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
$800
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
Mid-century vintage solid brass trinket box by Chapman
Located in Allentown, PA
This is a mid-century vintage solid brass trinket box by Chapman. This brass trinket box has a black velvet lining to the interior and its original sticker on the underside. This gla...
Brass
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
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
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
Vintage Red Lacquer Box with Brass Trim
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bold and elegant vintage lacquered box finished in a rich, high-gloss red with refined brass trim detailing. The clean rectangular form paired with the striking color and metallic ac...
Wood
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
$5,895
H 15.75 in W 26.25 in D 16.5 in
Continental Strong Box of Iron-Bound Walnut from the Renaissance
Located in Austin, TX
A handsome Continental rectangular iron-bound bullion (or strong) box or coffer chest of patinated walnut from the Renaissance 17th century, featuring a paneled exterior with decorat...
Iron, Metal
Vintage Mid-Century Modern Brass Casket Box from Chapman
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
Large, mid-century modern solid brass casket by Chapman. Beautiful and sculptural, this piece will add classic glamour to any desk or dresser.
Brass
$2,795
H 6.5 in W 22.5 in D 10.5 in
Antique Italian Baroque Walnut & Engraved Iron Jewelry Strong Box Cassone 1600
Located in Portland, OR
A rare antique 17th-century Italian Baroque walnut jewelry or strong box, circa 1600. The box made from solid walnut, the substantial box having a locking hinged lid with hand-forge...
Iron
Small Walnut Snuff Box with Brass Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A small walnut and wood box with very handsome details on side and inlaid in brass. The top pivots upwards and does not come off. Easy to store the smallest of things and drugs. O...
Brass