Price Upon Request
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
Fabric
Price Upon Request
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
Fabric
Curva Armchair with Tubular Legs by Joaquim Tenreiro for Langenbach & Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
The Curva armchair stands as one of the most recognizable and sophisticated expressions of Brazilian Modern design, conceived in 1960 by Joaquim Tenreiro.
Metal
Joaquim Tenreiro, Vintage 'Curva' Sofa, 1950s, Brazil, Velvet
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Curva Sofa Velvet, Wood / Brazil, 1950s Matching Pair of Armchairs Available The Curva model, designed in the 1950s and produced in different variations through ...
Upholstery, Wood
Price Upon Request
Rare pair of "Curva" chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Rare pair of "Curva" chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro.
Glass, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Curva Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted Rosewood Curved Chair With Stick Back, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aesthetics. It...
Cane, Rosewood
Brazilian Modern "Curva" Chair in Rosewood & Caning, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) in 1961–1962, the Curva chair is one of the designer’s most refined and recognizable seating designs.
Hardwood, Cane
Curva Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted rosewood curved chair with stick back designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in 1961/1962 evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aes...
Cane, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro, Pair of Vintage 'Curva' Armchairs, Velvet, 1950s, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro / Pair of Vintage 'Curva' Armchairs Wood, Velvet / Brazil, 1950s / Matching Sofa Available The Curva model, designed in the 1950s and produced in different variatio...
Upholstery, Wood
Mid-Century Modern "Curva" Chair by Brazilian Designer Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern "Curva" Chair by Brazilian Designer Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960's This stunning chair, designed circa 1960s by the great name of Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Design, ...
Hardwood
Pair of Curva Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro. Two pairs available.
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Soho, London, GB
Set of 4 Curva dining chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro manufactured by Tenreiro Movèis & Decorações (circa 1960).
Cane, Wood
Authentic Curva Four-Seat Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro in Hardwood, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Curitiba, PR
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the early 1960s, the Curva sofa is among the most celebrated and sculptural examples of Brazilian modern furniture.
Hardwood
$19,231 / set
Cadeira curva
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Collonge-Bellerive, GE
Bring timeless sophistication to any interior with these rare Cadeira Curva chairs by the renowned Joaquim Tenreiro, a key figure in Brazilian mid-century design.
Wood, Imbuia
Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) Pair of Cadeira Curva Chairs 1962
Located in CA, CA
Designed and produced in Brazil by Tenreiro Móveis & Decorações 1961-62, the Cadeira Curva chair by Joequin Tenreiro is regarded as a masterpiece of Brazilian Modernism.
Rosewood
Lounge Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1953
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This variation of the Curved Armchair (Poltrona Curva) softens Tenreiro’s geometric rigor with raw silk upholstery and gently rounded forms — a sculptural yet comfortable presence.
Upholstery, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro Curva Sofa
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro was among the leading furniture designers and visual artists in mid-20th century Brazil. Tenreiro was born in Portugal into a family of woodworkers and carpenters. ...
Fabric, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Curva Armchairs
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro was among the leading furniture designers and visual artists in mid-20th century Brazil. Tenreiro was born in Portugal into a family of woodworkers and carpenters. ...
Fabric, Jacaranda
Unavailable
H 30.75 in W 21.5 in D 21 in
Pair of Curva chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, Mid-Century Modern-Vintage 60'
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the exquisite Brazilian modern 'curva' chairs, expertly crafted by the renowned artisan Joaquim Tenreiro in the vibrant era of the 1960s in Brazil.
Cane, Hardwood
Masterly Designed Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Milan, IT
Masterly designed pair of armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro “Cadeira Curva” Pair of armchairs in Ipe wood and cane.
Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro “Curva” Chairs, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Utrecht, NL
Joaquim Tenreiro was a sculptor, painter, engraver and designer, born into a family of joiners.
Cane, Wood
"Curva" Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Utrecht, NL
By the late 1940s, the modern movement had taken hold in Brazil, and Tenreiro’s pieces with a more modern sensibility, like these “Curva” or curved chairs, became increasingly popula...
