The sculptor and painter Pedro Friedeberg worked in a richly detailed, Surrealist and eccentric artistic style that blended influences from neoclassical art, M.C. Escher and native Mesoamerican symbolism. He was best known for his Hand chair — a functional sculpture that is an icon of design-as-art.
Friedeberg was born in Florence to German parents and moved with his mother to Mexico at the outset of World War II. As a university student in Mexico City in the 1950s, he initially studied architecture, but his designs for fantastical buildings ran afoul of his rationalist, Bauhaus-oriented teachers.
By chance, Friedeberg’s drawings came to the attention of Mathias Goeritz, the German-born Dadaist painter and sculptor. He encouraged Friedeberg and made him a protégé. Friedeberg credits his mentor for instilling in him a fanatical attention to detail in his work. Friedeberg produced his first Hand chair in 1961, and has since created numerous iterations. He has also made several variants using other human limbs in different functional forms such as tables and clocks.
While Friedeberg’s sculptures have a gentle character that is sometimes described as spiritual, his paintings and prints are something entirely different. He employs deep perspective to create hypnotic, painstakingly rendered canvases that suggest rooms and cityscapes.
Whatever the medium, Friedeberg’s work is arresting and instantly recognizable. The Hand chair, though familiar, remains a captivating piece — both furniture and artwork — that stands apart in any interior. Examples are often priced between $20,000 and $30,000, depending on formal variations (such as a foot-shaped pedestal), material and condition. Smaller functional items such as tabletop clocks bring about $9,000. His paintings and drawings require space; they are meant to be contemplated. Prices on original examples start at about $30,000; prints generally sell in the region of $900.
As you will see on 1stDibs, the art and design of Pedro Friedeberg is singular and memorable.
Pedro Friedeberg Iconic Wood Hand Chair, 1960s
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Uccle, BE
This beautiful golden brown Pedro Friedeberg hand chair was commissioned in the 1960s and is crafted of solid Honduran Mahogany. In 1961 when Pedro was working with artist Mathias Go...
Mahogany
Pair Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chairs. Rare Right and Left. Mahogany. 1970s.
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Rare pair of Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chairs. Left and right. These are a married pair. Originally purchased together in the 1970s. Beautiful condition with very few sign of use.
Mahogany
Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. 1980s. Signed.
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Original Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair. Beautiful mix of hand painted colors. Some wear around the edges and light scratches, but no distractions. Great example.
Wood, Giltwood
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair Mexican Modernism
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, an iconic hand chair by Pedro Friedeberg. Mexican modernism. Signed underneath. Dimensions: 37.5" H x 22.5" D x 22.5" W, Seat 18" H Delivery within 200 mi...
Wood
Pedro Friedeberg Mano Mariposa Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
An early example of an iconic butterfly form.Beautifully hand painted and signed by the artist. A copy of the original receipt and correspondence.
Wood
Surrealism Sculptural Hand Table Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Atlanta, GA
A stunning hand and foot table design and made by Mexican Surrealism artist Pedro Friedeberg in his iconic hand and leg motifs. Made of laminated an...
Mahogany
Signed Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair an Exceptional Example
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Authentic, signed hand-painted and gold leafed Pedro Friedeberg butterfly chair in excellent condition.
Gold Leaf
Pedro Friedeberg Iconic Wood Hand Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Mexico City, MX
An iconic early 2000's Mexican wood hand - chair by Pedro Friedeberg. The hand - chair is an example of the artist's creativity and a highlight of Mexican art and design. The hand is...
Wood
One of a Kind Pedro Friedeberg Hands and Ties Chair Gold Leaf
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
This is an extremely rare opportunity. One off chair by artist and designer Pedro Friedeberg. This stunning chair is upholstered in Mr. Friedeberg's own personal neck ties. 17 hand-c...
Gold Leaf
Pedro Friedeberg 1973 Wood Butterfly Chair From the Villa Arabesque In Acapulco
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Mexico City, MX
A one-of-a-kind Louis XV style carved wood with gold leaf details butterfly chair by Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg. The chair is upholstered with a butterfly stamped fabric. The ch...
Wood
$1,096Sale Price|20% Off
H 30.71 in W 18.9 in D 20.87 in
Philippe Starck Costes Chairs for Driade 1980s
By Philippe Starck
Located in Čelinac, BA
Philippe Starck Costes chair for Driade 1980s
Plywood
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood Denmark - 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Sculptural Scandinavian Modern Chair in Wood, Denmark - 1960s.
Wood
Lucite Z Chair
By Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Highland, IN
This classic lucite Z chair is a great occasional piece in very good original condition. The transparent quality and minimal form allow it to work in an...
Acrylic, Lucite
Wood and Cognac Leather "Spanish Chairs", Europe, 1960s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This pair of chairs might seem bold and rugged at first glance, however, at closer inspection, it is clear that the design is very well-thought-out; the lines are precisely sculpted,...
