Móveis Artísticos Z co-founder José Zanine Caldas was one of the great Brazilian modern architects and designers. Móveis Artísticos Z’s captivating contributions to mid-century modern furniture design include seating with striking angular forms and tables with undulating plywood surfaces.
After his introduction to plywood at the Institute of Technological Research at the University of São Paulo, Zanine formed Móveis Artísticos Z with Sebastião Pontes and Paulo Mello. They were interested in producing affordable, high-quality furniture with a small eco-footprint on a large scale. Many of the most recognizable designs at Móveis Artísticos Z were designed by Zanine between the late 1940s and early 1950s, with Zanine leaving the company in 1953.
Furnishings like the Linha Z lounge chair, the Infinity coffee table and the Zeca armchair demonstrate Zanine’s remarkable skill as a designer by accenting the unique qualities of different types of wood. Zanine preferred Brazilian woods like jatoba and imbuia for their high workability and warm tones — a staple among much of Móveis Artísticos Z’s furniture. The sophisticated attention to detail and innovative forms of these pieces make Móveis Artísticos Z furniture popular with collectors today.
On 1stDibs, find a collection of Móveis Artísticos Z seating and tables.
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair, Imbuia Plywood, Leather, Brazil, 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, in 1949. It features Imbuia plywood, brass, and black-dyed leather webbing. Wood frame presents with l...
Leather, Imbuia
Brazilian Midcentury Modern - José Zanine Caldas Sculptural Armchair. 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in São Paulo, SP
Rare sculptural armchairs designed by José Zanine Caldas in Brazil in the early 1950s. Made in marine plywood, the piece is authentic period examples and represent one of the most im...
Plywood
Zeca Armchairs by José Zanine Caldas, Bouclé & Plywood, Brazil, 1960
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Madrid, ES
The "Zeca" chair was created in the early 1960s by a Brazilian designer José Zanine Caldas (1918-2001) for Móveis Artísticos Z, a factory he founded in São José dos Campos in 1948. T...
Bouclé, Hardwood, Plywood
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair Imbuia Plywood Leather Mòveis Artísticos Z 1949
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in High Point, NC
A lounge chair designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, in 1949. It features Imbuia plywood, brass, and black-dyed leather w...
Leather, Imbuia
José Zanine Caldas "Linha Z" Lounge Chair for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beloved José Zanine Caldas lounge chair from the “Linha Z” or “Z Line” is an exceptional example of Brazilian design of the 1950s. The design dates to 1949, The woven leather straps and the organic shape is unmatched. This chair model is made of plywood and features a distinctive shape, distinguished by its legs. The legs and arms are connected and form one unit and their shape inspired the name of the line, “Linea Z...
Leather, Plywood
Jose Zanine Caldas, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, Lounge Chair, Leather, 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in Stamford, CT
Jose Zanine Caldas, Moveis Artisticos, Brazilian Mid-Century Modern, Lounge Chair, Leather, Brazil, 1950s Lounge chair designed by Jose Zanine Caldas for Moveis Artisticos Z in Braz...
Leather
$4,305Sale Price / set|20% Off
H 28.55 in W 23.63 in D 63.78 in
PAIR OF JOSE ZANINE CALDAS STYLE DANISH WALNUT WOVEN LEATHER CHAISE LOUNGE CHAiR
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this pair of Jose Zanine Caldas style Danish Walnut & Woven Leather Reclined chaise lounge chairs Plea...
Leather, Walnut
´Namoradeira by José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, 1970s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in PARIS, FR
José Zanine Caldas was entirely self-taught — born in Caravelas, Bahia, he began as a carpenter before becoming the defining voice of ecological design in Brazil. From the 1960s onwa...
Wood
José Zanine Caldas, Side Chair, Wood, Vinyl, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue vinyl side chair designed and produced by José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, c. 1950s. Upholstery shows some distress. Dramatic patina on brass details. Wear consistent wit...
Faux Leather, Wood
$1,921Sale Price|35% Off
H 35.44 in W 19.69 in D 18.12 in
José Zanine Caldas - MÓVEIS ARTÍSTICOS Z Chair, Brazil, 1960s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Immenstaad am Bodensee, DE
This beautiful and very rare chair is attributed to José Zanine Caldas and his company Móveis Artisticos Z. Structure in solid noble wood, totally original, only cleaned and refinished. X-shaped backrest. Backrest and seat in tacheado fabric (upholstery in original condition). A self-taught artist, designer and architect, Jose Zanine Caldas (1919-2001) was born on the southern coast of Bahia in Brazil. At age twenty, he opened an architectural scale model...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$35,000
H 36.75 in W 24.5 in D 63.5 in
José Zanine Caldas, Chaise Longue, Plywood, Rope, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A marine plywood, cord, and fabric chaise longue designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1949. Present example was exhibited at Galería Millan, in the exhibi...
Fabric, Rope, Plywood
$12,500
H 41 in W 24 in D 39 in
Brazilian Modern Imbuia Wood & Mohair Lounge Chair, Att. José Zanine Caldas
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of early Brazilian modernism, this sculptural lounge armchair, attributed to José Zanine Caldas, showcases the designer's celebrated dialogue between expressive ge...
