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.
"Pullman” Sofa in Olive Mohair with Rosewood Buttons, Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of late Brazilian modernism, the “Pullman” sofa by Jorge Zalszupin captures the designer’s signature balance between architectural clarity, material sophisticati...
Hardwood, Mohair
“Pullman” Sofa in Burnt Caramel Mohair with Rosewood Buttons, Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
An iconic statement of Brazilian modern design, the “Pullman” sofa by Jorge Zalszupin exemplifies the designer’s ability to merge architectural discipline with tactile material richn...
Hardwood, Mohair
Jorge Zalszupin, 'Cubo' Sofa in Wool, Brazil, 1970s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin / Cubo Sofa Wool, Wood / Brazil, 1970s Designed in the 1970s, the Cubo collection consists of sculptural seating and tables defined by bold geometry. The armchairs a...
Wool, Wood
Jorge Zalzupin Cubo Armchair for L’Atelier Brazil - Brazil, 1970.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
These 1970s Cubo chairs take cuboid forms and scoop out their core. They were designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having been inspired by the works o...
Fabric, Wood
Brasiliana sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The “Brasiliana” sofa embodies Jorge Zalszupin’s synthesis of architectural precision and sensual Brazilian materiality. Designed during the golden era of his studio L’Atelier, the p...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Mid-Century Modern Cube Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The cube sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in the 1970s. The elegance, a feature of Zalszupin designs, on this piece does not come from sculpted wood details or the...
Wood, Fabric, Faux Leather
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)...
Rosewood, Fabric
$41,750
Cubo sofa by Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Canapé cubo par Jorge Zalszupin par l’atelier. État d’origine
Leather, Fabric, Wood
Modular Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin in Hardwood, Steel and Fabric, Brazil, 1960's
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Uithoorn, NL
This modular sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, designed in the 1960s-1970s, is a standout piece thanks to its innovative use of contrasting materials. The combination of wood, steel, and fabr...
Steel
Mid-Century Modern "Cubo" Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
This recently upholstered cubo (Cube) sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in the 1970s. The elegance, a feature of Zalszupin designs, on this piece does not come from ...
Velvet, Wood
Presidential Sofa, designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1950s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Amongst Jorge Zalszupin’s most iconic creations is the Presidential series, composed of a sofa and an armchair, designed in 1959 and produced by L’Atelier. The set is made of molded ...
Brass
Modular Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The “Modular” sofa represents Zalszupin’s most architectural approach to seating — a system conceived for flexibility, comfort, and elegant functionality. Constructed on a linear jac...
Marble, Metal
1970 Jorge Zalszupin- Set sofa armchair lowtable Private Collection Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Polish-born designer Jorge Zalszupin decided to move to Brazil as soon as World War II ended. In São Paulo, he found the perfect conditions to develop a unique, elegant, sensual and ...
Wood, Upholstery
Mid-Century Modern Manhattan Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Manhattan is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1960 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The piece is made of a wood structure entirely upholstered, with an organic shape achieved by the curvy lines of the single volume. 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...
Upholstery, Faux Leather
Brazilian Modern “VIP” Sofa in Fiberglass & Mohair by Jorge Zalszupin, 1973
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally rare and sculptural example of Brazilian late modernism, this iconic “VIP” sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin in 1973 during a pivotal moment in Brazil’s design hi...
Fiberglass, Mohair
Mid-Century Modern Cube Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1970s
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The cube sofa was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in the 1970s. The elegance, a feature of Zalszupin designs, on this piece does not come from sculpted wood details or the...
Fabric, Faux Leather, Wood
Presidencial Sofa by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The “Presidencial” sofa reflects Zalszupin’s mastery in merging refined Brazilian materials with a distinctly international modernist sensibility. Its sculptural shell, crafted from ...
Metal
Brazilian Modern Sofa in Grey Velvet & Fiber by Jorge Zalszupin, 1973, Brazil
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Available now, the VIP sofa was conceived to attend Brazil’s growing market of office furniture in the seventies decade. The sofa fits two comfortably and consists of a fiberglass structure with smooth gray velvet. Not only beautiful and well designed, this piece is also known for its comfort. The base has been refinished and the sofa has been re-upholstered in silky velvet. This futuristic looking sofa effortlessly flexes into any Mid-Century Modern, modern, Danish modern or contemporary environment. This sofa is currently displayed in the gallery with two Ax chairs from Peter Hvidt and looks spectacular. The last two images are vintage publications showcasing the piece Dimensions: H27.6, W63, D33.5 (in) H70, W160, D85 (in) 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...
Fiberglass, Velvet
Price Upon Request
"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.
Fabric
$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 molded laminate wood structures and were part of the first line of furniture from L’atelier. Designed for the launch of the store, this collection still had the execution and details of artisanal woodwork but already introduced some techniques and materials considered innovative. Brasiliana armchairs...
Rosewood, Fabric
$3,290 / item
H 35 in W 86 in D 40 in
Modern English Sofa in a Caramel Mustard Faux Velvet Mohair with Down Cushion
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Introducing Our Modern English Sofa in beautiful rich Caramel Mustard tone. This piece is designed to be the centerpiece of your living space, combining contemporary elegance with cl...
Cotton, Velvet, Oak, Down
$9,475Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 27.56 in W 33.86 in D 35.44 in
20th Century Italian Design Velvet Modular Sofa by Busnelli, 1970s
By Busnelli
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Rare Italian design modular sofa, 1970s in brown velvet. The sofa is modular and made up of four armchairs. Busnelli brand present on each armchair. The measurements indicated are fo...