Natural Fiber, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Jacaranda Curva Cane Back Rocking Chair
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Houston, TX
Beautiful curva cane back rocking chair. It is by the famed Brazilian designer Joaquim Tenreiro and made from jacaranda.
"Curva" Armchair, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Armchair curved armchairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro Shell-shaped seat wooden frame with fabric- upholstered padding and produced circa the 1960s, raised on tapered legs in Bra...
Velvet, Rosewood
Mid-Century 1960 Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Curva Lounge Set
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, GB
The Curva Lounge Set was designed in the 1960s for Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos.
Upholstery, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro Curva chairs set of 8 Brazil 1961
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Highly rare and sought after ‘Curva’ chairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and manufactures by his own company Tenreiro Movèis & Decorações, Brazil 1961.
Cane, Rosewood
Set of Four Joaquim Tenreiro's Curva Chair Midcentury Brazilian
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in São Paulo, SP
A very light and elegant piece, designed by the Brazilian modernist designer and architect Joaquim Tenreiro. All pieces are in a excellent condition.
Rosewood
Sold
H 31.97 in W 19.85 in D 18.51 in
Curva Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This exquisitely crafted rosewood curved chair with stick back designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in 1961/1962 evokes a refined coexistence of traditional values and modern aes...
Cane, Rosewood
Pair of Brazilian Modern Cane Curva Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Houston, TX
Absolutely stunning pair of Brazilian wood and cane 'Curva' chairs by Brazilian designer, Joaquim Tenreiro.
Cane, Wood
Sold
H 26.38 in W 26.78 in L 26.38 in
Pair of "Curva" Armchair, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A pair of curved armchairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro Shell-shaped seat wooden frame with fabric- upholstered padding and produced circa the 1960s, raised on tapered legs in Br...
Velvet, Rosewood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 32.29 in D 30.71 in
Authentic Pair of Curva Lounge Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Curitiba, PR
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the early 1960s, the Curva lounge chair is one of the most iconic expressions of Brazilian modern design.
Hardwood
Sold
H 25.6 in W 92.52 in D 30.71 in
Authentic Curva Four-Seat Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro in Hardwood, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Curitiba, PR
Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in the early 1960s, the Curva sofa is among the most celebrated and sculptural examples of Brazilian modern furniture.
Hardwood
Joaquim Tenreiro Cadeiras Curva Dining Chairs
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Antwerp, BE
Brazilian modern 'curva' chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s.
Cane, Jacaranda
Pair of Curva Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Soho, London, GB
Pair of Curva dining chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro manufactured by Tenreiro Movèis & Decorações (circa 1960).
Cane, Walnut
Pair of "Curva" Armchair, attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A pair of curved armchairs designed attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro Shell-shaped seat wooden frame in original condition, produced circa the 1960s, raised on tapered legs in Brazili...
Velvet, Rosewood
"Diz" Armchair in Hardwood by Sergio Rodrigues, 2001, Brazil
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in New York, NY
The lovely pair is in our showroom next to a Paulistana armchair by Jorge Zalszupin and Curva Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro and the convo looks nothing less than spectacular!
Hardwood
Sofa Curva by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
Sofa model "Curva", 4 seats Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1950 Vintage wooden structure (also the armrests) with a shell shape line.
Mohair, Wood
Set of 6 "Cadeiras Curvas" by Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1958
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Paris, FR
Set of 6 curved-back chairs or "Cadeiras Curvas" in solid jacaranda and woven cane, designed by Joaquim Tenreiro and manufactured by Tenreiro Movéis e Decoraçoes, late 1950's.
Jacaranda, Cane
Joaquim Tenreiro Curva chair
Located in New York, NY
Rare imported Joaquim Tenreiro Curva chair Ca. 1955 hand made from solid Jacaranda wood, upholstered in a recent white ultra suede.
Pair of Joaquim Tenreiro Curva chairs
Located in New York, NY
Rare imported pair of Joaquim Tenreiro Curva chairs Ca. 1955 hand made from solid Jacaranda wood, upholstered in ultra suede.
