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.
Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s, Set of 2
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Elegant and organic, the Pétale side tables by Jorge Zalszupin are true icons of 1960s Brazilian design. Inspired by nature, their petal-shaped tops and light bases embody the perfec...
Palisander, Rosewood, Plywood
Jorge Zalszupin, Side Table, Cavuina, Formica, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A caviuna wood, metal and white formica side table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced for Hotel Nacional, 1960s. With a metal plate indicating the commission. Dimensions: 29...
Formica, Wood
Petalas Coffe Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Moulded Laminated Rosewood, Brazil, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pétala Coffee Table, designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier in the 1960s, is one of the designer's most celebrated creations. Inspired by the geometry of folded paper,...
Iron
Petalas Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, Moulded Laminated Rosewood, Brazil, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Lisboa, PT
Petalas side tables designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier circa 1959, occasional tables with moulded laminated rosewood tops on iron structures. The Petalas, Portugue...
Iron
Capri Side Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Capri side table exemplifies Zalszupin’s mastery of proportion and his ability to elevate minimal form through exquisite materials. A slender geometric frame supports a richly fi...
Metal
Brazilian Modern “Chanceler” Side Tables in Rosewood & Metal, Jorge Zalszupin
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin in the 1960s, this exceptional pair of Chanceler side tables exemplifies the architectural rigor and material sophistication that defined Brazilian modern...
Iron
Side Table with Drawers & Wheels in Hardwood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s - Lot 567
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
This side table is beautifully crafted from hardwood and finished with Brazilian Hardwood veneer. It includes a single drawer for convenient storage and is supported by four legs equ...
Hardwood
Capri Set by Jorge Zalszupin, Mid-Century Brazilian, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in West Hollywood, CA
A sophisticated modular ensemble from the Capri series, this set of two side tables and an integrated magazine rack exemplifies Zalszupin’s seamless fusion of function, material, and...
Marble, Metal
$19,108 / item
Jorge Zalszupin. Pair of Side Table, c. 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in PARIS, FR
Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) Pair of Side Tables, c. 1960 Wood veneer and metal Dimensions: 40 x 60 x 60 cm (15 3/4 x 23 31/50 x 23 31/50 in) This pair of side tables, designed...
Marble, Metal
Brazilian Modern Filing Cabinet & Drawers in Rosewood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960’s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional example of Jorge Zalszupin's sophisticated approach to functional design, this three-drawer filing cabinet embodies the architect-designer's signature balance of refin...
Metal
Rosewood Nightstands by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Lisboa, PT
Pair of rosewood nightstands designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier in the 1960s, bedside cabinets in solid rosewood with black lacquered fronts and slim metal pulls. ...
Metal
$18,733 / set
Pair of capri side tables by Jorge Zalszupin
By L’Atelier, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Jolie paire de table d’appoint dites « Capri » par Jorge Zalzsupin pour l’atelier.
Travertine, Iron
$10,245 / set
Jorge Zalszupin pair of 'Capri' Side Tables
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin / Pair of Capri Side Tables With Original Label / Iron, Travertine / Brazil, 1959 The Capri side table, designed in 1959, features a slender black iron frame holdin...
Travertine, Iron
$8,781 / item
Side Table, nightstand by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Elegant and organic, the Pétale side tables by Jorge Zalszupin are true icons of 1960s Brazilian design. Inspired by nature, their petal-shaped tops and light bases embody the perfec...
Palisander, Rosewood, Plywood
Brazilian Modern Side Table with drawers in Rosewood, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960’s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin, this three-drawer side table reflects the designer’s disciplined approach to proportion, material refinement, and architectural clarity. Conceived during...
Metal
Jorge Zalszupin brazilian side table 1960 chrome metal, glass and leather
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible Jorge Zalszupin brazilian 1960 metal chromed and leather side table
Metal
Jorge Zalszupin, 'Cubo' Side Table, Brazil, 1970s, Off-White Wool
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Jorge Zalszupin / Cubo Side Table Off-White Wool / Brazil, 1970s Designed in the 1970s, the Cubo collection consists of sculptural seating and tables defined by bold geometry. The a...
