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.
$2,700
H 90.5 in W 62 in D 17.5 in
Henredon Aston Court Burl Wood Beveled Glass Bookcase China Cabinet Breakfront
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Henredon Aston Court Burl Wood Beveled Glass Bookcase China Cabinet Breakfront Dimensions : 62" Wide X 17.5" Deep X 90.5" Tall This China cabinet was made by Henredon for their Ast...
Walnut
$2,750
H 90 in W 65 in D 18 in
Gorgeous Italian Made Burl Wood China Display Cabinet Attributed to Giemme
By Giemme
Located in Long Branch, NJ
Gorgeous Italian Made Burl Wood China Display Cabinet Attributed to Giemme Dimensions : 65" Wide X 18" Deep X 90" Tall This gorgeous cabinet was made in Italy and is marked in the ...
Burl
$4,800
H 86 in W 57 in D 20 in
Very Fine Serpentine Front Burl Wood French China Cabinet Break Front MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Very Fine Serpentine Front Burl Wood French China Cabinet Break Front MINT!
Burl
$4,466
H 60.24 in W 42.92 in D 22.45 in
20th Century Burl and Lacquered Wood Italian Sideboard Armoire, 1980
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
Italian sideboard from the late 20th century. Lacquered wood and burl cabinet of beautiful lines and pleasant furnishings. Sideboard with four doors and a central drawer of excellent...
Wood
$5,500
H 87.5 in W 37 in D 18 in
Mastercraft Amboyna Burl Wood French Hollywood Regency Curio Display Cabinet
By Mastercraft
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Remarkable Amboyna burl wood French Hollywood Regency style curio display cabinet by Mastercraft. Etagere cabinet / bookcase features a lighted int...
Brass
$4,500
H 87.5 in W 37 in D 18 in
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
Vintage Italian Burl Wood Curio Cabinet
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An exquisite example of classic Italian craftsmanship, this stunning vitrine is a testament to timeless Rococo elegance. Meticulously constructed from richly figured burl wood, its l...
Glass, Walnut, Burl
Vintage China Cabinet After American of Martinsville
By American of Martinsville
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Elevate your interior with this exceptional vintage credenza by the renowned American of Martinsville, a masterclass in Mid-Century Modern design. The cabinet's standout feature is t...
Glass, Burl
Baker Burl Wood & Glass Vitrine, Collectors Edition
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
This Baker Burl Wood & Glass Vitrine—Collectors Edition is a beautifully made display cabinet, perfect for showcasing fine collectibles, art, books, and heirloom pieces. Standing 84 inches high, 30 inches wide, and 13.5 inches deep, it features an elegant burl wood veneer with brass-trimmed glass panels. The glass door measures 72.5 inches high and 25.5 inches wide, providing a clear and stylish view of the interior. Inside, there are three fitted glass shelves, each measuring 28 inches wide and 11 inches deep. The top shelf has 25 inches of clearance, the middle shelf 22.5 inches, and the bottom shelf 24 inches, with the option to accommodate up to three additional glass shelves for increased display capacity. Designed with both functionality and sophistication in mind, this vitrine is fitted with two interior lights, controlled by a switch located on the left middle shelf, ensuring that your displayed items are beautifully illuminated. Its classic and timeless design makes it a versatile addition to both traditional and modern interiors. In well-cared-for vintage condition, this premium Baker display cabinet...
Brass
Mastercraft Burl Wood Curio Display Cabinet Vitrine
By Mastercraft
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Dramatic and striking Mastercraft burl wood and glass curio display cabinet with gold veined mirror back, arched and finely beveled window pane...
Brass
