Asian Chinoiserie China Cabinet by American of Martinsville
View Similar Items
Asian Chinoiserie China Cabinet by American of Martinsville
About the Item
- Creator:American of Martinsville (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 72.75 in (184.79 cm)Width: 56 in (142.24 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Chinoiserie (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:1980s
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Jacksonville, FL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3349325434492
American of Martinsville
American of Martinsville is today revered as one of the finest manufacturers of mid-century modern furniture in the United States, but its beginnings were unexpectedly humble.
Well ahead of the Civil War, tobacco was a cash crop in places such as Virginia, and the plant was grown with frequency on farms in Martinsville and elsewhere. In the early 1900s, the business around tobacco was changing and the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company was expanding nationally, buying any Virginia factories in reach. Former tobacco producers Ancil Witten and Charles Keesee turned away from the business in 1906 and, with merely $30,000 in capital (and the support of local business leaders), began to manufacture bedroom furniture under the name American Furniture Company.
In the 1920s, American Furniture Company expanded its offerings from bedroom furnishings. Alongside tallboy dressers and nightstands, Witten and Keesee’s outfit began to offer a range of dining-room sets to the discerning customer. By the 1950s, the name had been changed to American of Martinsville and the brand had gained a reputation for exquisite craftsmanship as well as its variety of furniture styles (Hollywood Regency, chinoiserie). Mass-marketed furniture meant big business in the postwar years and throughout the 20th century in Virginia, and factories owned by companies like Bassett Furniture and American of Martinsville remained busy as suburbanites bought furniture to fill the homes they were moving into.
It isn’t difficult to spot American of Martinsville’s sturdy, solid designs — the lacquered walnut nightstands, mahogany coffee tables and more have long earned the admiration of mid-century modernism enthusiasts. The company’s high profile also owes to prominent attributes that distinguish its well-made vintage furniture, such as the use of wooden slats — inspired by Scandinavian modernism — on hutches and cabinet doors, the famous brass x’s inlaid on the tops of tables and dressers and the stately stacked type of the American of Martinsville logo, which usually appears in drawer interiors. The stamp prominently features an eagle perched atop the lettering, its broad wings spread across the “American” portion.
Besides quality manufacturing, American of Martinsville is additionally recognized for having incorporated the trends of the day. Inspired by designers like George Nakashima and Paul Laszlo, the brand was also known for innovations with wood. Merton Gershun was one of the company’s most prolific designers, and he was responsible for some of its most successful modern furniture lines using the richer, darker woods that would become emblematic of mid-century furniture. Gershun’s most popular line was reportedly Dania, with its sleek walnut credenzas fitted with stylish brass accents and large drawers. Today, American of Martinsville specializes in furniture for the healthcare and hospitality industries.
Shop a wide selection of vintage American of Martinsville mid-century modern sideboards, side tables and more on 1stDibs.
- Mid-Century Modern Asian Chinoiserie China CabinetLocated in Jacksonville, FLMid-Century Modern style china cabinet features rattan style legs and brass asian chinoiserie style hardware. Good condition with minor imperfections consistent with age. May exhibit...Category
Vintage 1970s Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
$2,700 Sale Price30% Off - Mid-Century Modern Asian Chinoiserie China CabinetLocated in Jacksonville, FLMid century modern style china cabinet features rattan style legs and brass asian chinoiserie style hardware. Good condition with minor imperfections consistent with age, see photos ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Asian Chinoiserie Pagoda Display CabinetLocated in Jacksonville, FLAsian style display cabinet features Chinese pagoda roof and fretwork stand. Interior access from locking side door. One drawer on each si...Category
Late 20th Century Cabinets
MaterialsGlass, Mirror, Rosewood
$1,440 Sale Price20% Off - Asian Chinoiserie Pagoda Display CabinetLocated in Jacksonville, FLAsian style display cabinet features Chinese pagoda roof and fretwork stand. Interior access from locking side door. One drawer on each si...Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Export Cabinets
MaterialsRosewood
$2,300 Sale Price20% Off - Asian Chinoiserie Style Bar CabinetLocated in Jacksonville, FLAsian style bar cabinet features a beautiful green finish with hand painted Chinese scenes and brass hardware. Opens on top as well as double doors revealing storage for bottles and ...Category
Late 20th Century Chinoiserie Dry Bars
MaterialsWood
$960 Sale Price20% Off - Hand Painted China Cabinet by DrexelBy DrexelLocated in Jacksonville, FLVintage Drexel china cabinet features hand painted banana leaf detailing and mirrored back. Glass shelving and ample storage below. Very good vint...Category
Vintage 1980s American Hollywood Regency Cabinets
MaterialsMirror, Wood
- Mid-Century Modern China Cabinet Server by American of MartinsvilleBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Freehold, NJThis Mid-Century Modern china cabinet / server from the Dania line by American of Martinsville features hardwood construction, walnut veneer wit...Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Art Deco American of Martinsville Burlwood Mirror China CabinetBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Chicago, ILArt Deco American of Martinsville burlwood mirror China cabinet Stunning Art Deco American of Martinsville mirrored olive wood burl ...Category
Vintage 1970s American Art Deco Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- 1960’s Merton Gershun for American of Martinsville Mid Century China CabinetBy Merton Gershun, American of MartinsvilleLocated in Los Angeles, CADesigned by Merton Gershun for the “Dania” line featuring display on the upper left with glass sliding doors and open shelving on the top right. The bottom portion features a wide cabinet and column of four sculpted louvered slatted facade drawers. The first drawer in the column is felt lined and divided for storing silverware. Solid walnut Danish style legs lend support with detailed brass caps add subtle, sophistication. This piece doubles as a shelving / china hutch and server...Category
Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- Tall midcentury American walnut & burl cabinet by American of Martinsville 1960sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in Hastings, GBTall midcentury cabinet by 'American of Martinsville' USA 1960s. Walnut and burr elm, with gilt metal trim on legs A few little bits of wear (there's a small chip on back edge trim, ...Category
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMetal
- American of Martinsville, Cabinet, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in High Point, NCA brass and walnut cabinet designed and produced by American of Martinsville, USA, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
- American of Martinsville, Cabinet, Walnut, Brass, USA, 1950sBy American of MartinsvilleLocated in High Point, NCA brass and walnut cabinet designed and produced by American of Martinsville, USA, 1950s.Category
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsBrass
