Compared to that other furniture-makers in historically minded Grand Rapids, Michigan, the work of Mastercraft seems positively flamboyant. The company was founded in 1947 by brothers Charles and William Doezema, who hailed from a long line of cabinetmakers. They went overseas during their service in World War II, and returned home with a plan to make furniture with cosmopolitan flair. Their firm specialized in chairs and case pieces that have modernized traditional forms, finished in exotic wood veneers such as amboyna, yew, burl and fruitwood, and trimmed in brass. Bureaus and credenzas often feature cabinet fronts with decorative brass details such as silhouettes of flowers and birds, or figures that resemble Chinese characters.
In later years, Mastercraft created chairs and glass-topped coffee tables with brass frames. Some pieces included touches like the Greek key — a motif that appears in the decorative arts of both Asian and European antiquity. After Mastercraft was acquired by industry giant Baker Furniture in 1974, the company produced a large group of case pieces featuring applied brass plaques, acid-etched with semi-abstract forms by the German-born, Vancouver-based artist Bernhard Rohne.
The latter are some of the most popular Mastercraft pieces, and like all the company’s wares range in price from about $2,000 to $12,000 depending on size, condition and the amount of decorative trim. As you will see on 1stDibs, Mastercraft furnishings made a bold but artful statement — perfect for lending a bit of dash and brawn to a contemporary decor.
Chapman / Mastercraft Lacquered Walnut and Brass Strong Box Chest
By Mastercraft
Located in Queens, NY
American Mid-Century strong box / chest with a painted and lacquered walnut hinge top case with wire wrapped brass handles, resting on a four-legged brass base. (CHAPMAN / MASTERCRAFT).
Metal, Brass
$799
H 11 in W 17 in D 14 in
Qing Dynasty 19th Century Red Lacquered Treasure Chest Box with Brass Hardware
Located in Yonkers, NY
A Qing Dynasty period red lacquered treasure chest box from the 19th century, with brass hardware. Born during the 19th century, this exquisite Qing Dynasty red lacquered treasure ch...
Brass
Jewelry Box Brass Swan Bird Red Lacquer
Located in New York, NY
A '70 modern red lacquer or high-gloss 'demi-lune' box with inlayed brass swan bird design, circa 1970s. A chic decorative box for jewelry (as demonstrated)...
Brass
Iron Strong Box Treasure Chest
Located in Ferndale, MI
Iron strong box treasure chest, nicely crafted case and mechanism. Original key included . Possibly stage coach item .
Steel, Wrought Iron, Iron
Walter Bosse Austrian Lacquered Brass Cigarette Box
By Herta Baller
Located in New York, NY
Walter Bosse for Herta Baller polished cast brass square box with patinated stripe lid, Austria, circa 1950's.
Brass
19th Century Brass Inlaid Walnut Box
Located in Houston, TX
19th century Brass inlaid walnut box. This stunning decorative box or jewelry box has beautiful brass inlay and trim with the original tufted satin interior.
Walnut
Art Moderne Lacquered Wood and Brass Cigarette or Stash Box
Located in San Mateo, CA
Asian influenced art moderne cigarette or trinket box. This box black lacquered wood with a brass handle. The box was made by Martin of California...
Brass
18th Century Brass Mounted and Lacquered "Marriage" Dowry Box
Located in Middleburg, VA
Exquisite Indian craftsmanship made of teak with a patinated surface and extraordinary intricate Brass work. Made during the latter part of the Mughal Empire, Southern India circa 1780
Brass
Chinese Leather & Brass Lidded Lacquered Trinket Box
Located in San Diego, CA
A wonderful Chinese leather and brass lidded lacquered trinket box, circa 1970s. The handcrafted box measures 6.25"W x 3.75"D x 4"H and has a great look with tapered brass trim. It...
Brass
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Jewelry Box from Chapman
By Jonathan Adler, Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in San Diego, CA
Large, mid-century modern solid brass jewelry casket by Chapman measuring 15 1/4 by 8 1/4 by 9 1/2 inches. Commanding size and presence that will add style and glamour to your decor...
Brass
Lacquered Goatskin and Walnut Vanity Box
Located in New York, NY
Elegant, exotic, and unmistakably refined, shagreen has long captivated those with a discerning eye for luxury. Derived from stingray skin, this richly textured material first appear...
Goatskin, Walnut
Chapman Tall Brass Magazine Storage Lidded Box, 1980s
By Chapman Manufacturing Company
Located in Atlanta, GA
Chapman Manufacturing Company designed this stunning, oversized lidded brass decorative box or magazine storage stand in the 1980s. The box boasts a tall geometric shape and a massiv...
Metal, Brass
Regency Period Steel Strong Box
Located in New York, US
Our late Regency period strongbox features gilt neoclassical mounts including lion masks and rosettes at the sides, Roman Tuscan style columns at the front corners, figurative panel ...
Steel