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José Zanine Caldas Pilao chair Brazil 1970s
$16,423.25
£12,209.54
€13,850
CA$22,759.67
A$25,372.66
CHF 13,232.89
MX$306,814.22
NOK 166,343.83
SEK 157,394.51
DKK 105,443.63
About the Item
The iconic Pilão chair, designed by José Zanine Caldas and crafted in the 1970s by one of his skilled woodworkers, is a remarkable example of Caldas’ vision and artistry. Created specifically for a house in Nova Viçosa, Brazil, this chair is unique among other Pilão chairs due to its construction from the inner part of the tree, making it both solid and distinctive with a light, softer quality. Its previous owner, who personally crafted the chair for a Caldas-designed home, noted it was originally designed to be fixed to the floor—a detail reflected in the unique rim at its base, grounding its origin. The chair has been left in its original, untouched condition, displaying a beautiful patina and wear that speak to its history. While the visible wear and faded finish give the chair character, it can be refinished upon request. An accompanying Caldas worker’s certificate authenticates this remarkable piece.
The Pilão chair is part of Caldas’ impactful Denúncia series, or Protest Furniture, through which he expressed deep concern over the deforestation of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Inspired by the wasteful discarding of precious wood he observed in Nova Viçosa, Caldas returned to furniture making to celebrate and elevate these materials, crafting bold, sculptural pieces that embraced the natural beauty of the wood. His work in this series was a statement on environmental conservation, combining functionality with a message on the importance of preserving Brazil’s natural resources.
José Zanine Caldas (1919-2001) was a visionary, self-taught artist, designer, and architect from Belmonte, Brazil. After managing a workshop for architectural scale models, producing over 500 for architects like Oscar Niemeyer and Lucio Costa, he launched Fábrica Moveis Artísticos Z in 1949, which aimed to create accessible plywood furniture. However, disenchanted with commercialism, Caldas closed the venture and moved to Nova Viçosa, where he began creating Móveis Denúncia furniture. Drawing from the rich natural resources of the forest and local craftsmanship, Caldas created large, raw wooden pieces from single tree trunks, championing a connection to Brazil’s landscape and heritage. His designs, like the Pilão chair, continue to inspire, highlighting Brazilian craftsmanship and a respect for natural materials that remain timelessly relevant.
- Creator:José Zanine Caldas (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.29 in (82 cm)Width: 20.87 in (53 cm)Depth: 21.66 in (55 cm)Seat Height: 19.69 in (50 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1970
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Original condition. Authentic patina visible on the pictures. Was fixed in the house floor, attachement rim visible on pictures.
- Seller Location:Roosendaal, NL
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU933046403792
About the Seller
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20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Roosendaal, Netherlands
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