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.
Jorge Zalszupin Hotel Gloria Mirror
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful and rare vintage mirror by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin designed for the Hotel Gloria in Rio de Janeiro. Once considered the most glamorous hotel in Brazil, guests incl...
Mirror, Wood
Wall mirror by Jorge Zalszupin for l’Atelier. Brazil 1960s.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Barcelona, ES
Wall mirror in solid “caviuna” wood, designed by Jorge Zalszupin for l’Atelier, produced in 1960s. The back handle has been replaced. Original and great condition, ready to use. Dim...
Mirror, Wood
Bassett Mirror Company, Inc., Wall Mirror
By Bassett Furniture
Located in Medina, OH
Bassett Mirror Company, Inc., Wall Mirror. A functional and decorative statement mirror! Add timeless elegance to your space with this vintage Bassett Wall Mirror. Featuring a dis...
Mirror
Gilt Oak Leaves Mirror from The Carlyle Hotel NYC
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gilt oak leaves oval mirror, Italy, circa 1950s. This mirror was recently removed from the legendary Carlyle Hotel in NYC.
Wood, Mirror, Gesso
Carlyle Hotel Carved And Gilt Mirror With Floral Urn Crest
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The floral urn with angular handles flanked by beaded strands and large acanthus leaves. All resting on a scrolled pediment. The surround with upper and lower carved fluted details w...
Mirror, Giltwood
$3,235Sale Price|20% Off
H 25.2 in W 16.93 in D 1.19 in
attr. Gio Ponti by Fontana Arte brass wall mirror, Hotel Bristol, 1950
By Gio Ponti
Located in Rome, IT
a rectangular curved wall mirror attr. Gio Ponti and produced by Fontana Arte created for the forniture of the Hotel Bristol , 1950 glass, brass, walnut very good conditions meas...
Brass
Vintage Wall Mirror by Palladio, Italy, 1960s
By Palladio
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Beautiful Large Vintage Wall Mirror by Palladio, Italy, 1960s. The vintage mirror is in very good vintage condition. The glass is original. The original label has been preserved. Di...
Mirror, Wood
Elegant 1940s Gilt Mirror From The Carlyle Hotel 44.5" x 34.25"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large gilt mirror, American, circa 1940s. This mirror was recently removed from the legendary Carlyle Hotel in NYC. It measures an impressive 44.5" height x 34.25" width. Retains it'...
Mirror, Wood
$2,800 / set
H 44 in W 32 in D 1.75 in
Pair of Gilt Scalloped Mirrors from the Carlyle Hotel NYC 44" x 32"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Pair of gilt scalloped mirrors, American, circa 1980s. These mirrors were recently removed from the legendary Carlyle Hotel in NYC. They measure an impressive 44" height x 32" width....
Resin, Wood
Murano glass 1960s Wall mirror
By Murano Glass Sommerso
Located in Palermo, PA
1960s Murano glass mirror with delicate flowers. The mirror glass it self has a beautiful patina on the glass. Too be hung on wall.
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
Gilt Scalloped Mirror from the Carlyle Hotel NYC 44" x 32"
Located in Atlanta, GA
Gilt scalloped mirror, American, circa 1980s. This mirror was recently removed from the legendary Carlyle Hotel in NYC. It measures an impressive 44" height x 32" width. It retains i...
Resin, Wood
$471Sale Price|20% Off
H 34 in W 24 in D 1.25 in
1970's Gloria Eriksen Frosted Art Mirror With Brass Frame
By Windsor Art & Mirror Co. 1
Located in San Carlos, CA
Beautiful vintage mid century frosted mirror in brass frame depicting a stork or heron wading through the water. This picture was created by the artist Gloria Eriksen...
Brass
$10,706
H 24.81 in W 24.81 in D 1.58 in
Midcentury Squared Wall Mirror by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte, Italy 1960s
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing squared wall mirror model 2377 mirrored coloured cut glass frame black wood fitting by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte. Made in Italy 29 - January - 1965. The original stamp is still visible on the back, as shown in the picture. Reference: Quaderni Fontana Arte n°7. Max Ingrand (1908 – 1969) ; Creating forward-thinking and innovative pieces of furniture years before his time, French stained glass designer and decorator Max Ingrand created design classics such as the Fontana table lamp, a bulbous white-painted metal frame with a satin white blown glass shade and globe. The Italian contemporary...
Metal
Scandinavian Wall Mirror, 1960s
Located in Palermo, IT
Scandinavian diamond-shaped wall mirror, 1960s Intact and in good condition.
Mirror