Sofa Curva by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in PARIS, FR
Sofa model "Curva", 4 seats Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos Brazil, 1950 Vintage wooden structure (as the armrests) with a shell shape line.
Mohair, Wood
Joaquim Tenreiro "Curva" Armchair, 1960s, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Houston, TX
This iconic large armchair attributed to Joaquim Tenreiro is a must in your home, recently handcrafted upholstered in blue velvet presents a very nice touch and display well in any r...
Ivory, Velvet
Mid-Century Italian Velvet 3-seater Sofa, 1950's
Located in Antwerp, Antwerp
A mid-century italian designer sofa from the 1950’s. Upholstered in a maroon red velvet with an interesting angular design and splayed patinated brass legs. Beatifully shaped appeara...
Brass
$6,527 / set
H 31.5 in W 30.71 in D 27.56 in
Mid-Century Modern 802 Armchairs by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, 1950s
By Carlo di Carli
Located in Brussels, BE
Mid-Century Modern 802 Armchairs by Carlo de Carli for Cassina, 1950s
Wood
Mid Century Italian Curved Sofa in Cotton Velvet, 1950s
Located in London, London
Italian Curved Sofa in Cotton Velvet, 1950s A beautifully proportioned Italian sofa dating from the 1950s, distinguished by its elegant sculptural form and refined organic lines. Th...
Velvet
$6,993 / set
H 39.77 in W 34.26 in D 37.41 in
Pair of armchairs in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italy, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini
Located in Chiavari, Liguria
A pair of comfortable bergère armchairs in fabric and wood, upholstered in velvet, in the style of Gianfranco Frattini, Italian manufacture, 1950s. The elegance of the bergère armch...
Fabric, Wood
$4,662
H 38.98 in W 79.53 in D 33.47 in
Mid century modern Sofa in velvet and brass by Isa Bergamo, Italy 1950
By ISA Bergamo
Located in Arezzo, Italy
Sofa 3 seats velvet production Isa Begamo, 1950, restored in beige velvet, brass feet. Works by ISA Bergamo remain: mirrors, armchairs and many furnishing accessories that have conqu...
Brass
$143,000 / set
H 25.39 in W 32.08 in D 31.49 in
Mid-Century Modern Curved Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1948
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Designed in 1948, this pair of Curved Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro embodies the essence of Brazilian mid-century modern design. The soft, organic lines defining the sculptural form ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
$26,000
H 31 in W 94 in D 52 in
Brazilian Modern Sculptural Curved Sofa in Burnished Tobacco Mohair, 1950s
Located in New York, NY
A masterclass in organic Brazilian modernism, this exceptional sculptural sofa captures the fluid elegance that defined the country's most innovative furniture of the 1950s. Conceive...
Mohair, Caviuna
$12,238
H 40.56 in W 28.75 in D 31.5 in
Armchair "Fiorenza" designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy.
By Franco Albini, Arflex
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Armchair "Fiorenza," designed by Franco Albini in 1952 for Arflex, Italy. A highly collectible model produced for only one year by Arflex. This stunning pair of armchairs features sc...
Fabric, Wood
$22,000
H 31 in W 91 in D 28 in
Sofa in Brazilian Rosewood and Camel Mohair by Móveis Provenzal, Brazil, 1960s
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Brazilian modernism from the golden era of furniture design, this rare sofa by Móveis Provenzal captures the quiet sophistication and architectural refineme...
Mohair, Rosewood
$7,200
H 31.5 in W 32.75 in D 31 in
Italian Modernist "Perla" Armchair in Bouclé by Giulia Veronesi for ISA Bergamo
By ISA Bergamo, Giulia Veronesi
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Single iconic 'Perla' club/armchair by Giulia Veronesi for ISA Bergamo (early 1950s, Italy). Composed of a gently curved back with exaggerated, outstretched arms (charmingly appears ...
