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 E. Rhone Oxidized Metal Etching
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bernhard Rhone Oxidized Metal Etching c.1970s, Canada. Rhone, a German born artist began experimenting with metal oxidation and acid etching in the late 1960s to create a body of wor...
Metal
$1,800 / set
H 11.5 in W 11.5 in D 1.25 in
Set 2 Bernhard Rohne Vintage Acid Etched Brass Owl & Frog Panel Framed Fine Art
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in Miami, FL
Here we offer 2 original vintage handcrafted acid etched brass metal owl and frog art pieces. Both are framed and have the original paper back label with the Models on the reverse. The frog is the symbol of prosperity, and the owl is symbol of the ghost spirit by the Haida Pacific Northwest Coast...
Brass
$3,250
H 24 in W 32 in D 2 in
"Transmutation" by Bernhard Rohne, Acid Etched Brass Panel in Frame 18/100
By Bernhard Rohne
Located in Hanover, MA
Framed acid etched brass panel by Bernhard Rohne. 32 inches wide by 24 inches high. Signed and dated lower left "Bernhard Rohne 18/100 1. Feb. '78" The title of this work is "Transmutation" and comes from a series of "space" related designs begun for the 1975 gallery opening...
Brass
18th C. Set of 3 Etchings of Harbor Scenes in Gilt Frames
By Pieter Schenk the Elder, Pierre Mortier
Located in Haddonfield, NJ
A set of three antique Dutch engravings and etchings from the 18th Century. This set has been professionally framed in newer gilt frames and feature acid-free paper to protect these...
Paper, Boxwood, Paint
$960Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.63 in W 39.63 in D 1.63 in
Large Framed Color Lithograph Women Horse Riders and Dancers Signed
Located in Miami, FL
A fine original color lithograph, depicting women horse riders and dancers will enhance any contemporary or modern setting. Signed by the artist on the lower right, Roy W. Name unidentified. This decorative art piece is Titled " Solstice II". The vibrant blue, white, terra cotta and mustard colors will enhance any setting. Measures: 39 5/8" Wide x 34 5/8" High x 1 5/8" Deep Ready to hang this large framed color lithograph...
Glass, Paper
1927 Etching of Bowling Green Park New York by Anton Schutz
By Anton Schutz
Located in Chicago, IL
This signed etching of Bowling Green Park was done by Anton Schutz. It is dated 1927. It depicts a bustling scene in the Financial District of Lower Manh...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$1,245
H 12 in W 17.25 in D 0.1 in
"Bathers" by John E. Costigan, Original Limited Edition Signed Etching
By John Edward Costigan
Located in New York, NY
This original, limited edition etching, was realized by the esteemed American artist John E. Costigan, circa 1930. He is represented in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum, th...
Paper
$412Sale Price|25% Off
H 20 in W 25.5 in D 0.5 in
Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis 'the Ilathera Duck' Chrysanthemum &C T93
By Mark Catesby
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Etching Mark Catesby, Anas Bahamensis (The Ilathera Duck) Chrysanthemum &c T93. Wonderful print by the “Founder of American Ornithology”, Mark Catesby, from his 18th century monumental Natural History, the first natural history of American flora and fauna. A later small edition etching original hand coloring. Plate imprint on the paper. Later frame, back unopened. This is one of the finest natural science prints...
Glass, Giltwood, Paper
$1,150Sale Price|54% Off
H 29 in W 35.5 in D 1.5 in
Signed Mid Century Seriagraph on board by Maurice de Vlamink
Located in Redding, CT
Signed Mid Century Seriagraph on board by Maurice De Vlamink. Original frame. Signed lower right. Amazing hue of colors and composition bringing this village-scape to life. Fauvist...
Masonite, Paper
c.1830 Exquisite Antique English Etching Artist Proof
Located in BENSENVILLE, IL
English etching artist proof. The bottom reads as follows: Printed by Henry Fradelle and engraved by Thomas Lupton. Rebecca and Ivanhoe AS THE WOUNDED KNIGHT WAS ABOUT TO ADDRESS THIS FAIR APPARITION SHE IMPOSED SILENCE BY PLACING HER SLENDER FINGER UPON HER RUBY LIPS...
Paper
$476Sale Price|20% Off
H 38.5 in W 46 in D 1.5 in
Still Life Print, Signed Hippert, Mid-Century Modern, Italy, Framed
Located in Miami, FL
Italian School, Still Life art signed Hippert. Professionally framed. Framed dimensions: 46" Wide x 38 1/2" High x 1 1/2" Deep This simply still life art will enhance any country ...
Wood, Canvas
$279Sale Price|20% Off
H 16.34 in W 12.01 in D 0.04 in
Vintage Color Etching of Brussels 'Belgium' by R. Hebbelinck, circa 1950
Located in Langweer, NL
This etching shows Maison du Roi, Brussels, Belgium. Roger Hebbelinck (1912-1987) was a Belgian artist, well-known for his etchings. Numbered 310/350.
Paper
Josef Albers "Formulation : Articulation" Portfolio II, Folder 22
By Josef Albers
Located in Chicago, IL
JOSEF ALBERS (1888 – 1976) "Formulation : Articulation" Portfolio II, Folder 22 Screen-printed geometric composition printed by Ives Stillman, Inc., New Haven, CT. From the set of 12...
Paper