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.
Black Lacquer and Brass Credenza/Sideboard by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
Glamorous one-of-a-kind piece designed by the great Mastercraft in Grand Rapids. Features a massive tubular brass framed body, both sides have a gentle curve. Top and sides are finis...
Brass
$17,500
H 29 in W 80 in D 18 in
Elegant Black Lacquer and Polished Brass Sideboard/Credenza by Mastercraft
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
A stunning piece of late mid-century design by the great Mastercraft in Grand Rapids. Proportionally exceptional, embodying a "pill" shape with rounded ends, although long visually i...
Brass
$18,500
H 30 in W 76 in D 20 in
Breathtaking Black Lacquered and Brass Credenza or Sideboard by Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
This stunning and distinct black lacquered and brass detail credenza or sideboard by Mastercraft. Meticulous attention to detail and superb construction, with graphic geometric door ...
Stone, Brass
Black lacquer and brass sideboard by Jean Claude Mahey, 1970s
By Jean Claude Mahey
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Luxurious seventies glamour sideboard by Jean claude Mahey consitsing of black lacquer panels and brass. The use of different high quality materials makes this piece very attractive...
Brass
Vintage Black Lacquer Union National Fitted Interior Buffet
Located in Elkton, MD
Vintage black lacquer credenza featuring ornate gold chinoiserie detailing along the doors and trim. This Asian-inspired piece, likely from the 1970s or early 1980s, boasts four cabi...
Wood, Lacquer
$6,200
H 34.5 in W 58.5 in D 16 in
Hollywood Regency, Empire Style, Satin Black Wood, Bronze, Credenza, 1940s
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency, Empire Style, Satin Black Wood, Bronze, Green Marble, Credenza, 1940s A sophisticated credenza featuring a green and white marble top set on a refinished ebony ba...
Marble
$18,500
H 38 in W 91.5 in D 20.25 in
Hollywood Regency Style Black Lacquer Sideboard, Credenza , Maison Jansen Style
By Maison Jansen
Located in Stamford, CT
Hollywood Regency Style Black Lacquer Sideboard / Credenza , Maison Jansen Style, Bronze, Marble A simply stunning palatial sideboard or credenza in the fashion of Maison Jansen. Th...
Marble, Bronze
Mastercraft High Gloss Black Laquer and Brass Sideboard, 1970s
By Mastercraft
Located in Dallas, TX
A beautifully restored sideboard by Mastercraft. It is pill shaped and an iconic design. This is a high gloss black lacquer with shelving on one side ...
Brass
$5,800
H 29.14 in W 78.75 in D 16.54 in
Midcentury Black Lacquered Italian Credenza with Gold Leaf Glass Top
Located in Miami, FL
Midcentury black lacquered credenza with a sets of drawers and shelves, red lacquered inside. Gold leaf glass top.
Wood, Lacquer
Brass and lacquer sideboard by Jean Claude Mahey, 1970s
Located in Leuven, Vlaams Gewest
Luxurious seventies glamour sideboard by Jean claude Mahey consitsing of black lacquer panels and brass. The use of different high quality materials makes this piece very attractiv...
Brass
1970s Patinated Brass Clad Large Cabinet by Sarreid Spain
By Sarreid Ltd.
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This show stopping Sarried cabinet is the epitome of patinaed brass perfection. I don't know that I have ever seen a more perfect and evenly patinaed piece of brass cabinetry. Pic...
Brass
Vintage Coastal Reeded Bamboo Buffet Cabinet
Located in Las Vegas, NV
Lovely and completely on trend. This reeded bamboo buffet piece has a wonderful Coastal California Modern feel. Constructed of white washed, reeded bamboo and a tessellated traverti...
Bamboo
Mid Century Buffet Cabinet by Michael Taylor for Baker
By Michael Taylor, Baker Far East Collection, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a striking dining room cabinet by Michael Taylor for Baker Furniture. This piece is part of his Far East Collection (1949-1960s), exemplifying a blend of Asian influence and...
Wood
Antique Oak 4 Drawer Dresser Chest with Brass Pulls
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a beautiful simple antique oak dresser. The warm wood, beautiful grain and stunning brass hardware set this piece apart. All the details show countless decades of age and p...
Brass
Leather Wrapped Dresser Chest by Maitland-Smith
By Maitland Smith
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This gorgeous, leather covered chest is an exemplary example of Classic Maitland-Smith craftsmanship. Would make the perfect entry chest or men's dresser. Chest is covered in beauti...
Brass
Pair of Bespoke Brass and Cast Glass Console Tables
Located in Las Vegas, NV
This is a stunning pair of custom brass and cast glass console tables. The thin, architectural lines of the tube brass bases combined with the tri...
Brass