Bouclé, Walnut
Bernard Govin, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1960s
By Saporiti, Bernard Govin
Located in High Point, NC
A brown beige velvet and dark-stained wood sofa, model Elliptique, designed by Bernard Govin and produced by Saporiti, Italy, c. 1960s. Wear consistent with age and use. Overall Di...
Velvet, Wood
Gio Ponti, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Italy, 1940s
By Gio Ponti
Located in High Point, NC
A green velvet and wood sofa designed by Gio Ponti and produced by Casa e Giardino, Italy, c. 1940s. Minor scuffing of feet. Minor staining on seat and backrest cushions. Minor fr...
Velvet, Wood
Pair of Italian Armchairs in the Style of Marco Zanuso
By Marco Zanuso
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Italian armchairs in the style of Marco Zanuso, new graphite gray upholstery.
Metal
$6,738
H 35.44 in W 74.81 in D 36.62 in
Attributed Gio Ponti Mid-Century Modern Velvet Sofa for ISA, 1950s
By ISA Bergamo, Gio Ponti
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Elegant and splendid three-seater sofa with high backrest attributed Gio Ponti, 1950s, for ISA Edizioni, Bergamo. Carved profile, refined lines, sensual and deep comfort. The ivory v...
Velvet, Beech, Fir
$6,060
H 30.71 in W 25.2 in D 30.32 in
Model 802 Armchair, Design by Carlo de Carli, by Cassina, Italy, 1954
By Carlo di Carli, Cassina
Located in Wolfurt, AT
Model 802 armchair - Design by Carlo de Carli, manufactured by Cassina, Italy, 1954. The wooden frame with foam upholstery rests on elastic ribbons. The armchair was reupholstered an...
Fabric, Bentwood
$10,594 / set
H 35.83 in W 31.11 in D 39.38 in L 35.83 in
First Edition Poltrona Frau Metropolis Armchairs, Italy, 1950s
By Guglielmo Ulrich, Melchiorre Bega, Poltrona Frau, Gio Ponti
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A rare pair of first edition Metropolis armchairs by Poltrona Frau, Italy 1950s. Newly upholstered in a bespoke, premium, soft, pure alpaca wool fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Alpaca, Wood
$8,308 / set
H 24.01 in W 18.12 in D 14.18 in
Pair of Park Night Stands in Poplar Burl by Yaniv Chen for Lemon
By Lemon
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Structure: Made from Poplar Burl veneer with solid oak edging, the Park Nightstand is finished with matching veneer on both the exterior and interior. The inside includes an adjustab...
Wood, Poplar, Burl
$6,500 / item
H 14 in W 36 in D 20 in
Modern Oval Coffee Table in Oak Wood Cylinder Base and Glass by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Palazzo oval coffee table with green and ivory glass sits on 2 Rift White Oak Wood pedestals by Ercole Home. This new bespoke coffee table design by Ercole Home is available today fo...
Art Glass, Cut Glass, Walnut
$2,519 / item
H 15.75 in Dm 21.66 in
Mustard Mohair Velvet Round Ottoman with Oak Feet, Modern UK Design
Located in London, England
Dagmar Design - Round Ottoman Custom-made ottoman developed & produced at our workshops in London using the highest quality materials. These examples are upholstered in a mustar...
Oak, Mohair, Velvet
$2,800 / set
H 17.5 in W 10.5 in D 6.5 in
Pair of Art Deco Style Murano Smoked Glass Wall Sconces, Italy Contemporary
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Art Deco style Murano smoked glass wall lights, contemporary Smoked / fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finial and brass accents Art Deco inspired de...
Brass
$25,642 / item
H 16.93 in W 55.4 in D 34.38 in
NR Copper V2, 21st Century Sculptured Liquid Oxidized Copper Oval Coffee Table
By Privatiselectionem
Located in Sofia, BG
NR copper V2, 21st century sculptured liquid oxidized copper oval coffee table Born from cast liquid copper, the NR oxidized copper version could be easily associated with a sculp...
Copper
$78,400 / set
H 36.62 in W 40.95 in D 26.97 in
Pair of Brasiliana Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, 1965, Brazilian Midcentury
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Brasiliana is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1965 and produced by his company, L'atelier. These rare pieces have molde...
