Items Similar to José Zanine Caldas Tête-à-Tête Conversadeira Namoradeira Rocker Lounge Chair
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12
José Zanine Caldas Tête-à-Tête Conversadeira Namoradeira Rocker Lounge Chair
About the Item
José Zanine Caldas, 'Namoradeira' - 'Conversadeira' - Tête-à-Tête - lounge chair, Vinhatico hardwood, Brazil, ca. 1980
José Zanine Caldas’s sculptural rocker, which goes by several names, including Tête-à-Tête, Conversadeira, Namoradeira... is less a chair and more a sculptural proposition in wood; a negotiation of gravity, form, and intimacy. Carved from a single, massive block of Vinhático hardwood, the piece resists the expected grammar of furniture design. There are no legs, no obvious base. Instead, the chair is defined by a continuous arc.
The shape is fundamental. The half-moon curve of the structure gives the piece its kinetic potential. It rocks, but not frivolously. It suggests a careful calibration of balance, a physical metaphor for the dynamic of two people sitting in conversation. This is, after all, a tête-à-tête: a seat for two, oriented toward communion. But unlike traditional tête-à-tête forms from the 19th-century, where seats are arranged in an S-shape, Caldas opts for a more daring geometry. The users’ bodies face the same direction lacking a structural divide, inviting the seating persons to get closer. That it is made from a single piece of wood is not incidental. It reinforces the meaning of uniformity; of two people coming together harmoniously.
The continuity of grain and volume gives the impression of an object grown rather than built. Cracks and splits in the timber are preserved rather than concealed, reminding of the living force of the material. Caldas was known for his belief in the spiritual agency of wood, and in this piece, the shape emerges not just from a design intention but from a dialogue with the material’s innate tendencies. The form hugs the tree's original bulk. You can almost trace the path of the trunk in the curvature of the rocker.
There is a sense of quiet monumentality here. The chair reads as both elemental and modern in the way it merges raw materiality with refined formal restraint. It looks ancient, like something unearthed, but also avant-garde in its brutal reduction of form.
This is not a chair to be tucked under a table. It is a piece that defines its own center of gravity in the room, in the conversation, in the body of the tree it came from.
Biography
José Zanine Caldas (1919–2001), born in Belmonte, Brazil, was celebrated for his raw, natural, and sculptural design qualities. A self-taught designer, Caldas began his career in the construction industry, working as a model builder for renowned architects and designers, including Oscar Niemeyer. In 1948, he founded Móveis Artísticos Z, a company producing semi-mass-produced plywood furniture. However, just two years later, he left the company and returned to his home state of Bahia. There, he embraced local materials and blended colonial aesthetics with the emerging modernist style. His work became distinguished for its fidelity to the essence of materials, breaking away from the rigid rules and objectivism of the Modernist movement. Caldas strongly believed in living harmoniously with nature, a philosophy reflected in his designs and approach to architecture. His innovative style, rooted in respect for natural materials and forms, remains a hallmark of his legacy.
Unlike most of his contemporaries, who graduated from art schools or architectural institutes, José Zanine Caldas was entirely self-taught, developing his own unique style and methods. He eventually left Bahia and moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he established his own studio. There, he created architectural models despite having no formal training as an architect. His innovative approach, skill, and ingenuity earned the admiration of renowned figures such as Lucio Costa and Oscar Niemeyer.
José Zanine Caldas had a deep fascination with diverse cultures and peoples. During his travels through Africa and Asia, he was profoundly influenced by the local customs and traditions he encountered. These experiences led him to recognize a universal truth: people living in harmony with nature tend to sustain themselves in remarkably similar ways, regardless of location. This realization became the foundation of his work, with the human pursuit of unity with nature emerging as its central theme.
In 1968, José Zanine Caldas returned to his native Bahia, drawn by its cultural and natural richness. There, he found inspiration in the local craftsmen who carved boats from fallen trees. Adapting this technique, Caldas began creating sculptural wooden furniture and artworks, chiseling and carving each piece by hand. His method ensured that every creation was one-of-a-kind, showcasing the raw beauty of the material. These handmade works became the centerpiece and pinnacle of his later career.
José Zanine Caldas was deeply committed to his environment, particularly the Brazilian landscape, and this dedication consistently guided his decisions. He was acutely aware of the damage caused by agriculture and deforestation to local ecosystems. As an advocate for rainforest conservation, Caldas established the Foundation Center for the Development of the Application of Brazilian Woods. Through this foundation, he actively worked to combat rainforest destruction, supporting efforts such as funding education and raising awareness about sustainable practices.
