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.
$5,880Sale Price|20% Off
Stunning Coral Red Lacquer & Brass Mastercraft Asian Chest
By Mastercraft
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A stunning coral red lacquer chest by Mastercraft. It features beautiful brass fittings and brass corner braces. It is sitting on a brass covered plinth base. Overall pretty Asian m...
Brass
$8,960Sale Price|20% Off
"Vintage Mastercraft Brass and Glass Vitrine with Dome Lighting, 1920s"
By Mastercraft
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mastercraft brass and glass vitrine, operational dome lighting and switch.
Brass, Metal
Pair of Patinated Brass Mastercraft Etageres w/ Five (5) Glass Shelves
By Mastercraft
Located in North Miami, FL
Wonderful Mastercraft heavy tubular brass shelves with five tiers in glass and rich dark patina. Tapering feet and VERY solid - RARE to find in a pair.
Brass
$6,900 / set
Mastercraft 16 Piece Wall Unit
By William Doezema, Mastercraft
Located in Hanover, MA
Very rare cabinet storage unit for living or bedroom by William Doezema for Mastercraft Originals from one of their earliest collections in the late 1950's. 16 separate pieces: four chests set in one long stand topped with 11 individual cabinets/cases/shelves sections. The order of placement of each section is changeable based on your preferences. Each piece is crafted from solid white ash with a transparent creamy finish called "driftwood". Some have solid brass cabinet hardware and curved elements made of solid brass flat bar set within door faces. Hidden pull-down desktop secretary...
Brass
Vintage Modern Burl and Brass Acid Etched Dresser by Bernhard Rohne
By Mastercraft, Bernhard Rohne
Located in Brooklyn, NY
This stunning and vintage modern bedroom dresser by Bernhard Rohne features etched brass designs with burl walnut construction. Spacious interio...
Wood
Mastercraft Amboyna Burl Wood French Hollywood Regency Curio Display Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Mastercraft Amboyna Burl Wood French Hollywood Regency Curio Display Cabinet. Item features a lighted interior with dimmer, brass inlaid trim, brass cent...
Brass
Mastercraft Asian Style Two Door Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Locust Valley, NY
A vintage Mastercraft Asian style two door cabinet, perfect for a bar. The lacquered body is fitted with Chinosierie style brass hardware and decorated with a beautiful red poppy ab...
Lacquer
Stunning Mastercraft Amboyna Burl and Brass Greek Key Credenza Midcentury
By Mastercraft
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Stunning Mastercraft amboyna burl and brass Greek key credenza buffet. This is one of those pieces that actually takes your breath away when you see it! Gorgeous from every angle and in wonderful vintage condition! A Berhard Rohne...
1970s Mastercraft Burled Wood Console Table
By Mastercraft
Located in North Canton, OH
Extremely Rare Mastercraft Console Table. This one owner beauty had an original cost of over $27,000 in the 1970’s. It’s Massive and Magnificent. The m...
Wood