Wool, Wood
Round Dining Table in Hardwood and Metal by Jorge Zalszupin, c.1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) in the 1960s, this round dining table exemplifies the designer’s refined negotiation between material richness and structural restraint. A cen...
Metal
Brazilian Modern “Pétala” Coffee Table in Rosewood by Jorge Zalszupin, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed in the late 1950s by Jorge Zalszupin, the Pétala coffee table stands among the most ambitious and sculptural works of Brazilian modern furniture. Conceived during Zalszupin’...
Metal
$69,000
H 29.5 in W 159 in D 63 in
Jorge Zalszupin, Large Dining Table, Imbuia, Leather, Concrete, Brazil, 1960s
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A large Imbuia and leather over concrete 'Guanabara' dining or conference table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, c. 1960s.
Concrete, Metal
$80,000
H 29 in W 99 in D 49 in
Dining Table "Guanabara" in Hardwood, Concrete & Metal, Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Guanabara Table, designed in the late 1950s by Jorge Zalszupin (1922–2020) and produced by his firm L’Atelier, is a rare and important example of Brazilian mid-century mod...
Concrete, Metal
$10,200 / set
H 23.63 in W 22.05 in D 17.92 in
Pair of End Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Midcentury Design, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Jorge Zalszupin, a pair of end tables, Rosewood, and leather. Brazil, circa the 1960s. Pair of end tables made in Brazilian rosewood patchwork (Jacaranda), black leat...
Chrome
$91,000
H 29.73 in W 118.12 in D 49.22 in
Jorge Zalszupin Guanabara Rosewood Vintage Dining Table, 1959, Brazilian Design
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The iconic Guanabara is a table designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) in 1959 and produced by his company, L'atelier. A long rosewood patchwork top rests over two concrete bases finished with black leather. This patchwork solution is present in other pieces designed by Zalszupin. Modern design taught us to use the material rationally, using the design as a tool to void waste. Aesthetically, the patchwork explores the different tones of the Brazilian Rosewood beautifully, achieving a fantastic result. At the time, the Guanabara table was presented as a dynamic piece that could be used in corporate spaces (as a meeting table...
Concrete
$22,400 / set
H 22.05 in Dm 19.97 in
Me 508 Side Table by Jorge Zalszupin, Rosewood and Glass, Brazil, circa 1959
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The "me 508" side table was designed by Jorge Zalszupin (1922-2020) and produced by his company L'Atelier in 1959 – the year of its inauguration. The works of the first phase of L'At...
Glass, Rosewood
$25,000
H 11.4 in W 39.4 in D 39.4 in
Limestone Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin in Rosewood & Marble, Brazil, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The Limestone coffee table stands among Jorge Zalszupin's most intellectually sophisticated and architecturally resolved early designs, embodying the designer's relentless pursuit of...
Marble
$25,000
H 25.2 in W 29.53 in D 22.05 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s
By Joaquim Tenreiro
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Side Tables by Joaquim Tenreiro, Brazil, 1960s Side tables designed by the renowned Brazilian designer, Joaquim Tenreiro, crafted during the mid-20th cent...
Glass, Wood
$7,000 / set
H 23.23 in W 18.12 in D 17.72 in
Pair of Rosewood Nightstand Design by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazilian Design
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
The tables can also be used as nightstand piece.
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin Rosewood foldable Desk, Brazilian Midcentury
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in New York, NY
Writing desk designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his company, L'atelier. This piece is covered with rectangular pieces of marquetry wood, a creative resource developed by Zalszupin. The technique consists of gluing several pieces of rosewood leaves of different textures and shades on a furniture surface, which forms a beautiful wood patchwork. This feature allows large surfaces to be coated with a larger visual unit, making it easier to combine different furniture together. This writing desk is a dynamic piece, which can be used both in the corporate and domestic places, a characteristic very present in Zalszupin's production. About his marquetry technique, Zalzszupin affirms: "I thought about combining several patterns of rosewood, lighter, darker, with different types of veins, that is, creating a new pattern for all desks...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin, Console Table, Rosewood, Brazil, 1975
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in High Point, NC
A rosewood console table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and produced by L'Atelier, Brazil, 1975. Overall Dimensions (inches): 27.5"H x 44.375"W x 17.875"D All items ship from High Poi...
