Skip to main content

Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Brazilian, Polish, 1922-2020

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.

to
23
25
25
83
Height
to
Width
to
Depth
to
52
34
4
4
3
2
1
3
1
3
1
2
80
83
61
18
7
23
18
52
42
41
32
26
78
78
2
1
83
83
83
120
1,440
1,206
1,124
1,105
Creator: Jorge Zalszupin
Mid-Century Modern 801 Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The 1950s proved to be politically and economically favorable to initiatives related to industrial production. The Polish naturalized Brazilian architect, Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020)...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Rosewood, Fabric

Minimalist Daybed by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exceptional daybed from the 1960s, designed by renowned Polish-Brazilian architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin, is a testament to mid-century modern elegance. One of only two ever produced, this rare piece was crafted in 1963 as a personal gift for Zalszupin's sister, Ina Zalszupin, making it not just a striking design object but also a unique historical artifact. Crafted with a minimalist approach, it boasts a warm wooden frame with an inviting patina, supporting a high-quality off-white mattress. Jorge Zalszupin (1922 - 2020) was a prominent figure in modern design, known for his architectural and artistic contributions. Born in Poland and later relocating to Brazil, he played a crucial role in the Brazilian modernist movement. Zalszupin co-founded L'Atelier, a renowned furniture design manufacturer, and collaborated with renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer to create furniture for Brazil's capital, Brasília. His mastery of materials like plywood and chromed metal resulted in sensually elegant pieces, making L'Atelier a significant player in the Brazilian furniture industry and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of design. This daybed is one of only two ever produced by Jorge Zalszupin as a personal gift for his sister, Ina Zalszupin. Its exceptional rarity and authenticity are documented by a signed statement from Roberto Halfin, son of Ina Zalszupin, confirming that the two daybeds...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Wood

Brazilian Modern “Lobby” armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin in metal and leather, 1970
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
SImilar to Commander armchairs, the Lobby armchair was designed to address the growing demand of office furniture in Brazil in the early 70s. The structure of these armchairs is made...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Metal

Mid-Century Modern Armchair in Black Leather & Metal by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available today, this Mid-Century Modern swivel armchair in metal & black leather was designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by L’Atelier Moveis in 1970 and is stunning! The name of the model is “Low Commander” and has become an icon of Brazilian Modernism recently. This armchair was conceived to attend Brazil’s growing market of office furniture. The first model (with casters) was developed in 1973 and latter then, a fixed model. The armchair consists of a seat/back made of fiberglass where the black leather rest. The armrests and feet are in well-made cast aluminum pieces. Not only beautiful but well designed, this piece is also known for its comfort, with a reclining mechanism and a swivel base. The piece has the heritage plaque under the seat. The armchair has been reupholstered in black leather with some of the finest upholsters in Rio de Janeiro and the aluminum polished. Besides the marks of age, the piece is in excellent condition. A beauty like this will look awesome in any Mid-Century Modern, Modern or contemporary office or home office. Literature (attached images) • Jorge Zalszupin book, p.217 • L’Atelier spec sheet from the 70s • Product catalogue from the 70s • Vintage publications About Jorge Zalszupin: A native of Warsaw, Poland, studied architecture at Bucharest’s Ecole des Beaux Arts. While working as an architect in Paris, he found inspiration in articles about Brazilians Oscar Niemeyer and Roberto Burle Marx and immigrated to Brazil. His work as an architect created a demand for decoration and furniture proposals that suited the style of his projects and, for many years, Zalszupin designed and executed them for his clients. The demand was as great as the desire to grow and expand his business, and he then decided to found Atelier Móveis in November 1959. A significant part of Zalszupin's furniture production is tributary to his architecture. He used new design language and tendencies, while maintaining a functional view of Ambience for internal spaces. L’Atelier was a design collective of architects, engineers, craftsmen, and a full-scale team of professionals that did everything from researching materials to finalizing the product. Jorge Zalszupin has developed some of the most iconic models in Brazilian Modern furniture and has grown a lot in popularity in the last few years. The “Petala” Coffee table, “Paulistana” armchair or the “Brasiliana” sofa...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Daybed in Tropical Hardwood and Iron, Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Modern Design
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This exquisite platform bed, a creation of the renowned designer Jorge Zalszupin, seamlessly merges minimalistic elegance with functionality, encapsulating his signature style and se...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Iron

