Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Brazilian, Portuguese, 1906-1992
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.
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Creator: Joaquim Tenreiro
Mid-Century Modern Armchair Set in Metal and Suede by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
These armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro are nothing less than specatcular.
The structure of these two chairs is made with painted tubular metal. It features a mustard suede upholstery. ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Metal
Vintage Rocking Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1947, Brazilian Midcentury Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
This rocking chair was one of the first pieces produced by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) when his Langenbach & Tenreiro store opened in 1947.
Far beyond a designer and artist, Tenreiro was an intellectual and thinker of the Brazilian culture.
The rocking chairs were part of the interior spaces in most Brazilian colonial...
Category
1940s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Rosewood, Leather
Joaquim Tenreiro, Set of 8 Chairs Variant of the “Cadeira baixa para quarto”
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro, (1906-1992)
Price is per Chair
Rare set of 8 chairs variant of the “Cadeira baixa para quarto”
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brasil, 1950
Jacarand...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Cane, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro Three-Seat Sofa, Brazil, 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Three seats sofa
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brazil, 1954
Jacaranda, upholstery
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona
Measurements:
...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Jacaranda
Joaquim Tenreiro, Pair of Armchairs, 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Pair of armchairs
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brasil, 1950
Upholstery, jacaranda legs
Measurements:
67 cm x 89 cm x 73 H cm
26.38 in x 35.04 in x 228.75 H in...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Jacaranda
$17,067 / set
Set of four "First Chairs" by Joaquim Tenreiro, 1942.
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in São Paulo, BR
Joaquim Tenreiro, a renowned Brazilian furniture designer, created The First Chair in 1942. This chair holds significance as one of the earliest examples of modern furniture design i...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Wood
Set of Four Dining Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, Rosewood and Cane, circa 1960
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
These exquisitely crafted dining chairs designed in the 1950s by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992), known as the “father” of Brazilian modernism, are co...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Rosewood, Cane
Joaquim Tenreiro Three-Seat Sofa, Brasil, 1954
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Barcelona, ES
Joaquim Tenreiro
Three seats sofa
Manufactured by Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos
Brasil, 1954
Jacaranda, upholstery
From the archives of Side Gallery, Barcelona
Measurements:
...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Jacaranda
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...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
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. Known for his metic...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Wood, Imbuia
$19,556 / set
Curva Armchair with Tubular Legs in Boucle, Joaquim Tenreiro, 1960 - Lot 760
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the iconic Curva armchair, originally conceived in the 1960s by the renowned Joaquim Tenreiro for Tenreiro Moveis e Decoraçaos. This timeless piece masterfully blends wid...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Metal
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...
Category
1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Cane, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro Dining Chairs, Solid Wood and Fabric, MidCentury, Brazil, 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available in eight units, this set of dining chairs was designed by Joaquim Tenreiro (1906-1992) in the 1950s. Much like Tenreiro's other creations, this sense of lightness transcend...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Wood
Set of 6 Chairs in Caviuna Wood & Fabric by Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1950s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Joaquim Tenreiro- 1950. This rare set consists of 6 chairs made of Caviuna wood and fabric. The chairs have been reinforced, refinished and are in excellent condition. The original ...
Category
20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Brazilian Mid Century Chairs in Hardwood & Leather by Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1950
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Available today, with domestic shipping in the NYC metro area included, this Brazilian Pair of Chairs in Hardwood & Leather by Joaquim Tenreiro, c. 1950s, is nothing less than gorgeo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Set of Six Rosewood Estrutural Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro. Mid Century, Brazil
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
To compose light seats, Tenreiro used thin wooden sticks in some of his chairs. One of these pieces, which became well known, was the Structural Chair...
Category
1940s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Leather, Rosewood
Joaquim Tenreiro Pair of Dining Chairs
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Washington, DC
Rare pair of iron chairs by Brazilian Modern Master Joaquim Tenreiro.
Brazil, 1950
Manufactured by Tenreiro Móveis e Decorações
Iron, woo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Iron
$10,800 Sale Price / set
20% Off
"Leve" Armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
"Leve" armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro made in "Perobinha do Campo" wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric
Price Upon Request
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
"Curva" Armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric
Price Upon Request
Rosewood and Cane Chaise Longue, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Mid-Century Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
A prolific and gifted designer, Joaquim Tenreiro (1906–1992) masterfully laid the groundwork for modern living in Brazil through his furniture and interiors. Born in Portugal and tra...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Mohair, Cane, Rosewood
Manta Solta Sofa, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Radical in concept and precise in execution, the Manta Solta set embodies Joaquim Tenreiro’s disruptive vision for modern furniture design in mid-20th-century Brazil. Crafted in 1955...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Manta Solta Armchairs, Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazilian Design
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Radical in concept and precise in execution, the Manta Solta set embodies Joaquim Tenreiro’s disruptive vision for modern furniture design in mid-20th-century Brazil. Crafted in 1955...
Category
1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Set of 4 Slatted Dining Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Set of four slatted chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Hardwood
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.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Glass, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Rare armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Extremely rare and iconic armchair by Joaquim Tenreiro.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Hardwood, Cane
Price Upon Request
Low Chair by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Iconic "Cadeira Baixa" designed by Brazilian design master Joaquim Tenreiro in Perobinha do Campo wood.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Rare sofa by Joaquim Tenreiro.
Preserves traces of manufacture's label on the back.
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Pair of Armchairs by Joaquim Tenrei
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Iconic armchairs designed by Joaquim Tenreiro in 1958.
These armchairs have been sourced directly from a private collection in Rio de Janeiro.
Photos of them in their original ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Set of 8 "U" Dining Chair, Rarest Version
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic creations by Joaquim Tenreiro, this set of 8 "U" is a modified version of its original design, with thicker wood and rounder edges (arms/backrest)
Th...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Fabric, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Set of 12 "U" Chairs by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in London, England
Probably one of the most iconic creations my Joaquim Tenreiro, this set of 12 "U" dining chairs is made in "Perobinha do Campo", a wood widely used by Tenreiro throughout his career....
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Cane, Hardwood
Price Upon Request
Two-Seat Sofa with Rosewood Frame Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Two-seat sofa with rosewood frame and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim
Tenreiro, Brazil, circa 1960s.
Category
1960s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Rosewood
Price Upon Request
Daybed with Wood Frame by Joaquim Tenreiro
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in New York, NY
Daybed with wood frame, painted metal legs, and upholstered cushions. Designed by Joaquim Tenreiro for a private commission in Copacabana, Brazil, circa 1950. Reupholstered by Jouffr...
Category
1950s Brazilian Vintage Joaquim Tenreiro Seating
Materials
Metal
Price Upon Request
Joaquim Tenreiro seating for sale on 1stDibs.
Joaquim Tenreiro seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wool and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Joaquim Tenreiro seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Joaquim Tenreiro were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 1950s. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Jorge Zalszupin, and José Zanine Caldas. Prices for Joaquim Tenreiro seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $15,440 and can go as high as $36,922, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $19,804.
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