Leather, Wood
$582 / set
H 32.68 in W 19.3 in D 17.33 in
Pair of Rare Midcentury Chairs in style of Gastone Rinaldi, Italy. 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
- very confortable - rare
Chrome
Carved Hand Chair in the Style of Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in North York, ON
Step into the surreal with this remarkable hand chair, a sculptural masterpiece that echoes the iconic style of Pedro Friedeberg. Carved from rich walnut, this unique seating transfo...
Walnut
Rare Sculptural Chairs in Mohair, Italy, 1970s / 80s
By Eero Saarinen, Mario Bellini, Olivier Mourgue, Joe Colombo
Located in Lewes, East Sussex
A superb pair of curved scultptural lounge chairs, Italian, 1970s/80s. Newly upholstered in a premium ivory 100% mohair fabric. Fast shipping worldwide.
Wood, Mohair
1970s Italian chair in Cowhide and Chrome - Italy, 1970s
Located in Pijnacker, Zuid-Holland
Designer: Unknown Manufacturer: Unknown Country: Italy Model: Desk chair / dining chair Design period: 1970’s Date of manufacturing: circa 1970 Size WDH in cm: 51x59x81 seat height 4...
Cowhide
Panton Chair
By Verner Panton
Located in Highland, IN
The Panton chair is an important icon of modern design and has a fascinating history as Verner Panton experimented with a variety of materials to best realize the design. The most co...
Paint, Foam
Bespoke Cerused Oak Bench/ Cocktail Table on Sabre Legs
Located in New York, NY
Bespoke cerused oak bench /cocktail table on sabre legs. Please note that this item is customizable. It can be crafted in a variety of woods and finishes. Lead Time is 8-10 weeks. O...
Oak
Light White Boucle Thonet Wood Rattan Chair, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
Beautiful rattan, boucle and wood chair. They were produced in Thonet woodworking factory and we thoroughly renovated them. The construction is m...
Velvet, Beech
Vintage Hand-Carved Hand Chairs
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Roanoke, VA
Fantastic vintage pair of hand-carved hand-shaped chairs. Gorgeous detail on all sides of the chair, these look great coming and going. Beautiful rich finish. Sturdy and comfortable ...
Teak
Pedro Friedeberg 1970's Gold Leaf and Mahogany Hand - Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Mexico City, MX
An iconic 1970's carved mahogany wood with gold leaf Hand - Chair by Italian - born Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg. The piece is a rare finding suitable for collectors of Mexican ar...
Gold Leaf
1960s Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair Mexico City Hand carved mahogany wood Signed 34.5 h x 17.5 w x 20 d x Seat 17 h Preowned unrestored original vinta...
Mahogany
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chair in Solid Honduran Mahogany 1960s Signed
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Dallas, TX
This beautiful golden brown Pedro Friedeberg hand chair was commissioned in the 1960s and is crafted of solid Honduran Mahogany. In 1961 when Pedro was working with artist Mathias G...
Mahogany
Pair Hand Chairs by Pedro Friedeberg, Solid Walnut, 1960's, Signed
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Pair of original Pedro Friedeberg solid walnut hand chairs. Original condition with age appropriate signs of wear. Beautiful patina. Refinishing these would be a crime. Signed.
Walnut
Pedro Friedeberg Butterfly Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Signed and dated 1967 An early example incorporating hand painting and poetry.
Wood
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Chairs
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Pair of Pedro Friedeberg hand chairs, circa early 1960s. These all original hand-sculpted examples are each signed and were purchased from the or...
Mahogany
Hand Chair by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Iconic light walnut hand chair from Mexican designer Pedro Friedeberg. Signed and in very good original condition.
Pedro Friedeberg Silver Leaf Hand Chair
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Dallas, TX
The best example of a Pedro Friedeberg hand chair that we have seen. The original silver leaf has a wonderful patina with the red lacquered base coat showing through. Signed to under...
Silver Leaf
Sold
H 35.5 in W 20.5 in D 22 in
Pedro Friedeberg Mahogany Wood Hand Chair Surrealist Mid-century Modern
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Chula Vista, CA
We are pleased to offer for your consideration, a hand chair by Pedro Friedeberg in mahogany wood. Signed on the bottom with black ink. Welcome to the art world of surrealism. Livin...
Mahogany
Pair of Hand and Foot Coffee Tables or Stools by Pedro Friedeberg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Pawtucket, RI
A rare pair of hand and foot tables or stools designed and made by Mexican Surrealist artist Pedro Friedeberg in his iconic hand and leg motifs. Made of laminated and blocked mahogan...
Walnut
Carved Hardwood Hand Chair after Pedro Friedeburg
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fascinating sculptural hand chair constructed from handcrafted hardwood with an organic natural finish. Made after the iconic chair by Pedro Friedeburg (Mexican b. 1936). Features de...
Wood
Sold
H 37 in W 20.5 in L 37 in
Pedro Friedeberg Hand Foot Chair, Original Gold Leaf Finish, Signed, 1960s
By Pedro Friedeberg
Located in Kansas City, MO
Wonderful Pedro Friedeberg sureallist hand foot chair. Carved mahogany with gold leaf finish. Beautiful patina and honest wear. Signed to underside. A fine example.
Gold Leaf