L'Atelier Commander Office Chair, Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1972-1973
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Created by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and his design team, the Commander chair was designed to attend to the growing market for office furniture. The...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Rare Pair of Armchairs Fiberglass and Natural Leather by Jorge Zalszupin 60's
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Curitiba, PR
Rare pair of armchairs designed by Jorge Zalszupin, in fiberglass and natural leather. Super comfortable, with a beautiful design and lightweight. Jorge Zalszupin (1 June 1922 – 1...
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass

Lobby Armchair by Jorge Zalszupin, L'atelier, MidCentury, Brazil, 1959
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Restored
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Iron

Jorge Zalszupin Commander Office Chair
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Handsome vintage Commander Chair designed by Brazilian master Jorge Zalsuzpin. Features a rare gray color way with leather, fiberglass, and aluminum materials.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Metal

Jorge Zalszupin Pair of Oxford Chairs
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Stylish metal frame and shiny black upholstery makes for a sophisticated vintage lounge chair by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Metal

Lobby Armchair by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern Design
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
This gorgeous "Lobby" lounge chair is a true masterpiece of mid-century Brazilian design, created by the renowned architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin in the 1970s. The chair's per...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 10 Itamaraty Dining Chairs by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Itamaraty Dining Chairs were designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The pieces are made of solid Rosewood structure with upholstered seats and backrests. The rectangular design brings gorgeous touches, such as the upholstered seat laterals and the slightly reclined backrests. The work of Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) presented itself as one of the most versatile in the late 1950s and early 1960s. His designs are an example of a transition process from the artisanal production mode to serial industrial production. L'atelier Móveis...
Category

1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Upholstery, Fabric, Hardwood

Pair of Blue Armchairs , Wood and Fabric, italy, 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of blue armchairs, Wood and Fabric,Italy, 1960s.
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Fabric, Wood

L'Atelier Commander Office Chair, Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1972-1973
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Created by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and his design team, the Commander chair was designed to attend to the growing market for office furniture. The...
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Set of 2 “Senior” Armchairs in Hardwood & Suede by Jorge Zalszupin, c. 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
This comfortable, aptly named Senior armchair was designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by his own company, L’Atelier, in Brazil in 1959. The Senior chair is a minimalist design t...
Category

20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Aluminum

Jorge Zalszupin Armchair
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Rare armchair design by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Metal

Pair of Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Fiberglass and Leather, 2 pairs available
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Brussels, BE
Pair of Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Fiberglass and Leather, 2 pairs available
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Leather, Fiberglass

Jorge Zalszupin Lobby Chair
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Stylish metal frame and rivets makes for a unique lounge chair by Brazilian master Jorge Zalszupin.
Category

1960s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Metal

Jacarandá and Leather Stool, Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Midcentury
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
Originally born in Poland, Jorge Zalszupin built his entire career in Brazil, where he's absorbed many influences for his design, specially the care and attention for the treatment o...
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Leather, Jacaranda

"Marina" chairs by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Set of "Marina" dining chairs upholstered in suede
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Iron

"Manhattan" easy chairs by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Pair of "Cubo" easy chairs by Jorge Zalszupin reupholstered in off-white Boucle.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Fabric

"Cubo" sofa by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Two-seater "Cubo" easy chairs by Jorge Zalszupin reupholstered in off-white Boucle.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Fabric

"Presidencial" armchair by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Rare "Presidencial" chair by Jorge Zalszupin created in 1959.
Category

Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Hardwood, Fabric

Pair of “Cubo” Lounge Chairs by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Part of the “Cubo” line, this beautiful pair has just been reupholstered in French Boucle. Provenance: Pirelli.
Category

1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Fabric

Pair of Presidencial Armchairs
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, England
Iconic pair of presidencial armchairs designer by Zalszupin for L'Atelier Provenance: Private collection in Sao Paulo - Brazil.
Category

1960s European Mid-Century Modern Vintage Jorge Zalszupin Seating

Materials

Steel

Jorge Zalszupin seating for sale on 1stDibs.

Jorge Zalszupin seating are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Jorge Zalszupin seating, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original seating by Jorge Zalszupin were created in the mid-century modern style in south america during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider seating by Carlo Hauner and Martin Eisler, Percival Lafer, and Joaquim Tenreiro. Prices for Jorge Zalszupin seating can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,900 and can go as high as $71,550, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $20,647.

Recently Viewed

View All