Jorge Zalszupin, Exceptional Cabinet and Bookcase in Jacaranda, Brazil 1960s
About the Item
- Creator:Jorge Zalszupin (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 70 in (177.8 cm)Width: 79 in (200.66 cm)Depth: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960's
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very good original condition. The piece can be expertly restored upon purchase.
- Seller Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU3576334251242
Jorge Zalszupin
Just as emigrant Europeans — from Kem Weber and Paul Frankl to Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe — helped establish modernist design and architecture in the United States, so too did many of their peers foster the new design aesthetic in Brazil in the middle decades of the 20th century. Along with architect Lina Bo Bardi (from Italy) and Joaquim Tenreiro (from Portugal) — both of whom helped popularize Brazilian modern design and influenced today's generation of Brazilian designers — there was Jorge Zalszupin, who arrived from Poland in 1949 and created consistently sleek and elegant chairs, tables and case pieces using the South American country’s vibrantly grained tropical hardwoods.
Zalszupin was born in Warsaw (his given first name is Jerzy) and went on to study architecture at the École des Beaux Arts in Bucharest, Romania, graduating in 1945. Zalszupin moved to Paris but found few opportunities in the postwar City of Light. He was impressed by articles on the work of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer that he saw in the André Bloc–edited magazine L’Architecture d’Aujourd’hui (Architecture Today). And after sailing to South America, Zalszupin went to work with his fellow Pole and architect Luciano Korngold in São Paulo. Zalszupin began designing furniture as part of his architectural commissions and created several pieces for Niemeyer for use in the new capital city, Brasília. He opened his own design and manufacturing firm, L’Atelier, in 1959.
While Zalszupin cannot be said to have had a signature style, his furniture designs all share a characteristic simplicity and purity of line and form. His work is often compared to that of Danish designers, most especially in their shared commitment to quality construction. He was a master of many materials: travertine marble for tabletops, slung leather for seating, man-made fabrics for upholstery and — his forte — highly figured woods such as jacaranda and rosewood. The latter plays prominently in two of Zalszupin’s best-known lounge chairs: the Brasiliana, with its austere, angular wood frame, and the Presidencial, with its curved seating shell and slatted backrest. Both chairs feature deep cushions and generous proportions in deference to the Brazilian proclivity for long and languid conversations. Yet both pieces — like all Zalszupin designs — possess a striking, tailored grace that would be perfect in any environment.
Find vintage Jorge Zalszupin furniture on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Joaquim Tenreiro: Exceptional Pair of Jacaranda Armchairs, Brazil 1940'sBy Joaquim TenreiroLocated in New York, NYJoaquim Tenreiro (1906 - 1992) A stunning pair of armchairs of exceptional lightness and elegance, in jacaranda, by pioneer of Brazilian modernism Joaquim Tenreiro. With their slim...Category
Vintage 1940s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsFabric, Hardwood
- Sergio Rodrigues Six Dining Chairs in Wood and Tan Cowhide, Brazil, 1960sBy Sergio RodriguesLocated in New York, NYSergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) A striking set of six modernist dining chairs by Carioca design pioneer Sérgio Rodrigues, in hardwood upholstered in unshaved caramel-colored cowhide. T...Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCowhide, Hardwood
- Oscar Niemeyer Exceptional Sofa in Rosewood and Leather, Hotel SESC, Brazil 1990By Oscar NiemeyerLocated in New York, NYOscar Niemeyer (1907 - 2012) A rare, three-seat sofa by Oscar Niemeyer for the SESC Hotel Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro; in Brazilian rosewood with black leather cushions. A model of...Category
1990s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Sofas
MaterialsLeather, Hardwood
- Exceptional Sideboard in Bois de Rose, Marble, and Brass; Italy, 1950'sLocated in New York, NYItaly, 1950's A large and exceptional sideboard in rosewood with a floating white marble top and brass detailing. The cabinet features an elegantly soaring, three-dimensionally scul...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMarble, Brass
- Sergio Rodrigues: Set of 4 Cuiaba Dining Chairs in Caviona and Hide, Brazil 1985By Sergio RodriguesLocated in New York, NYSergio Rodrigues (1927–2014) A set of four Cuiaba dining chairs by Brazilian design pioneer Sergio Rodrigues, in caviona wood upholstered in cream-colored cowhide. The chairs' geome...Category
Vintage 1980s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
MaterialsCowhide, Hardwood
- Gio Ponti, Exceptional Pair of Rare Wingback Armchairs in Walnut, Italy, 1940sBy Gio PontiLocated in New York, NYGio Ponti (1891 - 1979) A rare and extraordinary pair of wingback armchairs by modernist master Gio Ponti, in polished walnut with white bouclé upholstery. The chairs' striking fili...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
MaterialsBouclé, Walnut
- L'Atelier Bookcase in Brazilian Rosewood by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960sBy L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYThis Rosewood Bookcase, designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and manufactured by L'Atelier in the 1960s, is a great way to have the diversity of different tones of Rosewood in jus...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsCork, Hardwood
- Jorge Zalszupin Brazilian CabinetBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in Washington, DCBeautiful cabinet can be used as a side table as well. With a rich patchwork of Brazilian Rosewood by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsWood
- Brazilian Modern Filing Cabinet & Drawers in Rosewood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960sBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYAvailable today, this Brazilian modern filing cabinet in Brazilian rosewood and leather is a true beauty. This filing cabinet was designed by Jorge Zalszup...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMetal
- Brazilian Modern Cabinet with Three Drawers in Rosewood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960sBy Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYImmediately available with complementary shipping n NYC area this Brazilian modern filing cabinet in Rosewood and leather is a true beauty! This filing cabinet was designed by Jorge...Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
MaterialsMetal
- Branco E Preto Jacaranda Bookcase Cabinet, Luiz Pássaro, Brazil, 1950sBy Luiz Pássaro, Branco & PretoLocated in Brooklyn, NYBranco and Preto Jacaranda bookcase with cabinet, Brazilian Modern, 1960s. Brazilian mid-century modern bookcase in lacquered jacaranda wood and produced by furniture manufacturer Branco and Preto, with double cabinet doors and two inset raised drawers. Designed in a rational and geometric way, Branco and Preto designs have an open, elegant and preternaturally fresh appearance. 92" H x 40" W x 13.75" D. Labelled under bottom cabinet as made by Luiz Pássaro...Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Bookcases
MaterialsJacaranda
- Jorge Zalszupin Modulated Units Sideboard, Rosewood, Brazilian Design, 1960s.By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge ZalszupinLocated in New York, NYThe modulated units were designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) during the 1960s. The piece remained in the designer's possession, for over four decades, in his personal residence....Category
Vintage 1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Credenzas
MaterialsRosewood