Rosewood
Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, 1960s, Set of 2
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Radomsko, Województwo łódzkie
Elegant and organic, the Pétale side tables by Jorge Zalszupin are true icons of 1960s Brazilian design. Inspired by nature, their petal-shaped tops and light bases embody the perfec...
Palisander, Rosewood, Plywood
Jorge Zalszupin Pétalas side table L'Atelier Brazil 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Iconic side table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by L'Atelier, Brazil 1960. One of the most iconic designs by Zalszupin, in beautiful grained rosewood. The folded paper structures of origami constitute the inspiration for the Pétalas table. In the project of the leaf table Zalszupin had the help of architect Julio Roberto...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin side table L'Atelier Brazil 1960
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Amazing side table designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactures by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1960. This beautiful piece features a bend plywood ...
Marble, Metal
Sold
H 11.82 in W 46.46 in D 46.46 in
Rare Rosewood "Petalas Pau Ferro" Coffee Table by Jorge Zalszupin for L'atelier
By Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
A large and impressive ‘Petalas’ coffee table in very good condition designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Br...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin Petalas Side Tables L'atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Stunning and rare pair of so-called 'Petalas' side tables designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured in his own company L’Atelier, Brazil 1959. The Pétalas series was created in order to make the best possible use of the wood used during production as leftover pieces from the Andorinha table...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin table pair L'Atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Pair of rare side tables designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L'Atelier, Brazil 1959. This pair of side tables made of folded plywood tops in Jacaranda ros...
Marble, Metal
Jorge Zalszupin Mesa Lateral L'atelier, Brazil, 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Small side table 'Mesa Lateral' designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured in his own company L'Atelier, Brazil 1959. Mesa Lateral or side table is a mixture of constructivist techniques with signature finishes and therefore almost looks like a sculpture. A brass button holds a thick sheet of hardened glass into the centre of a solid cone shaped wooden pillar...
Glass, Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin capri side table L'Atelier Brazil 1959
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Roosendaal, Noord Brabant
Minimalistic side table from the Capri line designed by Jorge Zalszupin and manufactured by his own company L'Atelier, Brazil 1959. The capri side table is made with a very minimalis...
Travertine, Steel
Sold
H 20.48 in W 18.51 in D 18.51 in
Mid-Century Modern Pair of Petalas Side Tables by Jorge Zalszupin, Brazil, 1960s
By Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Created in the 1960s by Polish-Brazilian architect and designer Jorge Zalszupin, the iconic Pétalas stands out for its minimalistic elegance and clever construction. Reminiscent of folded paper origami...
Wood, Plywood
Jorge Zalszupin Petalas Tables Rosewood
By Jorge Zalszupin, L'Atelier San Paulo
Located in Oakland, CA
Pair of mid century rosewood side tables designed by Jorge Zalszupin manufactured by L' Atelier, Sao Paulo Brazil. The tables are uniquely crafted of steamed rosewood in an origami s...
Rosewood
Jorge Zalszupin Petalas Side Tables for L'Atelier, 1960s, a Pair
By Jorge Zalszupin, L’Atelier
Located in Miami, FL
Original pair of 1960s Petalas side tables made of Jacaranda by Brazilian designer Jorge Zalszupin. Each table maintains a L'Atelier label, the manu...
Jacaranda
Sold
H 19.69 in W 17.72 in D 17.72 in
Set of Two Jorge Zalszupin Petalas Tables by L’atelier, Brazil, 1959
By L'Atelier San Paulo, Jorge Zalszupin
Located in Echt, NL
Impressive ‘Petalas’ side tables in very good condition. Designed by Jorge Zalszupin Manufactured by his own company L’Atelier, Brazil, 1959 The ‘Petalas' tables are inspir...
Jacaranda, Rosewood, Plywood