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.
Mid-Century Modern Table Designed by Zanine Caldas, Brazil, 1950s
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amazing table designed by José Zanine Caldas, manufactured by “Móveis Artísticos Z” in Brazil, 1950s. Three inclined legs support the table top with an organic shape. The table has t...
Hardwood
José Zanine Caldas Rare Console in Brazilian Hardwood
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-carved console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s This beautifully sculpted console was made during a time in which Caldas abandoned the rigid design aesthe...
Hardwood
$3,500
H 13.78 in W 40.56 in D 20.08 in
Mid-Century Modern Wood Center Table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s
By Sergio Rodrigues
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern wood center table by Sergio Rodrigues, Brazil, 1960s Center table created in the 1960s by the acclaimed Brazilian designer...
Plywood, Hardwood
Mid-Century Modern Center Table in Radica, 1950s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Center Table in Radica, 1950s This coffee table is crafted in richly figured radica wood, showcasing an intricate burl grain pattern. Designed with a minimalist, ...
Wood
Italian Mid-Century Dark Wood Coffee Table, 1950s
By Gianfranco Frattini, Gian Franco Frattini
Located in Milan, IT
Italian mid-century dark wood coffee table 1950s Mid century incredible wooden coffee table with a warm dark colour. Extremely sturdy an...
Wood
$30,283
H 13.39 in W 33.86 in D 29.53 in
José Zanine Caldas (attributed). Center Table. Hardwood Vinhatico. c. 1970
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in PARIS, FR
José Zanine Caldas (1919–2001) Coffee Table, c. 1970 Attributed to the renowned Brazilian designer and architect José Zanine Caldas, this unique coffee table was crafted circa 1970...
Hardwood
$2,795
H 19.69 in W 55.12 in D 19.69 in
1950s Scandinavian Modern Table – Clean-Lined Design from Finland by Oy Stockman
Located in Stockholm, SE
Occasional table, anonymous for Oy Stockmann AB, Finland. 1950s. Elm. The most compelling aspect of this occasional table is the relationship of its legs to the surface. With splay...
Elm
$12,000
H 8.67 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Brazilian Modern Two-Tier Accent Table in Marine Plywood, José Zanine Caldas
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in New York, NY
Designed by José Zanine Caldas (1919–2001) during the formative years of Brazilian modernism, this rare two-tier accent table embodies the designer's pioneering exploration of marine...
Plywood
$3,261
H 27.96 in W 45.28 in D 45.28 in
Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cherry Teal Dining Table Franz Schuster Vienna 1950s
By Franz Schuster
Located in Vienna, AT
Mid-Century Modern vintage cherrywood dining table or center table from cherrywood and teal green formica plate design attributed to Franz Schuster Vienna, 1950s. An outstanding dini...
Formica, Cherry
$8,500
H 15.5 in W 47.25 in D 28 in
Mid-Century Modern Center table by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1960s
Located in Deerfield Beach, FL
Mid-Century Modern Center table by Giuseppe Scapinelli, Brazil, 1960s Solid wood coffee table with nested glass top. This piece has been professionally refinished using a natural v...
Glass, Wood
$10,599
H 16.54 in W 18.12 in D 29.93 in
Jose Zanine Caldas Mid-century modern Brazilian Side Table marine plywood 1950
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Barcelona, ES
Jose Zanine de Caldas (1919-2001). Side table. Manufactured by Mòveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1950. Marine plywood. Measuremenents: 70 cm x 46 c...
Plywood
Dining Table, Design by Vittorio Dassi, Italy, 1950s
By Vittorio Dassi
Located in Wolfurt, AT
This dining table was designed by Vittorio Dassi in Italy in the 1950s. The table frame is made of rosewood and an antique pink glass top is set i...
Brass
$21,547
H 13 in W 35.44 in D 70.87 in
Branco e Preto 'Carlos Milan' Brazilian mid-century coffee table jacaranda, 1950
By Branco & Preto, Carlos Milan
Located in Barcelona, ES
Branco e Preto (Carlos Milan). Coffee table. Manufactured by Mahlmeister & Cia, Brazil, 1950s. Solid jacaranda, ebonized wooden structure. Measurement...
Jacaranda
Sold
H 16 in W 38 in D 38 in
José Zanine Caldas, "Infinity" Coffee Table, Peroba Plywood, Glass, Brazil 1955
By Mòveis Artisticos Z, José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
An organic "Infinity" coffee table. Designed by José Zanine Caldas for Móveis Artisticos Z, the firm Zanine Caldas co-founded in 1948. Features organically shaped Jacoba plywood b...
Glass, Plywood