For his handmade furniture, José Zanine Caldas made the radical decision to use only found wood, following the practices of local craftsmen. He worked exclusively with wood from trees that had died or fallen naturally. This approach gave rise to his collection known as "Móveis Denúncia", or "protest furniture".
- Creator:José Zanine Caldas (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 32.09 in (81.5 cm)Width: 41.74 in (106 cm)Depth: 36.23 in (92 cm)Seat Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1980-1989
- Date of Manufacture:ca. 1980
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Every item Morentz offers is checked by our team of 30 craftspeople in our in-house workshop. Special restoration or reupholstery requests can be done. Check ‘About the item’ or ask our design specialists for detailed information on the condition.
- Seller Location:Waalwijk, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: 450160031stDibs: LU933145057392
About the Seller
4.9
Established in 2006, Morentz has a team of approximately 55 restorers, upholsterers, interior advisers and art historians, making it a gallery, workshop and upholstery studio, all in one. Every day, a carefully selected array of 20th-century furniture arrives from all over the world at the firm’s warehouse, where the team thoroughly examines each piece to determine what, if any, work needs to be done. Whether that means new upholstery or a complete restoration, Morentz's aim is always to honor the designer’s intention while fulfilling the wishes of the client. The team is up to any challenge, from restoring a single piece to its original glory to furnishing a large-scale hotel project.
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Diamond Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2006
1stDibs seller since 2012
5,369 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
20th Century Specialists
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Waalwijk, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllJosé Zanine Caldas for Móveis Artísticos Z factory High Back Armchair
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas for Móveis Artísticos Z factory, high back lounge chair, reupholstered in green mohair, lacquered wood, Brazil, circa 1950
This armchair is designed by the estee...
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs
Materials
Wood, Mohair
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved ‘Pilão’ Chair in Brazilian Hardwood
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, hand-sculpted chair, model ‘Pilão’, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1975
This exquisite hand-carved chair exemplifies the core principles embodied by José Zanine Cal...
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Post-Modern Chairs
Materials
Hardwood
Unique José Zanine Caldas 'Denuncia' Hand Carved Dining Table
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, unique dining table 'Denuncia', Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1970s
This remarkable hand-carved table is the handiwork of the Brazilian artist José Zanine Caldas....
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
Materials
Hardwood
José Zanine Caldas Large Hand-Carved Console in Brazilian Hardwood
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, console, Brazilian hardwood, Brazil, 1980s
This exceptional hand carved console embodies everything that José Zanine Caldas stood for: love of nature and especia...
Category
Vintage 1980s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
Materials
Hardwood
José Zanine Caldas Hand-Carved Coffee Table in Brazilian Hardwood
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Waalwijk, NL
José Zanine Caldas, coffee table, Brazilian hardwood (pequi), Brazil, 1970s
This exceptional hand carved coffee table embodies everything th...
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Materials
Hardwood
Guillerme & Chambron 'Jose' Lounge Chair in Oak
By Votre Maison, Guillerme et Chambron
Located in Waalwijk, NL
Guillerme & Chambron for Votre Maison, easy chair model ‘Jose’, oak, fabric, France, 1960s
Characteristic pa armchair by French designer duo Guillerme & Chambron. While the front co...
Category
Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Oak
You May Also Like
Certificated Namoradeira chair by José Zanine Caldas - Atelier Zanine Brasil '79
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Buggenhout, Oost-Vlaanderen
Exceptional find on the market : a very rare Namoradeira chair in solid cedar wood. The official certificate from Euclides Zanine Caldas Neto is included.
Hand-crafted from a single...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Cedar
Lounge Chairs by José Zanine Caldas, Brazil, 1970s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in Antwerp, BE
These remarkable lounge chairs, designed by renowned Brazilian architect and designer José Zanine Caldas in the 1970s, exemplifies his mastery of organic minimalism and innovative cr...
Category
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Wood
$56,500 / set
José Zanine Caldas, Lounge Chair, Wood, Leatherette, Brazil, 1950s
By José Zanine Caldas
Located in High Point, NC
A wood and blue leatherette lounge chair or armchair designed by José Zanine Caldas and produced by Móveis Artísticos Z, Brazil, 1950s.
Light staining and discoloration to wood. Vin...
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Faux Leather, Wood
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.
Category
Vintage 1940s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Imbuia
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
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Fabric, Velvet, Hardwood
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...
Category
Vintage 1950s Brazilian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Materials
Leather, Plywood