Mohair, Imbuia
$5,343
H 31.5 in W 66.93 in D 37.8 in
Zanine José Caldas Style off Articulated Bench in Teak Wood and Rope
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Grenoble, FR
Folding and articulated bench in teak wood and rope, production of the 1960s from Brazil in the style of Zanine Caldas' creations.
Cord, Teak
Jose Zanine Caldas Armchair
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in San Francisco, CA
A Brazilian hardwood armchair by José Zanine Caldas with paddle arms and his signature angular lines. The wood has been refinished and is in excellent condition. The upholstery is i...
Upholstery, Hardwood
$23,875
H 34.26 in W 26.38 in D 30.32 in
José Zanine Caldas Early “Zeca” 2-21 Armchair, Móveis Artísticos Z
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
An early 2-21 “Zeca” armchair by José Zanine Caldas, designed circa 1949 and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z. Constructed from shaped plywood with leather upholstery and exposed hard...
Leather, Plywood
$12,278Sale Price|20% Off
H 34.65 in W 26.38 in D 34.26 in
Pair of "Zeca" lounge chairs attributed to José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, 1960
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Attributed to Jose Zanine Caldas for Móveis Artísticas Z Brazil, circa 1960. The "Zeca" lounge chair was designed by Brazilian designer Jose Zanine Caldas. Jose Zanine Caldas is of...
Faux Fur, Beech
$16,800 / set
H 33 in W 21 in D 33 in
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, stainless steel and white bouclé fabric lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed José Zanine Caldas by and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z Brazil, 1950s. Armless ...
Steel
José Zanine Caldas Solid Wood Bench, Brazil, 1970
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Ghent, BE
Designed by José Zanine Caldas in the 1950s, this solid bench features simple, elegant lines that seamlessly blend modern design with traditional craftsmanship. Sculpted from a sing...
Wood
On Hold|$13,074
H 26.38 in W 23.63 in D 26.38 in
José Zanine Caldas Rare “H” Armchair for Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1949
By Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Knokke-Heist, BE
Rare early “H” armchair by José Zanine Caldas, produced by Móveis Artísticos Z in Brazil in the around 1949. Constructed from precision-cut plywood, the chair is defined by its disti...
Fabric, Plywood
$15,000
H 27.56 in W 23.63 in D 23.63 in
Paraty Armchair by José Zanine Caldas, Mid-Century Modern Brazilian, 1950s
By Zanini de Zanine Caldas
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Paraty armchair is an emblematic expression of Zanine Caldas’ organic modernism — a language rooted in structure, honesty, and sensual materiality. Its sharply angled frame in pa...
Upholstery, Wood
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Wood, Steel, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of plywood, stainless steel and yellow fabric lounge chairs or slipper chairs designed José Zanine Caldas by and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1950s. Armless versi...
Steel
Sold
H 31.25 in W 25.75 in D 24 in
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Pau Marfim, Fabric, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of green velvet and pau marfim wood "Kid" lounge chairs designed by José Zanine Caldas and produced by Móveis Artisticos Z, Brazil, 1950s. 17“ seat height
Fabric, Velvet, Hardwood
José Zanine Caldas, Armchairs, Mohair, Pau Marfim, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of Pau Marfim wood and brown beige mohair "Kid" armchairs designed by José Zanine Caldas and produced by Móveis Artisticos Z, Brazil, 1950s. Seat Height (inches): 17" Arm He...
Mohair, Wood
Sold
H 31.5 in W 17.13 in D 19.69 in
Set of 5 Solid Brazilian Wood & Rope by José Zanine Caldas, ca, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Geneva, CH
Set of 5 dining chairs model "I" Manufactured by Mòveis Artísticos Z Brazil, 1950 Solid Brazilian wood, rope Good condition, see pictures.
Rope, Wood
Sold
H 30.71 in W 24.02 in D 31.11 in
José Zanine Caldas H Armchairs, Pair, Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Armchairs called 'H Armchair' designed by Brazilian architect and designer José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artisticos Z in 1950s. Reupholstered with...
Upholstery, Plywood
Sold
H 28.5 in W 25.75 in D 27 in
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chairs, Imbuia Wood Fabric, Mòveis Artisticos Z 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of lounge chairs / armchairs. Designed by José Zanine Caldas, produced by Mòveis Artisticos Z, Brazil, 1950s. In Imbuia wood, in white fa...
Fabric, Wood, Imbuia
Lounge Chair by José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Utrecht, NL
This rare José Zanine Caldas lounge chair is an exceptional example of Brazilian design of the 1950s. The woven leather straps and the ...
Leather, Plywood
José Zanine Caldas Armchair for Mòveis Artisticos Z, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
Armchair designed by José Zanine Caldas in 1950s. Plywood frames. Recently reupholstered.
Upholstery, Plywood
H Armchairs by Jose Zanine Caldas, 1950s, Brazil
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Tokyo, Tokyo
A set of two armchair called 'H Armchair' designed by José Zanine Caldas for Mòveis Artisticos Z in 1950s. Reupholstered with gray colored leather.
Plywood
Jose Zanine Caldas 1949 Chaise Longue
By José Zanine Caldas, Mòveis Artisticos Z
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jose Zanine de Caldas (1919-2001). Chaise longue. Manufactured by Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1949. Marine plywood, fabric upholstery. ...
Upholstery, Plywood