid-etched. Labeled in back. Four beveled glass front panels doors. Go...
Brass
Mastercraft Mid-Century Modern Amboyna Burl Wood Dresser Cabinet
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Astoria, NY
American Mid-Century Modern dresser designed by Rohne for Mastercraft in the 1970s. The piece has amboyna burl wood surfaces and acid-etched brass plate and brass hardware elements. ...
Brass
Mastercraft Burl and Brass Wardrobe Cabinet
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Wardrobe cabinet by Mastercraft consisting of burl and acid etched brass. Cabinet measures: 42” wide, 20” deep and 72” high. There are 3 drawers in the base and top drawer contains a...
Brass
Mastercraft Cabinet by Bernhard Rohne
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
1970s elegant acid etched cabinet designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. The brass cabinets features beautiful acid etched panels with six do...
Brass
Mastercraft Acid Etched Cabinet by Bernhard Rohne
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in New York, NY
1970s elegant acid etched cabinet designed by Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft. The brass cabinet features beautiful acid etched panels with six doo...
Brass
Sold
H 32.63 in W 33.13 in D 19 in
Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft Hollywood Regency Burl and Brass Bedside Chests
By Bernhard Rohne, Mastercraft
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional pair of Mid-Century Modern Hollywood Regency oversized nightstands or bedside cabinets By Bernhard Rohne for Mastercraft USA, 1970s Burled Carpathian elm wood...
Brass