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.
New Hampshire Queen Anne Lowboy
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Fine American 18th century queen anne lowboy from New Hampshire in birch. Featuring a thumb molded top with bold cabriole legs and a ni...
Birch
Danish Niels Koefoed Rosewood Gateleg Dining Set Six Eva Chairs
By Koefoeds Hornslet, Niels Koefoed
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Seven piece dining room set in rosewood by Danish designer Niels Koefoed. Table 28.5"h x 28.75"l x 51"w, with the leaves opens up to 77". Six chairs 38"h x 18.5"w x 17"d with seat ...
Rosewood
A Pair of Grand Tour Neoclassical Tazze Marble and Patinated Bronze
Located in Wiscasset, ME
A nice pair of mid-19th century Grand Tour tazze or marble and patinated bronze. 7½ h × 6 dia in each In very good condition and ready to display.
Marble, Bronze
19th Century American Blanket Chest With Original Paint Decoration
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Fantastic original paint decoration on this early 19th century pin blanket chest. Probably from the Manheim, Pennsylvania area c. 1835. Featuring a two-board top opens on square hinges over a dovetailed well containing a lidded till. Raised on ball feet, with amazing unrestored paint decoration and including key. Measures 43.5" x 22.5" x 24.5". Provenance: Bradbury Antiques...
Pine, Paint
Rive Droite Confident by Bourgeois Boheme Atelier Conversation Sofa
By Bourgeois Boheme Atelier
Located in Wiscasset, ME
This Classic Napoleon III style armchair or tête-à-tête has been restyled. It is the perfect conversation piece. This version has turned wooden legs with the traditional Napoleon III...
Linen, Wood
Substantial Early 20th Century Cast Iron Urn
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Monumental cast iron urn with interesting handle design. Old black over older green paint. Dates to the early 20th century and came out of a grand estate in New England. Measures ...
Iron
Mastercraft USA Elegant Black Lacquer and Brass Console, ca 1970s
By Maitland Smith
Located in Cathedral City, CA
Mastercraft USA Elegant Black Lacquer and Brass Console, ca 1970s Stunning and long Mastercraft black lacquer and brass console table with Greek key motif. This is an uncommon piec...
Brass
Mastercraft Black Lacquer and Brass Empire Moderne Console Table
By Mastercraft
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant black lacquer and brushed brass Empire style console table by Mastercraft. Finished on all four sides with brass welt details on all sides of the tapered legs. Brass welt fil...
Brass
1970s Black Lacquered Console with Brass Trim by William Doezema for Mastercraft
By Mastercraft, William Doezema
Located in Lancaster, PA
This is a Postmodern sculptural console table from the 1970s, attributed to designer William Doezema for Mastercraft. The table is finished on all sides in sleek black lacquer with ...
Brass
Sleek Black and Brass Console Table by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Atlanta, GA
Sculptural Console Table made by the Mastercraft Company, circa 1960s. It is a versatile size and would make a great console or sofa table. It would even make a fine bar, with it's d...
Brass
Century Furniture Black Lacquer and Brass Ming Style Console
By Century Furniture
Located in Pasadena, TX
This console table was made in the Ming style. The table resembles an altar table. It's lacquered in Black and has beautiful brass pulls, There are 2 drawers for storage.
Wood, Lacquer
Postmodern Black Lacquer Console Table with Brass Banding, Attributed to Century
By Century Furniture
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
A refined Postmodern console table crafted in a lustrous piano black lacquer finish and accented by a polished brass band that elegantly wraps the apron. The streamlined form feature...
Wood, Lacquer
