Inspired by pure geometrical forms — circles, rectangles, squares, cylinders and spheres — John Eric Byers’s furniture is deceptively simple. A closer inspection, however, shows that behind each coffee table, bench and chair there is great care and meticulous attention to detail. It is little wonder why the woodworker is considered to be among the foremost figures of the modern American Studio movement.
Born in Rochester, New York, in 1959, Byers trained in the workshop of Wendell Castle, “the father of the art furniture movement.” The renowned American sculptor greatly influenced Byers, and the New York native found inspiration in the work of other artist-designers while in Castle’s workshop such as Donald Judd and British ceramicist Hans Coper.
Following his studies under Castle, Byers established a studio and workshop in Newfield, New York. There, he uses a variety of specialized techniques in the design of his furniture, including wood milling, lamination, hand-shaping, hand-tooling and finishing, often with casein milk paint, which is believed to have been used in ancient Egypt.
Byers’s side tables, stools, sideboards, credenzas and other pieces are sculpted by hand in his preferred material — hard, blackened maple. Each design demonstrates his keen focus on detailed surface texture and structure.
Byers’s works have not gone unnoticed over the course of his decades-long career. He has won multiple awards, such as the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation Award and the New York Foundation of the Arts Award. He has been included in the Smithsonian’s Oral Archives of American Arts as well.
Byers’s pieces feature in permanent collections at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Mint Museum and the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.
Find vintage John Eric Byers tables, seating, case pieces and storage cabinets.
$59,359 / item
Credenza Sculpted by John Eric Byers
By John Eric Byers
Located in Geneve, CH
M4 Credenza sculpted by John Eric Byers Dimensions: 81.3 x 274.3 x 45.7 cm Materials: Carved blackened maple, brass All works are...
Brass
$46,168 / item
Credenza Sculpted by John Eric Byers
By John Eric Byers
Located in Geneve, CH
M1 Credenza sculpted by John Eric Byers Dimensions: 66 x 195.6 x 45.7 cm Materials: Carved blackened maple, brass All works are ...
Brass
$26,382 / item
V2 Cabinet Sculpted by John Eric Byers
By John Eric Byers
Located in Geneve, CH
V2 cabinet sculpted by John Eric Byers Dimensions: 106.7 x 91.5 x 45.7 cm Materials: carved blackened maple and brass All works are individually handma...
Brass
Regency Mahogany Credenza
Located in Westwood, NJ
A fine Regency style mahogany veneered and yew burl banded buffet, the break bowfront top with an ebony and brass inlaid edge, above an arrangement of four frieze drawers above centr...
Wood
Delphine Mirrored Credenza
By Jonathan Adler
Located in New York, NY
Reflectology. Minimalist forms meet Maximalist glamour. Antiqued mirror with a polished brass base. Two double-door compartments open to reveal a bright robin's egg blue interior fitted with two adjustable shelves. Quatrefoil handles and escutcheons add a decorative flourish to the simple form. Use our reflective Delphine credenza...
Brass
$12,500
H 76 in W 47.5 in D 13.3 in
Antique Metal Cabinet Case by Strafor, Industrial Design, Circa 1920
By Strafor
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
One of a kind metal cabinet case with thirty slots, originating from the industrial revolution, in great functioning condition with original patina. Features original metal emblem of manufacturer "Strafor-forges de...
Metal, Steel
Black Lacquer and Brass Credenza Buffet by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Exceptional vintage Mastercraft buffet crafted in high-gloss black lacquer and architectural solid brass that is beautifully patinaed. This substantial piece showcases a long, low pr...
Brass
1950 Credenza by Paul Laszlo
By Paul Laszlo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A very nice and iconic credenza by Paul Laszlo, it is his signature piece with these special handles, it is made of maple wood, the color and the patina is much nicer in person, it i...
Maple, Wood
Credenza in Parchment and Bronze-Patina Brass by R&Y Augousti
By R & Y Augousti
Located in New York, NY
The Paris based label has distinguished themselves since their launch, with their iconic use of shagreen mixed with brass and other exotic materials. All furniture is handcrafted by ...
Brass
1950s Teak Buffet, Credenzas By Carl Löfving & Söner, Sweden
By Carl Löfving & Söner
Located in Silvolde, Gelderland
Extremely beautiful and high quality buffet cabinet / credenzas with seven drawers and an extendable shelf allover in very good condition designed by Kurt Karlsson for Löfvings & Sön...
Brass
$29,654 / item
H 40 in W 87 in D 21.5 in
Collector's Charred Pine, Bronze Clad Wall Hanging Credenza By Amuneal
By Amuneal
Located in New York, NY
Amuneal's Collector's Charred Pine Bronze Clad Wall Hanging Credenza is supported by our traditional collector’s shelving hardware in a warm bras...
Brass, Bronze
$7,500 / item
H 36 in W 84 in D 18 in
Mahogany Traditional Three-Door Buffet Credenza by Leighton Hall
By Leighton Hall Furniture
Located in Suwanee, GA
This is made-to-order traditional mahogany three door buffet or credenza made in the Leighton Hall shop. It features three doors with swirly crotch mahogany fields and satinwood and ...
Mahogany
$16,800
H 4.34 in W 45.28 in D 11.82 in
Wall Cabinet by Celina Decorações, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1960s
By Celina Decoracoes
Located in New York, NY
Produced in the 1960s by Celina Decorações, this wall cabinet is made of plywood with rosewood veneers, with beautiful grains and color variation. It has two drawers connected by a s...
Rosewood
Pair of Cabinets by Charles Dudouyt
By Charles Dudouyt
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pair of cabinets by Charles Dudouyt. Located in NY.
Oak
Modern Walnut Credenza the Peabody Collection
By Lawrence Peabody, Craft Associates
Located in Oak Harbor, OH
Designer: Lawrence Peabody Manufacturer: Craft Associates Furniture Period/model: Mid-Century Modern Specs: Black walnut, Claro walnut veneer, brass Condition: This Lawren...
Brass