Rosewood, Fabric
$14,750 / item
H 13 in W 36 in D 52 in
Handcrafted Coffee Table by J.M. Szymanski, Modern Blackened Steel
By J.M. Szymanski
Located in Bronx, NY
TABLE NO. 15 - COFFEE TABLE J.M. Szymanski d. 2019 This Noguchi-inspired coffee table is handcrafted in 3/8” thick steel, with a natural black patina and wax finish, to create an u...
Steel, Iron
Set of Four Art Deco Armchairs, France, 1920s-1930s
Located in Isle Sur La Sorgue, Vaucluse
A lovely and unusual set of four large Art Deco period armchairs, upholstered in beige velvet, with embroidered detailing on the backs. They have deep seats and tall backs. The...
$2,750 / item
H 31 in W 20 in D 18 in
Brazilian Modern Set of Five Rosewood & Leather Dining Chairs, Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural and refined set of five dining chairs by Jorge Zalszupin, crafted in Brazilian jacaranda (rosewood) during the height of the country’s modernist movement in the 1960s. D...
Leather, Hardwood
$16,551 / item
H 53.15 in W 125.99 in D 59.06 in
Oval Brass and Parchment Chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires
By Diego Mardegan
Located in Saint-Ouen, IDF
Beautiful chandelier by Diego Mardegan for Glustin Luminaires, this other version of the spider chandelier has longer arms on the sides giving the oval shape. The metal arms paint...
Metal, Brass
An Angular Armchair, Upholstered in COM
By Gerrit Rietveld, Jules Leleu, Jacques Adnet, (after) Jean Michel Frank
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A single modern angular club armchair, upholstered in customer supplied fabric. High quality handmade beech frames and sprung seats. COM fabrics subject to approval.
Beech, Oak, Fabric
Grande Divano Curvo Boomerang Sofa, After Gio Ponti, C. 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Culver City, CA
This has to be one of the most beautiful sofas our gallery has ever had. This piece is early Italian1950's. Similar to pieces by Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi and Vladimir Kagan this large c...
Bouclé, Walnut
$17,000
H 29.53 in W 27.96 in D 34.26 in
Jindřich Halabala Pair of 'H-269' Armchairs in Beech and Fabric, 1930s
By Jindřich Halabala, Up Závody
Located in Prague, New Town
Jindřich Halabala for UP Závody, pair of model 'H-269' armchairs, wood, fabric upholstery, former Czechoslovakia, 1930s. The listed price is for the pair. One of the best-known lou...
Fabric, Velvet, Beech
1950s Swedish Velvet Samspel Sofa by Carl Malmsten
By Carl Malmsten
Located in London, England
Carl Malmsten 'Samspel' Sofa, circa 1950s First designed in 1956 and produced by AB Record in Bollnas, Sweden, the 'Samspel' sofa is one of the finest pieces to be drawn by Sweden...
Wool, Cotton, Beech
Bespoke Round Italian Dining Table in Travertine
Located in London, London
Travertine dining table Made to order in Italy Round top Honed or polished finish Rounded or straight edges Travertine pedestal. The photos show a selection of tables we have m...
Travertine
$22,000
H 30 in Dm 32 in
French Modern Neoclassical Plaster Chandelier, Jean Michel Frank and Giacometti
By Jean-Michel Frank
Located in New York, NY
A Custom, large, pure, sober French Plaster Chandelier / Pendant in the style of Giacometti for Jean-Michel Frank circa 1930. The size shown is 32” D x 30” H and is hanging from 3 ...
Brass
The Portugese-born furniture designer Joaquim Tenreiro was a pioneer of modernism in Brazil, where his work paved the way for the successes of such mid-20th-century design greats as Sergio Rodrigues, Jorge Zalszupin, and Lina Bo Bardi, an Italian-Brazilian architect whose futuristic São Paulo buildings are only part of her legacy.
Tenreiro’s vintage tables, chairs and storage cabinets are known for their simplicity of line and an elegance that is enhanced by the use of richly grained South American hardwoods such as jacaranda and imbuia.