Velvet
Sold|$16,000
H 24.02 in W 26.78 in D 33.86 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Cubo" Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Cubo" Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s Created by renowned Brazilian designer Jorge Zalszupin circa 1960, the "Cubo" - or Cube - armchair is s...
Fabric, Plywood
Sculptural Brazilian Modernist Sofa, Brazil, 1970s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Mid-century cylindrical sofa, a masterpiece from Brazil circa 1970 by an unknown designer. The sofa features a unique hammock-like structure crafted from...
Leather, Fabric, Wood
$3,790
H 25.2 in W 96.46 in D 35.44 in
Mid-Century Modern French Three-Seat Sofa by Gérard Guermonprez, 1970s
By Gerard Guermonprez
Located in Prato, IT
Mid-Century Modern French three-seat sofa with original velvet fabric designed by Gérard Guermonprez. The sofa presents some wear consistent with age and use. It can become a set ...
Chrome
Jorge Zalszupin, Lounge Chairs, Leatherette, Fabric, Brazil, 1969
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of red leatherette and pink fabric "Cubo" lounge chairs designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, c. 1969. Several tears of various sizes in leather on ...
Fabric, Faux Leather
Jorge Zalszupin Lounge Chair in Black Leather and Brazilian Rosewood
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Jorge Zalszupin Presidential Lounge Chair. Brazilian Rosewood frame with expertly reupholstered black leather cushions...
Steel, Chrome
$23,100Sale Price / set|40% Off
H 26.38 in W 38.19 in D 29.14 in
Jorge Zalszupin Presidencial Armchairs
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Washington, DC
Beautiful pair of iconic Presidencial lounge armchairs by Brazilian design master Jorge Zalszupin. Produced in the 1960's, these uniquely ...
Metal
$33,900
H 37.8 in W 32.29 in D 27.17 in
Jorge Zalszupin “Paulistana” Armchair with Ottoman, Rare Collectible
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Curitiba, PR
Jorge Zalszupin – “Paulistana” Armchair, Brazil, c. 1959 - Jacarandá wood and original leather, with Ottoman. A striking and sculptural exa...
Metal
$8,800
H 30 in W 82 in D 36 in
Rare Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa by Percival Lafer Brazil 1970
By Percival Lafer
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Rare Amazing Mid Century Modern Cube Leather sofa Designed by Percival Lafer Made in Brazil. Cube designed Shaped 3 seat fully upholstered Burnt saffron yellow color Soft leather sof...
Leather, Wood
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. Sold as set of 4.
Fabric
Sold
H 24.02 in W 26.78 in D 33.86 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Cubo" Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of "Cubo" Armchairs by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s Created by renowned Brazilian designer Jorge Zalszupin circa 1960, the "Cubo" - or Cube - armchair is s...
Fabric, Plywood
Sold
H 28.75 in W 108.27 in D 33.86 in
Lineart Moveis e Decoracoes Large Sofa in Rosewood and Fabric, 1960s
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Lineart Moveis e Decoracoes, four-seat sofa, Brazilian rosewood, metal and fabric, Brazil, 1960s This large four-seat sofa was designed by architect an...
Metal
Sold
H 24.81 in W 77.96 in D 34.26 in
Jorge Zalzupin Cubo Three Seater Sofa and Armchair for L’Atelier Brazil, 1970
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
This 1970s Cubo sofa takes a cuboid form and scoops out its core. It was designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having been inspired by the works of Bra...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 24.81 in W 77.96 in D 34.26 in
Pair of Jorge Zalzupin Cubo Sofas for L’Atelier Brazil - Brazil, 1970.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
This 1970s Cubo sofa takes a cuboid form and scoops out its core. It was designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having been inspired by the works of Bra...
Fabric, Wood
Jorge Zalzupin Cubo Sofa for L’Atelier Brazil - Brazil, 1970.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
This 1970s Cubo sofa takes a cuboid form and scoops out its core. It was designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having been ins...
Fabric, Wood
Sold
H 30.5 in W 91.5 in D 34 in
Jorge Zalszupin Sofa in Black Leather and Brazilian Rosewood. Great Condition.
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare Jorge Zalszupin Presidential Sofa. Brazilian Rosewood frames with the expertly reupholstered black leather cushions. No holes, tears...
Steel
Sold
H 18.19 in W 103.15 in D 37.01 in
Iconic Brasiliana Sofa Design by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Brass, 1960s
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Original condition.
Brass, Iron
Jorge Zalszupin Manhattan Sofa L'atelier Brazil 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Super rare and fully original ‘Manhattan’ sofa designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured in his own company L'Atelier, Brazil 1960. Since few were ma...
Faux Leather
Jorge Zalszupin Brasiliana sofa L'Atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
A beautiful and sophisticated so called ‘Brasiliana’ sofa designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. With ...
Suede, Rosewood
Sold
H 24.22 in W 83.47 in D 31.5 in
Midcentury Modern Presidential Sofa by Brazilian Designer Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Presidential is a series composed of a sofa and armchair designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. The piece is made of molde...
Chrome
Sold
H 24.81 in W 77.96 in D 34.26 in
Jorge Zalzupin Cubo Three-Seater Sofa, L’Atelier Brazil, Brazil, 1970
By L’Atelier, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
This 1970s Cubo sofa takes a cuboid form and scoops out its core. It was designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having been inspired by the works of Bra...
Cotton, Linen
Jorge Zalszupin Pair Cubo Chairs, L’Atelier Brazil, Brazil 1970
By L’Atelier, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in London, GB
These 1970s Cubo chairs take cuboid forms and scoop out their core. They were designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a Polish architect who moved to Brazil, having be...
Cotton, Linen