Tenreiro’s father and grandfather were both master woodworkers, under whom he trained in the craft. He had artistic leanings and in the late 1920s enrolled as a university student at the School of Arts and Crafts in Rio de Janeiro, where he joined a group of upstart modernists protesting the staid, retrograde curriculum at the college. At the time, Brazil was culturally mired in a 19th-century mindset that was reflected in an upper-class preference for academic painting and reproduction furnishings in antique European styles. But the progressive spirit that Tenreiro and his colleagues fostered slowly gained force.
With the terms “lightness” and “functionality” as his bywords, Tenreiro opened a furniture-design business in 1943, where one of his first clients was the legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer. The arrival of Brazil’s first democratically elected government, in 1945, lent modernism official sanction, which culminated in the construction of the new capital, Brasília. Tenreiro eventually stepped away from design in the late 1960s to devote his time to sculpture and painting.
To appreciate how revolutionary Tenreiro’s work seemed, one must imagine the heavy, ornately carved, deeply varnished furniture that was the standard for top-end Brazilian interior design in the 1930s. Tenreiro’s chairs and sofas employed slender, softly angular frames that were only lightly stained to highlight the grains of the local woods. He preferred chairs and chaises with caned seats and backrests that “breathe” in the tropical climate, and as a carpenter and joiner he wanted to show off the beauty of Brazilian wood.
Two versions of a three-legged side chair introduced in 1947 serve as a veritable manifesto for a new age in Brazilian design: Using the stack-lamination technique, Tenreiro bonded together a gently contoured seat made of alternating layers of different-colored native woods to produce a magnificent stripe effect. These chairs, like all Tenreiro works, demonstrate the enduring power of simple design and superb construction — with a teaspoon of flair.
Find vintage Joaquim Tenreiro furniture on 1stDibs.
With entire areas of our homes reserved for “sitting rooms,” the value of quality antique and vintage seating cannot be overstated.
Fortunately, the design of side chairs, armchairs and other lounge furniture — since what were, quite literally, the early perches of our ancestors — has evolved considerably.
Among the earliest standard seating furniture were stools. Egyptian stools, for example, designed for one person with no seat back, were x-shaped and typically folded to be tucked away. These rudimentary chairs informed the design of Greek and Roman stools, all of which were a long way from Sori Yanagi's Butterfly stool or Alvar Aalto's Stool 60. In the 18th century and earlier, seats with backs and armrests were largely reserved for high nobility.
The seating of today is more inclusive but the style and placement of chairs can still make a statement. Antique desk chairs and armchairs designed in the style of Louis XV, which eventually included painted furniture and were often made of rare woods, feature prominently curved legs as well as Chinese themes and varied ornaments. Much like the thrones of fairy tales and the regency, elegant lounges crafted in the Louis XV style convey wealth and prestige. In the kitchen, the dining chair placed at the head of the table is typically reserved for the head of the household or a revered guest.
Of course, with luxurious vintage or antique furnishings, every chair can seem like the best seat in the house. Whether your preference is stretching out on a plush sofa, such as the Serpentine, designed by Vladimir Kagan, or cozying up in a vintage wingback chair, there is likely to be a comfy classic or contemporary gem for you on 1stDibs.
With respect to the latest obsessions in design, cane seating has been cropping up everywhere, from sleek armchairs to lounge chairs, while bouclé fabric, a staple of modern furniture design, can be seen in mid-century modern, Scandinavian modern and Hollywood Regency furniture styles.
Admirers of the sophisticated craftsmanship and dark woods frequently associated with mid-century modern seating can find timeless furnishings in our expansive collection of lounge chairs, dining chairs and other items — whether they’re vintage editions or alluring official reproductions of iconic designs from the likes of Hans Wegner or from Charles and Ray Eames. Shop our inventory of Egg chairs, designed in 1958 by Arne Jacobsen, the Florence Knoll lounge chair and more.
No matter your style, the collection of unique chairs, sofas and other seating on 1stDibs is surely worthy of a standing ovation.